Hike Information
This 5 mile out and back hike gently descends the ridge top with its final destination being a cave and waterfall off the White Rocks Trail.- The trail head is just after the 33 mile marker on Skyline Drive.
- The total elevation loss and gain is 800 feet.
- At the trail head, turn right onto the Hazel Mountain Trail and descend the ridge line 600 feet for 1.6 miles until you reach the trail intersection with the White Rocks Trail. Turn left on to this trail. Follow it as it stays level with the ridge for three-quarters of a mile. The White Rocks Trail then descends 200 feet the last quarter of a mile before you reach a small sign on the right that point to the waterfall and cave.
- To access the cave and waterfall, follow a steep and long set of stairs down the ridge (150 feet in .2 miles). Both the waterfall and cave are to the right at the bottom of the stairs. Once there, allocate an hour to discover the natural wonders.
- You can reach the waterfall and cave from the other direction on the White Rocks and Hazel River Trails from the base of SNP on Rt. 600.
- Link to the park map and trail map.
This 5 mile out and back hike gently descends the ridge top with its final destination being a cave and waterfall off the White Rocks Trail.Age Appropriateness
- This hike is best for active children over the age of 6 due to the length, elevation gain and the steepness of the stairs to the waterfall and cave.
What is fun for kids?
- Finding and entering the mouth of the cave. The Appalachian Mountains are littered with limestone caves.
- Cooling off under the waterfall and in the swimming hole.
- Rock scrambling along the Hazel River at the waterfall.
- During spring, observe the wildflowers, such as Dutchman’s Breeches and Lady Slippers in April and Mountain Laurel in May.
- A few unofficial camping sites are across the trail from the cave and waterfall trail head.
Caution
- Don’t venture too far into the cave. It is best to explore caves with a guide (someone who knows the routes within the cave), a guide line, helmet, head lamp and emergency supplies.
- There are no bathrooms at the trail head. The closest ones are 3 miles away at the Thorton Gap entrance station.
- There are no trash cans; therefore, trash must be packed out.
Have you hiked this trail? If you have comments and would like to share with the Our Kids readers, email Our Kids.
Hiking Along engages children in exploration of the natural world through hiking on scenic trails around the metro DC region. Groups of children, preschool to high school, participate in hands-on science activities to learn about the natural surroundings while hiking on trails. Visit www.hikingalong.com for more information.
