Fox Hollow Second Trail Post - Fox Family

A color photograph of a concrete trail post at a fork in a narrow forested 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.

Quick facts

Distance Miles: 0.1
Route Type: Interpretive waypoint on Fox Hollow Trail
Difficulty Level: Easy (waypoint visit); difficulty varies with full Fox Hollow Trail
Elevation Gain Feet: 0

Trail profile

Distance Miles: 0.1
Route Type: Interpretive waypoint on Fox Hollow Trail
Difficulty Level: Easy (waypoint visit); difficulty varies with full Fox Hollow Trail
Elevation Gain Feet: 0
Estimated Time: 10-15 minutes
Trail Surface: Rooty forest floor, uneven, wet seasonally
Trail Features: Historic farm remnants
Interpretive signage
Forest canopy
Cleared pasture edges
Trail Highlights: Fox family homestead (1856–present park era); cultural heritage interpretive waypoint

Trailhead & access

Trailhead Location: Fox Hollow Trail parking and entrance
Shuttle Required: 0
Shuttle Details: Shuttle not required for waypoint access

Permits & conditions

Permit Details: Entrance fee required; no special permit needed for trail post visit
Fees: $30 — Entrance - Private Vehicle (NPS API, as of 2026-07-02)
Trail Status: Open to public
Seasonal Closures: No seasonal closures; winter ice on rooty terrain may impede access

Facilities & rules

Restrooms At Trailhead: 0
Water Sources: Filter at Fox Hollow Stream; no water at post itself
Accessibility: Rooty, uneven forest floor; not wheelchair accessible

Safety & strategy

Hazards: Wet roots
Muddy terrain
Uneven forest floor
Wildlife (bears, deer)
Hazard Details: Rooty, wet sections after rain increase slip risk. Forest terrain is uneven. Wildlife present year-round; make noise.
Cell Service: Spotty; assume no service in hollows
Crowd Level: Moderate; waypoint draws history-focused hikers on Fox Hollow Trail
Peak Crowd Times: Weekends and summer months
Best Season: Spring (April–May) and fall (September–October)
Best Time To Visit: Spring (April–May) and fall (September–October) for stable weather. Arrive by 8 AM to secure shade and avoid midday crowds. Avoid winter ice on rooty terrain.
Tips Advice: 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.

More details

Park Area: Central Shenandoah National Park
Trail Markers: Metal interpretive band on post; well-marked Fox Hollow Trail
Dogs Allowed: Yes, on leash
Biking Allowed: No
Shade Level: Mostly shaded; forest canopy intermittent
Emergency Contacts: Ranger station: call 911 or use park emergency services
Map Recommended: 1
Snow Dates: Typically December–March; rooty terrain becomes icy and hazardous
Mud Season: Spring thaw (March–April) and after heavy rain; expect muddy rooty sections
Wildflower Peak: Spring (April–May); trillium and bloodroot common in understory
Fall Colors Peak: Late September–mid-October; deciduous forest canopy
Bug Season: Mosquitoes peak June–September; tick season year-round
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.
Recent Updates: Post interpretive content remains current; Fox Hollow Trail maintained for public access
Family Friendly 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
Review Summary: 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.

Location

Frequently asked questions

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?

Yes, on leash. Make noise to alert wildlife.

Do I need a permit to visit this waypoint?

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

Is the trail post itself safe during winter?

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

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.

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.