This short out/back hike has a beautiful waterfall at the top of Hollow Brook, with a nice walk up to the summit of Buzzard Hill as well. Close to the Washington D.C. metro area, this is another hike that is perfect when you can't make it out to the bigger mountains. At only 3.8 miles, this is fun for all skill levels.
This hike is at its best in the spring, or after it's been raining.
Cross the stream, then immediately on the other side look for a small unblazed trail that follows the stream uphill. In 40 yards pass a small campsite, then continue to follow the trail for another 50 yards to the base of the main waterfall.
From the waterfall head back down to the AT and turn right/north. In another 0.3 miles pass the ruins of one of the many old homesteads in this section of the AT.
Continue following the AT, then in another 0.4 miles pass through a small saddle between ridges and another nice campsite.
Continue uphill for 0.2 miles passing yet another campsite on the right near the top of Buzzard Hill, and in 25 yards there is an unmarked trail that leads to the summit. Turn left and follow the trail for 50 yards to the main summit.
To return, retrace your route south on the AT back to the parking area on Morgan Mill Rd.
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Hiker
Reviews For The Hollow Brook Hike (5 Most Recent)
Did this hike last weekend and had a great time. We camped on Saturday Night at the base of the first waterfall. The water was surprisingly clear. The hike was short but the quick changes in elevation increased the difficulty. I would recommend this hike the beginners and intermediate hikers.
By:
Andrew H
Rating:
Date of Hike: Thursday, August 19, 2010
Did this hike with my 8 an 9 year olds today. Fun hike - a few tips
We did it a day after a good 2 inches of rain and the falls were running well, but not overwhelming so we could climb up the rocks to the top - warning, good hiking boots a must on the wet rocks if you choose to do this.
The road leading up to the trail head is loose gravel and quite steep in places for a good few miles. In many places, not room for more than one vehicle and the edges of the road drop off steeply in places. We found one stranded vehicle that got too close to the edge and bottomed out. So, sorry, I dont think you're subcompact hybrid is a good idea on this road.
We over shot the trail head the first time and came across some anonymous government facility and fenced off areas. Felt a little 'unwelcome' to say the least.
By:
Rating:
Date of Hike: Saturday, July 10, 2010
I rated this hike 4 stars because it was exactly what I was looking for on that day: short and watery. I hiked this trail after the rain stopped on Saturday. It was short enough I could get a late start and still complete it well before dusk, plus the earlier rain makes for a decent waterfall. I decided to deet up before starting (just in case). Shortly after the initial climb, while descending to the brook, I distinctly smelled what I assume to be a bear. Since I was alone with my dog, I started explaining in a VERY LOUD voice to Mr. Bear how I would NEVER sleep in his bed and NEVER eat his porridge and who the HECK DID GOLDILOCKS THINK SHE WAS ANYWAYS!! The brook and the waterfall were running enough to enjoy it. We also passed a spring that was running nicely a little higher up near the remnants of the old homestead. Once we broke out of the woods into the area near the summit where the fire mentioned in a previous review had been, the bugs descended on us! So glad I deeted up earlier! The fire had actually cleared enough brush near the summit to take in some nice views to the south. I snapped a few pics and then we headed down since my dog didn't have the bug protection that I did. On the way back down while approaching the "saddle" portion of the trail, I smelled Mr. Bear again and saw the remnants of a sandwich on the trail that hadn't been there 20 minutes earlier. I hadn't seen any other hikers at ALL the entire time, so I kept my eyes open and kept moving, and once again ripped very loudly into that tramp Goldilocks. My dog and I finished the hike in around 2 hours, which included stopping to snap some pics along the way.
Worth noting, the AT crosses Morgan's Mill Road about 1.3 miles west of Blue Ridge Mountain Road. I wasn't sure how far it was myself. Hope this helps anyone looking for the parking area.
By:
Jerry
Rating:
Date of Hike: Saturday, April 10, 2010
The waterfall is definitely worth the outing. There has been a fire at Buzzard Hill that detracts from the experience and might be unpleasant for anyone sensitive to smoke. Areas were still smoldering on Saturday.
By:
Chris
Rating:
Date of Hike: Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Beautiful Hike. The waterfalls were going full force and the weather was simply perfect. Hiked it with 2 friends and a 2 year old on my back. I definitely plan on hiking this again and staying overnight at the top most campsite i saw. The road going to the trail head was a bit treacherous but just drive carefully. I highly recommend this hike.
From the waterfall head back down to the AT and turn right/north. In another 0.3 miles pass the ruins of one of the many old homesteads in this section of the AT.
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