If you park at the Blackrock parking area, it’s only a .5 mile walk to the summit. Overview Follow the AT south for about a half mile to Blackrock Summit. The other two are Limberlost Trail and Fox Hollow Trail. Thorofare Mountain Overlook - 3595 ft. 4. The shortest option, a 1-mile circuit, follows the Appalachian Trail from the Blackrock Summit parking area, which is just north of mile marker 85 on Skyline Drive. This area is used as a school bus turn around and should not be used for parking. Near the top, the giant boulder pile comes into view through a tunnel of leaves. In the camping area, several cars and trucks were crushed by falling trees, however, no injuries were sustained. Appalachian Trail: Blackrock Summit - See 192 traveler reviews, 128 candid photos, and great deals for Shenandoah National Park, VA, at Tripadvisor. Park at Brown Gap parking lot (mm 83) on Skyline Drive & cross the road to begin the hike to the summit. 38.206842, -78.749466 Note: Avoid starting the hike in the valley at the Paine Run Trail trailhead on VA340. To find the trailhead, look to the end of the parking lot and find the trail Information board (pictured below). All information about 22932 Crozet, Crozet, Virginia - Blackrock Summit Parking. Blackrock Summit Parking to Browns Gap - Appalachian Trail - Shenandoah National Park The middle leg of our fifth day of "slack packing" on the Appalachian Trail (AT) in Shenandoah National Park was a 2.0 mile descent from the Blackrock Summit parking area to Browns Gap. Once the trees open up, you will be treated to views of the mountains to the north. Perfect if you're carrying up heavy camera gear! You could also start at the Furnace Mountain Trailhead parking. Blackrock is a mountain summit west of Big Meadows in Shenandoah National Park. All information about 22932 Crozet, Crozet, Virginia - Blackrock Summit Parking. From the parking lot, the trailhead begins on the white-blazed Appalachian Trail. Directions to the trailhead: The Blackrock Summit Parking Area is located on the west side of Skyline Drive at mile marker 84.8. In a little less than a mile, the trail will open up and you will see a rocky talus slope (rock piles) to your right and left. There are two ways to the summit: the first is a 1.3 mile loop that starts at the Loft Mountain Wayside parking lot at mile marker 79.5 off of Skyline Drive in the southern district of Shenandoah National Park. Keyser Run Trailhead. Range View Overlook - 2810 ft. 8. Although Shenandoah National Park is open year-round, Skyline Drive may be closed in the winter due to weather conditions. The parking area at milepost 84.4 is quite large, able to accommodate more than a dozen cars. We made our way up the fire road to the Appalachian Trail and followed it a half mile to the huge boulders at the Blackrock talus slope, which one of my friends realized he had actually visited as a kid. If you're thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail or are camping in the park, Loft Mountain Campground and Loft Mountain Wayside are just 5 miles north of the Blackrock Summit parking area. For the 1.0-mile hike, continue curving along the Appalachian Trail until you reach the Blackfoot Hut Road-Trayfoot Mountain Trail. After taking time to enjoy the view, continue around the boulders to follow the Appalachian Trail. That’s good since this is a rather popular destination in the park. The Outbound works best with JavaScript enabled. Print out the dedicated adventure brochure ahead of time. Turn left to begin a mild ascent along the trail. Immediately you'll cross over the Appalachian Trail-stay straight on the blue-blazed trail to Doyles Falls. Blackrock Summit is the best view on this loop and one of the better views in Shenandoah National Park. 3 & 16 months old and they loved it. From the Blackrock Summit boulder field, this leaves a little more elevation gain to the highpoint. Simmons Gap Ranger Station. The trail then wrapped around the talus slope. The trail is primarily used for hiking, nature trips, and bird watching and is best used from April until October. From Brown Gap to the summit and back is a 5.1 mile adventure. Because of the great views and the short hike this is a VERY popular hike, and it is great for families. The summit gives you an almost-360 degree view of the southern Shenandoah area and a large rock scramble to climb if you want to take in panoramic views. After 1.7 miles you will reach the main waterfall. The shortest option, a 1-mile circuit, follows the Appalachian Trail from the Blackrock Summit parking area, which is just north of mile marker 85 on Skyline Drive. I think you’ll agree that the views, which now include Trayfoot Mountain, are even more spectacular than those at Blackrock Summit. Blackrock Summit is located off Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park, and offers a short, gentle incline to incredible 180 views, and a talus slope that is fun for kids and adults alike. Hopefully you snapped lots and lots of gram-worthy photos on this hike. After the parking area, the trail becomes a moderately steep uphill climb for.6 of a mile. There are two route options, both are under 2 miles and are suitable for hikers of all experience levels. Always check for closures before you head out! Either park at the cul-de-sac here or continue on the rough but short gravel/mud road to the main parking area. Our three year old is asking when we can go back! Blackrock Summit via Trayfoot Mountain and Appalachian Trail is a 1.1 mile heavily trafficked loop trail located near Grottoes, Virginia that offers the chance to see wildlife and is good for all skill levels. 