Pocosin, Laurel Prong, Staunton River & Slaughter Loop

This is a 34–35-mile, four-night circuit for experienced backpackers. It starts at South River Picnic Area, visits South River Falls and the Pocosin Mission ruins, takes the Appalachian Trail north, then links Laurel Prong, Fork Mountain, Jones Mountain, Staunton River and Slaughter before returning to the same access. The National Park Service rates it Experienced. Expect long days with a loaded pack; two days approach nine miles. Campsite choice shifts the exact distance, especially on Slaughter Trail. A backcountry camping permit and a valid park entrance pass are required.

Start below the picnic-area comfort station and follow South River Falls Trail to the stone-walled overlook and waterfall. From there the route uses South River Fire Road to reach Pocosin Trail. The first night’s camp is on Pocosin Trail; on day two continue to Pocosin Mission, then climb Pocosin Fire Road to the AT. Follow the AT north for about 5.5 miles before turning onto Laurel Prong. Continue over Fork Mountain, then take Jones Mountain toward Staunton River.

From Staunton River, go upstream to Fork Mountain Fire Road. A short link on Fork Mountain Trail reaches Jones Mountain; then follow Cat Knob and Laurel Prong back to the AT. The Slaughter section is an out-and-back camp excursion: walk in to a permitted campsite, retrace the same trail to the AT, then return south to South River Picnic Area.

Staunton River is the route’s potential high-water crossing area. Do not attempt a swollen or flooding crossing; check current park conditions and the backcountry map before leaving. The route is remote: no food service or guaranteed water source along the circuit was confirmed, so plan for a self-supported trip and treat stream water. Campsites are dispersed, and their locations affect the day’s mileage. Shenandoah allows pets on this route with a physical leash no longer than six feet.

The ruins include part of a wooden structure, foundation walls and concrete steps. Pocosin Mission served the mountain community as one of the Episcopal mission sites along the Blue Ridge. Sources disagree whether it dates to 1904 or 1905, so the safest description is early 1900s. Leave the remains and any cemetery features undisturbed.

The opening stretch passes the stone-walled observation point before continuing to the base of the 83-foot waterfall. One stream crossing is part of the South River Falls trail segment. This is the route’s clearest photo stop: include the dark rock cleft around the falling water to show its scale.

Park at South River Picnic Area on Skyline Drive near milepost 62.8. The South River Falls trailhead is below the picnic-ground comfort station, and the loop returns to this access. This is a composite of blazed trails and forest roads, so carry a detailed backcountry map and watch each junction.