Key Takeaways

The Corbin Mountain Hike is an 11.3-mile loop near Etlan, VA, accessible from the parking area on Route 600 and closely related to the Nicholson Hollow hike.

The trail passes notable landmarks including Corbin Cabin, involves steep ascents via the Indian Run Trail, and features junctions with trails like Nicholson Hollow, Hot Mountain/Short Mountain, Hannah Run, and Corbin Mountain.

The hike incorporates sections of the Old Rag Fire Road, Corbin Hollow Trail, and Weakley Hollow Fire Road, with multiple river crossings and a final stretch along Route 600 back to the parking area.

Corbin Mountain Hike

One of three great hikes in the area, Old Rag Mountain Hike, Catlett Mountain Hike, and the Nicholson Hollow Hike this is the longer loop version of the Nicholson Hollow out/back hike. The hike passes Corbin Cabin and climbs over Corbin Mountain.

From the parking area on 600 it is a 0.5 mile walk up to the Nicholson Hollow Trail) Turn left, then immediately right and in 75 yards cross Brokenback Run and Hughes River.

Continue up the Nicholson Hollow Trail passing the Corbin Mountain Trail on your left in 1.1 miles. In another 0.2 miles pass the Hot Mountain/Short Mountain Trail that merges from the right.

Continue on the Nicholson Hollow Trail re-crossing Hughes River then passing the Hannah Run Trail in 0.3 miles, cross Hughes River again and follow the Nicholson Hollow Trail for another 1.8 miles and arrive at Corbin Cabin. In another 0.2 miles past Corbin Cabin the Indian Run Trail enters from the left.

Turn left on the Indian Run Trail where the trail becomes steep for the next for 1.6 miles where it ends at the junction of the Corbin Mountain Trail. Turn right on the Corbin Mountain Trail following it for 0.5 miles to the junction of the Old Rag Fire road.

Turn left on the Old Rag Fire Road for 0.5 miles to the intersection of the Corbin Hollow Trail. Turn left on the Corbin Hollow Trail as it descends following Brokenback run for 2.0 miles before crossing Brokenback Run then again at the intersection of the Weakley Hollow Fire Road.

Turn left on the Weakley Hollow Fire Road for remaining 1.2 miles to the beginning of the loop and upper Old Rag Parking area at SR600. continue for 0.4 miles, veer right at the Nicholson Hollow Trail post and continue down SR600 for the remaining 0.5 miles back to the parking area.

By: FrankJ

11.3 miles / 18.2 km

May 20, 2017

Hiked counterclockwise beginning at 7:50am on a humid morning with temps in the 70s. Rain the previous day and evening brought up the river water levels to a point where some stepping rocks were underwater, so add'l care was needed at most crossings to avoid slipping. Corbin Cabin on the climb was a nice place to take a snack. We hiked at a reasonably good pace and arrived at the cabin at 9:30am. The climb past the cabin to the max elevation was a bit grueling at our pace (for me), but an excellent workout to the ridge. On the other side of the ridge we stopped at the ledge overlook for a quick lunch before the steady downward climb. Unfortunately this is one of those hikes where there is no significantly rewarding destination, such as a waterfall, swimming hole, or mountain peak with grand vistas. Corbin cabin and the ledge overlook are nice stopping points but certainly not grand. Finished in less than five hours including snack and lunch break.

Legacy Review

By: Mike G

April 05, 2015

Had a pleasant early spring hike with the first bit of warm weather this year to break in some new boots. Lots of people were going up Old Rag but the Corbin Hollow and Indian Run Trails were nearly deserted. Ran into a large herd of deer crossing the Old Rag fire road and descending into Corbin Hollow. Bloodroot flowers were starting to emerge along sections of trail and you could tell that everything was going to erupt with blossoms and greenery in the next week or so. Definitely a nice option for a less strenuous stroll through the woods!

By: Kellygirl

July 19, 2014

Completed this loop in the opposite direction as posted. It was cool and overcast day in July! I had to take advantage of that! The hike was not difficult and easier going in the direction I took. I'm glad I didn't do Old Rag..it was full of tourists! This is a good hike for people who want to increase their hiking miles.

