Buck Hollow — Nicholson Hollow Loop

Directions

From the parking area on Route 211 take the Buck Hollow Trail 0.2 miles to the intersection with the Buck Ridge Trail. Take a left onto the blue-blazed Buck Ridge Trail and begin the steep ascent. At the top of the ridge, make a left onto the yellow-blazed Hazel Mountain Trail (mile 3.0) and in 1.1 miles make another left onto the White Rocks Trail. In 0.9 miles reach a sidetrail on your right, which descends a steep 0.2 miles down to Cave Falls. Return to the White Rocks Trail and continue for 1.2 miles, passing by White Rocks (views) before a steep descent down to the Hazel River (this is a good place to cool off or get water on a hot day).

Shortly after crossing the river, make a right onto the Hazel River Trail and begin a nice gradual 2.7 mile ascent back up to the ridge. This is an old roadbed with beautiful stone work in some of the switchbacks. On top of the ridge (mile 8.1) make a left onto the yellow-blazed Hazel Mountain Trail and continue for 1.2 miles. Take a right onto the Hot Short Mountain Trail and begin 2.2 mile descent into Nicholson Hollow.

At the bottom, take a right onto the Nicholson Hollow Trail and climb for 4.1 miles, passing historic (and infamous) Corbin Cabin about halfway up the climb. Crest the ridge at Hughes River Gap, cross Skyline Drive, and head left for a few hundred feet.

From here, the run continues north on the white-blazed Appalachian Trail (AT). At mile 17.3 pass through Pinnacle Picnic Grounds with water fountains and bathrooms. At mile 20.2, turn right onto the Meadow Spring Trail for 0.6 miles to the Hazel Mountain parking area on Skyline Drive. Cross the drive and take the blue-blazed Buck Hollow Trail back to your car.