Pocosin Hollow and Slaughter Ridge Loop

This 19.3-mile loop starts and ends at South River Picnic Area, linking the South River Falls overlook, Upper Pocosin Mission, Pocosin Hollow, a stream crossing, Slaughter Trail and the Appalachian Trail. It is a three-day, experienced-level backcountry trip. The suggested days cover roughly 4–5 miles, 7–8 miles and 7.2 miles; budget about 14 hours of walking, plus camp and rest time.

Follow South River Falls Trail to the stone-walled overlook above the 83-foot falls, about a mile from the picnic grounds. The loop turns toward South River Fire Road after about 1.2 miles, then follows Pocosin Trail to Upper Pocosin Mission. The steep, rocky route down to the falls base is a separate extension and is not included. At the mission, look for low building foundations, steps and a small cemetery; work on the mountain mission began in 1902.

From the mission, a short Pocosin Road leg leads into Pocosin Hollow, whose trail is listed at 2.8 miles. The itinerary’s campsite note says to bring water or collect it downstream, so do not count on a dependable source at camp without checking current conditions. At the Hollow exit, the mapped trail ends about 30 meters short of the mapped gravel road; follow the blue blazes to the road. The next 0.7 mile is marked private property in the directions, so stay on the road.

The route then follows about 1.5 miles of State Route 667 and crosses a stream to reach Slaughter Trail. From the crossing, the old directions divide the climb to the Appalachian Trail into about three miles on Slaughter and one mile uphill to the ridge. The mapped Slaughter line is about 3.8 miles, followed by a short road connector; the route map totals 19.7 miles, about 2% longer than the rounded 19.3-mile itinerary figure.

Turn south on the Appalachian Trail for about 6.2 miles back to South River Picnic Area. The ridge leg makes for a long finish after the stream and road sections; the trip itinerary also lists views, early-spring wildflowers and early-fall color, with timing varying by conditions.

Start and finish at South River Picnic Area on Skyline Drive near milepost 63. Backcountry camping requires a permit and a separate valid park entrance pass; obtain the permit through the current park process before setting out and follow the current camping-zone rules. Pets are allowed on this route, leashed on a physical leash no longer than six feet. The turn-by-turn route sheet was last updated in 2007, so verify the private-road passage and Slaughter Trail access with the park before committing to this three-day route.