We chose the Pocosin Trail from the
Best Easy Day Hikes Shenandoah National Park, 3rd (Best Easy Day Hikes Series); this would be our 14th hike from the book, which lists 26 hikes. There are reviews here on the blog under the “Day Hikes – Easy” label.
We entered the Park at the Luray entrance, although this trail is closer to Elkton. The book describes Pocosin Trail as a 2-mile out-and-back that follows a fire/horse trail, with a total of 450-feet elevation change. This photo shows the condition of the trail, this is pretty much how it looks for the entire length to the old mission.There are three main points of interest along the short hike: the AT crosses at one-tenth of a mile, the PATC’s Pocosin Cabin is next to the trail at two-tenths of a mile, and the destination itself is an old mission that is gradually disintegrating with time.
Here are photos of the PATC cabin and the view from its porch. According to the PATC Cabins Guide the structure can accommodate eight. It was built by the CCC to be used as a trail shelter to house workers building Skyline Drive. Later it was used by PATC while the AT was being built.
It has an easy hike-in along the fire road, and its proximity to the AT means that campers are likely to meet thru-hikers in June (no-bo) and August (so-bo). The cabin was unoccupied as we passed it on the way to the mission, so we looked around and took these photos. New occupants were hiking in as we came back to our car.
Near the cabin were a couple of wild flower patches. The most eye-catching bloom was the Turk’s-cap Lily, common here and in the southern district of the Park.Finally, we reached our goal – the house and mission at the end of the trail. Paraphrasing from the day hikes book, here is the story of the mission:
The mission – story goes it was founded in 1904 by a young Episcopal minister. The hollow was then known as “Dark Pocasin” and the locals didn’t take kindly to the mission. Eventually, the minister confronted one of the mountain men and won him over – then the locals began attending the church by horse-drawn carriage or by hiking in on the neighboring trails.
I also found this interesting information from the Heatwole guide (http://www.ajheatwole.com/guide/) :
“Twenty yards from the ruined house are the steps of the church. The church is gone, and its foundation is crumbling. As I write this, two walls of a small side room are standing, one with a wooden door frame. There are various graffiti on the frame, including: "E. B. Samuels born here 1915, visited here July 21, 1974." "This church has gone up and down in my lifetime, W. E. Samuels." “
According to Heatwole, there are a few more artifacts nearby, including an old wooden structure and a cemetery. Near these, the trail joins a route to South River Falls, so this could be made into a more aggressive hike by combining that destination with the mission.
As with my recent hike to Snead Farm, I found this trail to be quite enjoyable and just the thing for a suddenly sunny afternoon. Mary and I have talked about going back in the Fall or early Spring to take a more detailed look at the ruins in this area, and to see if we can find the cemetery and other nearby houses.
3 comments:
Schweeeeeet! This might be on the list for a trail run.
What is not told in this story here is that Mesheck Samuels donated 2 acres for that mission to be built. He and his wife Melissa Samuels and six sons where the main musicians for the church and the area. The craving on the post " "E. B. Samuels born here 1915, visited here July 21, 1974." Was Ellis Bronie Samuels, He was the son of Cicero one of Mesheck Samuels son's. Paney Samuels his brother was my grandfather. They all later moved off the Mt and Cicero and Panny brought two of the biggest farms on the Conway (Middle River).
Ken, I'd love to hear more about this, and would write up a new post with anything else you would like to share. Drop me a line via comment hear and we can discuss. Thanks for taking the time to find, read, and comment! Cabin Jim
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