By: Ken

June 27, 2014

This hike was okay but didn't deliver much in the way of views or water. I think it was more a matter of timing than the trail itself. The walk up to the cabin was pleasant enough and definitely not too challenging. I had lunch at the Cabin before continuing. The Indian Run trail was a good steady climb along a trail that is getting crowded in by the vegetation. There was almost nothing to see but green, and the same conditions applied all the way to the Old Rag Fire Road. The Corbin Hollow Trail started the same way but then opened up into a much clearer trail that was surprisingly steep at times. I could hear Brokenback Run throughout the descent but only caught a couple of glimpses through the trees. While I didn't particularly care for this hike on this day, I bet it would be much more enjoyable in the fall or winter when you can get a better appreciation for the terrain...probably a 4. With all that, this hike did deliver on solitude. I saw absolutely nobody the entire hike until I got to the upper parking lot. and somtimes that's the best way to enjoy a hike.

By: kellygirl

August 31, 2013

Entered the Old Rag parking area and it was full! My goal was to hike this instead! I have done this trail before. This time I hiked Nick. Hollow trail to Skyline Drive. After the cabin, it was a steady climb...and I barley saw a sole

By: Paul

July 17, 2013

The Shenandoah National Park is a treasure...not only for its stunning mountain vistas but for its fresh water as well... Hiking on one of the hottest days of the year can be pleasant if you choose a well shaded, plenty of water spot...the Nicholson Hollow Trail is just that spot...stunningly cool and beautiful... There is a little pool in Corbin Cabin's front yard as you can bathe in cold mountain spring water and fill up your water bottles...you are gonna need it... If you wish to keep it relatively easy...turn back now and retrace route...otherwise... Warning...the next two miles is a tough, steep climb over the mountain with plenty of pausing to collect your breath...I will not soon forget the Indian Run Trail! Fairly steep descent in isolated places but relatively calm...ankles were worked out a bit on the Corbin Hollow Trail as it did get quite rocky around Brokenback Run... Old Rag whispers to you as faint glimpses of the mountain appear through the trees as you wind down the Fire Road... A long...great day hike with plenty of calories burned on a 97ºF day with high humidity...but not uncomfortable with lots of places to wash and drink...Awesome Workout!

The Nicholson Hollow Trail is a most romantic SNP trail...Gorgeous...especially when its 20ºF cooler than at your car...Peaceful and serene the Hughes River flows right beside you all the way to the old mountain home." Enjoy the beauty of the river at the cabin...bathe a bit with lots of water to replenish...if you continue up the mountain then you'll need it...otherwise...you have seen plenty...retrace your route...but...if you'd like a little more of a workout don't worry...it's here! The Indian Run Trail will not soon be forgotten...15% grade up a couple of miles...little relief in between...straight up... The Corbin Mountain Trail begins the descent but just before you hit the first Fire Road you go up again...then the rocky 16% grade down Corbin Hollow where the beautiful sound of the water returns...Brokenback Run slides on down to the second fire road...where you finish down in the shadows of Old Rag... Great Summertime Hike...

By: Chip

May 05, 2013

I did this hike over the past weekend and found it to be great circuit hike and much less crowded than the Old Rag parking lot would lead one to believe. The hike up was mostly along an old cart path of some sort and not necessarily along the river. I did run into a few backpackers on their way out after fishing there are a few high impact campsites before getting to Corbin Cabin. An NSPS employee must have been in a hurry as I walked down the Old Rag Fire Road, glad I wasn't in the middle of the road as they drove by. I decided to take the Robertson Mountain Trail and was treated to a great view and some solititude after a couple of backpackers left the peak. However, the hike down was steep, about the steepest and loosest trail I have seen in some time. Think from the top of Robertson Mtn. to the Weekley Hollow Fire road the trail drops 1800 feet in about 1.5 miles. The highlight of the down hike was seeing a bear at about 20 yards, think he was coming up the trail.

By: Zach Gildersleeve

May 26, 2012

It's amazing there can be 200+ cars in the Old Rag parking area, and not see a single individual on this entire trail until it meets the fire road. Box turtles, scarlet tanagers, and lots of insects. Echoing other comments, be prepared for a climb, and a less-used trail, after Corbin Cabin. Pretty lush (overgrown), if I did it again I'd do a in-and-out along Hughes River, by far the nicest part of the hike.

By: Andrew in DC

July 18, 2010

Looking for a good hike, we decided to tackle the Corbin Mountain hike rather the deal with the crowds on Old Rag. We were not disappointed. While this hike does lack the rock scramble and incredible views of Old Rag, it is equally challenging in its length and assent. As soon as we got to the split where the road heads up to the Old Rag trail head, the crowds thinned out and we did not see any other hikers until we returned to the fire road some 5 hours later. The isolation was splendid. The hike follows a stream for the first third and the climb slowly steepens as you approach the old cabin. The trail is well marked, but as it is not used by as many people it is more of a foot path for long stretches. The only surprise came after stopping for lunch at the cabin, the remaining mile or so of the ascent is much steeper than the trail to this point, so be prepared. It was on this part of the hike were we spotted 3 black bears (all moving away from us thank goodness). This is a great hike and a great workout. If you want views you won't get them here, but you will get a lot of solitude and a wonderful woodland experience.

