Nicholson and Hazel Wilderness Backpacking Circuit

This is a great loop hike through Shenandoah National Park, providing incredible views, river crossings, swimming holes and peaceful campsites. This trail provides an opportunity to experience the backcountry with less crowds than are often found in the park.

Park your car at Pinnacles at MP 38 on Skyline Drive. Hike south on the Appalachian Trail for .9 miles on generally flat terrain. Turn left at the Corbin Cabin Cutoff Trail, cross over Skyline Drive and continue hiking 1.4 miles until you reach Corbin Cabin (run by PCT, locked).

The Cutoff Trail will descend until you reach the river. Cross the river and turn left on Nicholson Hollow Trail. Continue hiking on the trail as it follows the river downstream. You will cross the river several times as you continue on Nicholson Hollow. In early spring and after heavy storms, the river can be swift and knee deep. Be careful when crossing and be sure to have appropriate footwear and take the necessary safety precautions.

After 2.2 miles, you will reach Hot Mt.-Short Mt. Trail. Turn left onto the trail and hike 2.1 miles. This section is a steady climb back up out of the valley floor. Budget extra time for the incline and take frequent stops. If low on water, be sure to fill up before leaving the Nicholson Hollow Trail.

When Hot Mtn-Short Mtn Trail ends, turn left and hike .5 miles to Catlett Mountain Trail. Turn left again and hike 1.2 miles then turning right onto Catlett Spur Trail. Hike 1.1 miles then turn right on Hazel Mountain Trail for .7 miles.

Turn left on Hazel River Trail and enjoy an easy, slowly descending trail for 1.6 miles towards Hazel River. Once reaching Hazel River, there is a nice place to camp by the river at the intersection of Hazel River Trail and White Rocks Trail. If you want to make your second day longer, camp here and enjoy the proximity to the river. If not, turn left on White Rocks Trail and hike 1.7 miles before looking for a place to camp.

The best campsites are immediately before the Cave/Falls spur trail junction. A nice pine needle floor protected by a large boulder will be on your right before the junction. Or, follow a foot path on your left to a secluded campsite with more privacy and less visibility from the main trail.

Be sure to take the side trail down to Cave Falls. The trail is extremely steep, so cache your packs at your campsite before descending. The falls provides a nice place to have a snack and relax. Below the falls, a nice swimming hole welcomes hikers after a long day. Get here early enough to enjoy daylight before the trail gets dark. If coming down near sunset, be sure to bring a headlamp, as the ascent back to the main trail is step and rocky.

Finish hiking White Rocks Trail and turn right onto Hazel Mountain Trail. Hike 1.6 miles to the Meadow Spring Parking lot. Cross Skyline Drive and hike up Meadow Spring Trail. This trail climbs several hundred feet over .7 miles. When you reach the junction with the Appalachian Trail, turn left and hike south. The AT will climb gently until reaching Byrds Nest Shelter. A series of switchbacks begins immediately after the shelter and climbs rapidly towards the Pinnacle.

Once reaching the pinnacle, the trail levels out before dropping back down to the Pinnacles parking area after about 3/4ths of a mile.