Sugar Hollow facts for kids

Sugar Hollow is a beautiful natural area located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of western Albemarle County, Virginia, in the United States. It gets its shape from the north and south forks of Moorman's River. These rivers flow into a reservoir built in 1947, which provides drinking water for the city of Charlottesville, Virginia. The famous Appalachian Trail also runs through the upper parts of this area, going north and south.

Who Lived in Sugar Hollow Before?

Long ago, Sugar Hollow was home to the Monacan people. They were a Native American tribe whose language was similar to the Sioux tribes. When Europeans started arriving in the early 1700s, the Monacan people moved west. They crossed the mountains into the valley and beyond. They left behind clues of their lives, like a burial mound and old tools called projectile points.

How Did People Live in Sugar Hollow?

By the late 1920s, many families lived in Sugar Hollow. There were hundreds of families, and most of them were farmers. They grew their own food to survive. They built schools for their children, churches, and mills to process crops. They also had businesses that used the many trees in the area.

What Happened When Shenandoah National Park Was Created?

The creation of Shenandoah National Park changed Sugar Hollow forever. This park was made from private lands. The State of Virginia used a law called eminent domain to take these lands. This meant the government could buy private land for public use, even if the owners didn't want to sell.

Because of this, many families had to leave their homes. Their families were split up, and their houses were removed. Many old family burial grounds were also left behind. This was a very difficult time for the people living there. They were forced to move either west, into Augusta County, Virginia or Rockingham County, Virginia, or further down the Blue Ridge to the east. This big change deeply affected the mountain region.

Visiting Sugar Hollow Today

Today, a good public road leads into lower Sugar Hollow from the east. It passes through the village of White Hall, Albemarle County, Virginia. This road allows cars to enter the area. There is an unpaved parking area above the reservoir. It is just outside the Shenandoah National Park boundary.

From this parking area, people who enjoy hiking can easily reach trails. These trails follow along the river's forks. The sacrifices made by the families who lived here long ago now allow everyone to enjoy nature and outdoor activities.