Broad Hollow Hike

Hidden in a back corner of the Shenandoah National Park, the Broad Hollow/Pine Hill Gap hike offers a surprising amount of solitude nestled between Old Rag, Catlett, and Hazel Mountains. The hike starts along Broad Hollow Run with a pleasant set of cascades, then turns steeply uphill and passes the ruins of an old cabin. The flatter section in the Hazel/Catlett Mountain hollow has old growth Hemlock and Wild Oak, as well as an abundance of Mountain Laurel.

This is a great day-hike where you can avoid all the crowds on the more popular trails very close by. The best times of the year to enjoy this circuit are early spring and late fall when the leaves are off the trees providing nice views of Old Rag and Hazel Mountains. There are also 3 crossings of Broad Hollow Run, these are not difficult but may require rock hoping in the spring after winter snow melt.

Mile 0.0 - From the parking area on VA681/Rolling Rd. start the hike at the trail post on the right of the private driveway. Immediately cross Broad Hollow Run and follow the blue blazed Broad Hollow Run Trail on the right bank. Soon pass a small waterfall and cascade then arrive at the 2nd crossing. Now continue up the left back for 0.2 miles and cross Broad Hollow Run for the 3rd and final time. The trail will move away from Broad Hollow Run as it climbs one of the spurs off Sams Ridge.
Mile 1.0 - The trail becomes increasingly steep before making a turn back to the left and passing a seasonal spring. Shortly after the spring are remains of a cabin. After the cabin the Broad Hollow Trail will climb the ridge and turn back to the right. In 0.2 miles the trail levels out and passes through a thick area of Mountain Laurel the arrives at the intersection of the Sams Ridge Trail.
Mile 2.7 - Stay left remaining on the Broad Hollow Trail, cross the upper section of Sams Run, then the Broad Hollow Trail ends at the junction of the Hazel Mountain Trail.
Mile 2.9 - Turn left on the wider yellow blazed Hazel Mountain Trail as it passes through a small hollow then arrives at the Catlett Mountain Trail on the right in 0.5 miles. This section is full of hemlock and white oak.
Mile 3.4 - Continue straight on the Hazel Mountain Trail arriving at the intersection of the Hot Mountain/Short Mountain Trail in another 0.5 miles.
Mile 3.9 - Continue straight on the yellow blazed Hazel Mountain Trail where there are several views between the trees to the west and Skyline Drive. Shortly after passing the best viewpoint the trail arrives at an old trail marker for the closed Hot Mountain Trail and end of the Hazel Mountain Trail.
Mile 4.3 - From the old trail marker the Hazel Mountain Trail becomes the Pine Hill Gap Trail and steeply descends the ridge with Pine Hill Mountain visible directly ahead. There are views to the south of Old Rag Mountain, with the best views from the saddle on the ridge. From the saddle the Pine Hill Gap Trail is at its steepest before arriving at Pine Hill Gap.
Mile 5.3 - At Pine Hill Gap turn left following the old Pine Hill Gap forestry road. The forestry road is not maintained and can be boggy and overgrown. Stay on the forestry road until it ends at the Pine Hill Gap Trail sign and Rolling Rd.
Mile 5.9 - Continue along Rolling Road past several trailers for 0.3 miles back to the parking area at the Broad Hollow trailhead.