Descend steeply on switchbacks, then more gradually, and in 1.5 miles, reach the junction with the blue- blazed Belle Cove Trail in Salt Log Gap at mile 3.5. The A.T. continues south along sidehill trail as it skirts Silas Knob, reaching the junction with the blue-blazed Saddle Gap Trail in 1.1 miles at Saddle Gap. Don't miss the short side trail at mile 7 leading to Fullers Rocks, which offers a spectacular view of the James River water gap. In .25 mile, reach the junction with the blue-blazed Little Rocky Row Trail. Continue descending and reach Johns Hollow Shelter in 2 miles.
Water is available from the creek.
Although this shelter is only a mile or so short of being the halfway point of the hike, the best way to break this hike up into two sections is to camp at Matts Creek Shelter, 4.9 miles south. Re-enter the woods, and cross USFS 36E twice in the next .75 mile. After crossing the bridge, continue following the highway for .1 mile and then re-enter the woods. Hike another .1 mile to a self-registration point for the James River Face Wilderness. You will be in the wilderness area for the next 10 miles.