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Along this trail you'll see scattered ruins of a former church/school and mountain settlement.


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Map Key

1.3

Miles

2.1

KM

Point to Point

2,729' 832 m

High

2,552' 778 m

Low

177' 54 m

Up

179' 55 m

Down

5%

Avg Grade (3°)

13%

Max Grade (7°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Wildflowers · Wildlife

Family Friendly Ruins hidden in the trees will make this route a memorable favorite for those with active imaginations.

Do not disturb any mission ruins. Artifacts are protected by law.

Description

Hiking this trail is like taking a step back into history, with visible ruins of what once was in these mountains, before it became a national park at the turn of the 20th century.

Look for a concrete marker post on the right, near the start of this yellow-blazed Pocosin Trail. As you turn onto the trail, the first ruin of a wooden structure is about 100 feet diagonally left. It was part of the Episcopal mission here (named the Pocosin Mission). Explore if you wish, remembering that snakes like to take cover in such areas.

20 yards from the house ruins are the steps of a church that doubled as a schoolhouse. The church is gone, and its foundation is covered with vegetation. To date, sections of the rock walls of a small side room are still standing.

25 yards beyond the church steps are the ruins of a wooden structure, now long gone, under a large chestnut oak. The vines on the upper limbs of the oak are loaded with grapes in autumn - but way up out of reach. On the other side of the Pocosin Trail, which once was a road, is an abandoned, overgrown cemetery with fieldstone markers, and the site of at least two houses.

Thanks to Larry W. Brown, for sharing this description. If you’re interested in learning more details about great hikes, weather, camping / lodging, wildlife, and scenic drives, check out the comprehensive Guide to Shenandoah National Park.

Contacts

Shared By:

Larry W Brown with improvements by Jeff Monroe

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  4.0 from 1 vote

#15313

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Trail Rankings

#412

in Virginia

#15,313

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1,129 Since Dec 1, 2015
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Photos

The remains of the Pocosin Mission house.
Apr 17, 2016 near Elkton, VA
A section of rock wall that was once part of the Pocosin Mission Church/Schoolhouse.
Apr 17, 2016 near Elkton, VA
Artifacts lying around the Pocosin Mission ruins. Please do not disturb any mission ruins. Artifacts are protected by law.
Apr 17, 2016 near Elkton, VA
The steps of what used to be the Pocosin Mission Church/Schoolhouse.
Apr 17, 2016 near Elkton, VA

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