Fox Hollow Second Trail Post - Fox Family

Q: Can I bring my dog to this trail post?

Yes, on leash. Make noise to alert wildlife.

Q: Do I need a permit to visit this waypoint?

No special permit. Park entrance fee ($30 private vehicle) applies.

Q: Is the trail post itself safe during winter?

Yes, but rooty terrain becomes icy and slippery. Wear microspikes or bring trekking poles.

Q: How long does it take to see this waypoint?

10–15 minutes at the post itself. Budget 2–3 hours for the full Fox Hollow Trail.

Q: Will I see farm remnants clearly?

Some remnants are visible (cleared pasture edges, stone piles), but forest reclamation has obscured most structures. The interpretive band provides historical context.

Fox Hollow Second Trail Post: The Fox Family

Distance

0.1 mi

Est. Time

10-15 minutes

Route Type

Interpretive waypoint on Fox Hollow Trail

Dogs Allowed

Best Season

Spring (April–May) and fall (September–October)

Overview

About This Trail

This trail post marks the Fox family homestead where Thomas and Martha Fox and their descendants farmed from 1856 through the park's establishment. The metal band on the post directs hikers along Fox Hollow Trail. Expect rooty forest terrain and remnants of cleared pastures reclaimed by wilderness. Easy to locate; designed for history learners exploring Appalachian farm heritage.

Highlights

Difficulty Level

Easy (waypoint visit); difficulty varies with full Fox Hollow Trail

Trail Highlights

Fox family homestead (1856–present park era); cultural heritage interpretive waypoint

Insider Tips

• The metal band on the post is easy to miss; look carefully. • Spend time examining the surrounding terrain for farm remnants (stone piles, cleared edges). • Visit in spring for wildflowers in the reclaimed pasture. • The post is a waypoint, not a destination; plan to hike the full Fox Hollow Trail for full context.

Best Season to Hike

Spring (April–May) and fall (September–October)

Hiking Tips

Carry 2L minimum water—forest shade is intermittent.
Wear sturdy, broken-in boots for rooty, uneven ground.
Make noise to alert bears and deer.
Read the metal band carefully—it directs you to Fox Hollow Trail.
Bring a camera for farm remnants and pasture edges.
Stay on marked trail to protect cultural sites.

Family Info

Easy waypoint to visit for families with children. Rooty terrain requires sturdy footwear and supervision for younger hikers.

What Hikers Say

Hikers appreciate this waypoint as a cultural history marker on an otherwise natural trail. Most visitors find the farm heritage context meaningful but note the post itself is brief; the full Fox Hollow Trail experience is recommended for deeper engagement.

Details

Trail Specifications

Distance: 0.1 miles

Duration: 10-15 minutes

Difficulty: Easy (waypoint visit); difficulty varies with full Fox Hollow Trail

Route Type: Interpretive waypoint on Fox Hollow Trail

Surface: Rooty forest floor, uneven, wet seasonally

Getting There

Trailhead: Fox Hollow Trail parking and entrance

Requirements

Permit Required

Entrance fee required; no special permit needed for trail post visit

Fees: $30 — Entrance - Private Vehicle (NPS API, as of 2026-07-02)

Shuttle Available

Shuttle not required for waypoint access

Trail Rules

Dogs: Yes, on leash

Biking: No

Trail Markers: Metal interpretive band on post; well-marked Fox Hollow Trail

Map/GPS recommended

Trail Features

Conditions & Safety

Water: Filter at Fox Hollow Stream; no water at post itself

Shade: Mostly shaded; forest canopy intermittent

Cell Service: Spotty; assume no service in hollows

Hazards:

Rooty, wet sections after rain increase slip risk. Forest terrain is uneven. Wildlife present year-round; make noise.

Emergency: Ranger station: call 911 or use park emergency services

Crowd Info

Typical Crowds: Moderate; waypoint draws history-focused hikers on Fox Hollow Trail

Peak Times: Weekends and summer months

Accessibility & Family

Accessibility:

Rooty, uneven forest floor; not wheelchair accessible

Family Notes:

Easy waypoint to visit for families with children. Rooty terrain requires sturdy footwear and supervision for younger hikers.

Nearby Facilities

Nearest restrooms and water at Big Meadows (distance unknown). Nearest campgrounds: Big Meadows Campground, Lewis Mountain Campground

What Hikers Say

FAQs

Is this waypoint accessible by wheelchair?

No. The rooty, uneven forest floor is not wheelchair accessible.

Can I bring my dog to this trail post?

Do I need a permit to visit this waypoint?

Is the trail post itself safe during winter?

How long does it take to see this waypoint?

Will I see farm remnants clearly?

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