Hazard Cave Trail

The trail is easily reached and well marked. Although this is a loop trail, both ends of the trail are accessed from the Lake View Trail trailhead which is located just southwest of the parking area for the picnic/camping facilities of the park. After a short distance on the Lake View Trail, the intersection of the Hazard Cave Trail is reached. It peels off to the left and continues through a hard wood and pine forest that is filled with rhododendrons. The trail is a gradual uphill for the first .5 miles. At that point a set of concrete steps brings the trail to the foot of a limestone bluff. Here, erosion of the bluff wall has created a unique and beautiful geological attraction. Here also, the trail becomes a man-made wooden walkway which is there to protect a growth of delicate and endangered Cumberland sandwort. Please stay on the walkway. Hazard Cave is reached at the .8 mile mark. This is a great place to have a snack or drink of water while admiring the interesting patterns in the ceiling of the cave. From the cave, the trail goes downhill to a beautiful tight gorge with a stream flowing through on its way to Thompson Creek. The trail then emerges to intersect with the Ridge Trail. A right turn on the Ridge Trail leads to the Lake View Trail where another right leads back to parking area for the picnic/camping facilities. The Hazard Cave Trail connects to the Natural Bridge Trail, the Lake View Trail, and the Lake Trail. By combining the four trails, a loop of about 5 miles is created. This combined route wanders by a variety of sights, including a natural bridge, beautiful Hazard Cave, many marvelous limestone wall formations, creeks, canyons and finally Arch Lake. If you would like a good 5 mile route with a variety of views, sights and solitude, this trail is recommended.