By: Brandon

October 18, 2009

Wow, you really can park at Old Rag and do a different hike. Wasn't sure it was possible. But you really missed an opportunity if you wanted to go there, because the parking lot was as sparse as I've seen it, considering it was a Sunday in the middle of October, regardless of the temperature (it never rained). Anyway, back to this area. Sadly the foliage is still patchier than I hoped for, but that gives me a reason to go yet somewhere else the next few weekends. The water really wasn't very high, and nowhere near as high as the photos show on this website. The ranger at the parking lot mentioned it snowed at the upper reaches of the park, and that the central section of Skyline Drive was actually closed. I really didn't believe him, till I saw my first small patch of white on a fallen mossy tree at 2,100'. Somewhat let-down because of the patchy foliage and lack of picturesque waterworks, I perked up at this sight. And when I saw Corbin Cabin, with a roof of snow, I was definitely excited. By the time I was nearing the highpoint of Indian Run Trail, snow was everywhere, like it were the dead of winter, only there were a lot more leaves on the trees. Sadly though, as I escaped the shadow of Thoroughfare Mountain, the snow melt rapidly increased. There was barely any snow at all on Corbin Hollow Trail. Any other day, this hike is a 3.5-star, at best. Not enough waterworks and certainly no views. But on this day, with the diversity of surroundings, from fading green forests with rich moss, to autumnal colored forests, to winter forests, and the fact that I only saw 1 group of people the whole time of the hike(about a dozen people, but still only 1 group) - and this included Weakly Hollow Rd / Old Rag return route - gives this hike 5 stars for once. PS - My GPS gave me a distance of 12.3 miles and I parked at the lower parking lot. Only took me about 5.25 hours though, w/o stopping for lunch.

By: Sarah

August 13, 2008

A nice, long day hike and alternative if Old Rag is overcrowded or you want something a little mellower and easier on the knees. While there are a few ascents, in general the grade is moderate. Much of the trail goes along a pretty stream bed (with opportunities for a dip at the start of nicholson hollow if you are so inclined), and the hike was quite verdant even in July, and I imagine would be spectacular with fall colors. Not much in terms of views or wildlife that we saw, but except for a group of 4 hikers we saw near Corbin canyon we were alone the entire hike. Although there were lots of downed trees, the trail was generally well maintained (the trees had been moved or partially cut) and the stream crossings were not challenging. We went up Nicholson hollow and down indian trail, which is what the park ranger recommended and seemed fine to me. From the lower old rag parking lot, we hiked the trail in 5hrs 40 minutes with a half hour for lunch and a few brief stops on the way and I'd say our pace was moderate throughout.

By: CNOTE

March 24, 2007

Take extra shoes for river crossings on this hike!! I made the mistake of not bothering to change shoes before I went across one and regretted it as my hiking shoes did not dry out overnight! The loop from Nicholson Hollow to Indian Run to Corbin Mountain Trail is about 11 miles with a challenging climb on Indian Run Trail. We did this loop as our first backpacking trip of the year and there are some nice camping spots below Corbin Cabin on Nicholson Hollow Trail. This was a challenging hike for me as I had not been backpacking in quite a long time. I recommend taking it slow up Indian Run Trail and slow down the downhill part of Corbin Mountain Trail to avoid injury. On Saturday (3-24-07) we hiked only about 4 miles to our campsite, then did about 7 on Sunday (3-25-07). It worked out well as our first backpacking trek of 2007!

By: MRHyker

November 06, 2004

I first hiked this one in July of 04 and then 11/04. Neither time was the water near as high as what Tony experienced. It's a nice hike. The initial elevation gain up to the cabin is barely noticeable except for a few short but steep climbs. If you're out of shape, however, the trek up Indian Run Trail will be very unforgiving. To make matters worse it has 2 or 3 false summits. I recommend that the hiker just take his/her time during that stretch of the trip. The rest of the hike is pretty enjoyable. Spring and summer flowers include White Baneberry, Naked-flower Tick Trefoil (A seemingly leafless plant in the pea family), and Pale Jewel Weed (AKA Touch-Me-Nots) to name a few. Beware of Stinging Nettles in the summer. The PATC does a great job of keeping these trimmed back near the trail but they can occasionally be found around the mid-section of the Nicholson Hollow Tr.