31 visitors have checked in at Blackrock Summit Parking Area. Staring at the Jones Run parking area turn left downhill following the blue blazed Jones Run trail. This alternative loop option tops out at 1.8 miles. Thankfully, it’s also a plain easy hike, and one that wows with a massive field of – yes, black rocks – and wide-open views. For a trail map, visit here. Cross Skyline Drive and take the Appalachian Trail Northbound for about 1.3 miles. You can begin on Skyline Drive at Blackrock Summit Parking, Dundo Picnic area or Browns Gap Road. Simmons Gap Ranger Station. Absolutely stunning views from the summit with plenty of rocks to climb and play on. Blackrock Summit Parking to Browns Gap - Appalachian Trail - Shenandoah National Park The middle leg of our fifth day of "slack packing" on the Appalachian Trail (AT) in Shenandoah National Park was a 2.0 mile descent from the Blackrock Summit parking area to Browns Gap. Continue around the mass of boulders to find equally awe-inspiring views to the south. Calf Mountain Overlook - 2485 ft. 2. It is an excellent spot to view the sunrise while sitting on top of a boulder field with 360 views of the surrounding area. Blackrock Summit Parking Area - Skyline Drive in Shenandoah. Blackrock Summit is an easy hike to love. The parking area at milepost 84.4 is quite large, able to accommodate more than a dozen cars. Choose this hike today to try out with our children. The second hike adds steps on the Trayfoot Mountain Trail. The parking area is located just before US276 makes a hard left to make its steep ascent of the Blue Ridge. The trail is straight forward and simple, with beautiful views at the peak. Turn left here to return to your car. For a hiking map of the area, visit here (or ask for one at the park entrance). At the .8-mile mark, turn left onto the Trayfoot Mountain Trail. It is ideal for watching the sunset or sunrise, but it’s a remarkable experience no matter what time of day you visit. This ups the elevation and mileage, but not by much. Another set of cascades are 0.2 miles past this point. If you are hiking with small children, look to the left of the kiosk for the TRACK Trails display from Kids in Parks. After 1.7 miles you will reach the main waterfall. Blackrock Gap is not the hike/trail described here. This mile marker is … With only 175-feet of elevation gain, the trail is an easy walk to the summit. Hungry? © 2020 The Outbound Collective - Terms of Use - Privacy Policy. Continue on the trail and take a left at the sign post just beyond the summit area to return to the parking lot. Following the Appalachian Trail route, this trail is located in Shenandoah National Park. Continue through the boulder field until you reach the junction with Trayfoot Mountain Trail, then turn left and follow the yellow-blazes back to the parking lot. We suggest hiking the loop counter-clockwise, starting at Blackrock Gap. I arrived at the Blackrock Summit parking area near Mile 83 around 4 PM and made the 10 minute stroll uphill and along a fairly flat section of the Appalachian Trail to the talus slope. 10. Upon reaching the junction with the Blackrock Hut Road-Trayfoot Mountain Trail, turn left to leave the Appalachian Trail and follow the yellow-blazes back to the parking lot. ... From the parking lot at MP 81.1 on the Skyline Drive, take the trailhead to the left of the sign with the trail map. This area is used as a school bus turn around and should not be used for parking. Great, short hike, with a great view. We will do these things to … This hilltop consists of a rocky, talus slope with vistas of the southwest. Get Directions Park Blackrock Gap on Skyline Drive. Blackrock Summit is an easy 1 mi/1.6 km hike leading to a talus slope with sweeping views of the mountains and valley beyond. You have arrived at Blackrock Summit. Pick up the AT at the base of the Blackrock, and continue south on the Trayfoot Mountain Trail. When this trail meets the AT at the 1.2-mile mark, it becomes the Blackfoot Hut Road-Trayfoot Mountain Trail. For this hike, kids will choose a trail name, examine animal habitats and write a poem about the hike. For the 1.8-mile hike, turn right at the trail marker near the .6-mile mark onto a short spur trail through a boulder field that leads to the Trayfoot Mountain Trail. Trailhead at Blackrock Summit parking area. There's a decent campsite up there as well right off the AT that some other hikers were setting up for the night. Continue on this trail to return to the parking lot. Blackrock Summit has by far the best view in the southern district of Shenandoah National Park. Also, picnic tables. The 1.8-mile loop hike took me just over 45 minutes to complete, including time spent ogling the glorious mountain and valley vistas. I arrived at the Blackrock Summit parking area near Mile 83 around 4 PM and made the 10 minute stroll uphill and along a fairly flat section of the Appalachian Trail to the talus slope. I told you it was a short and sweet hike. Photo 2 shows a stretch of the AT here. No trail led to the top of the talus, so … Beldore Hollow Overlook - 2345 ft. 6. This was an experiment for us to see how the children would react to hiking and we can wait to try another. Elevation change is only 636 feet. 3. Jenkins Gap Overlook - 2355 ft. 5. At the trail post, turn right and continue to the boulder field where you can see the layers and quartzite patterns on the rocks and a beautiful view. I think you’ll thank me. Easy gentle climbing up and down on dirt and gravel path. Blackstone is turning its attention to one of the most recession-resistant sectors of real estate. From the trailhead, you will pick up the southbound Appalachian Trail almost immediately. As the chain and this trail’s wide path give away, this section of trail doubles as a fire road. Trailhead at Blackrock Summit parking area This hike starts on the Trayfoot Mountain Trail, which leaves the southeast corner of the parking area at an information board and yellow chain that blocks vehicle access. According to the sign at the beginning of the trail, it is "an easy hike with outstanding views and interesting geology. We took my parents up to the summit to watch sunrise for their first ever headlamp hike. Go PRO to support our mission and get benefits like gear deals, no ads, and more! From here, re-trace your steps along the AT to return to your car. Blackrock Summit Parking Area - Skyline Drive in Shenandoah. Park at Brown Gap parking lot (mm 83) on Skyline Drive & cross the road to begin the hike to the summit. The final hike out … The Blackrock Summit hike is one of three hikes in Shenandoah National Park with an adventure component. There is also a picnic area and a camping area (albeit not a rustic one). Big Meadows itself is a wide meadow east of Skyline Drive at an elevation of about 3500'. Located at Milepost 84.4 on scenic Skyline Drive, it is an extremely accessible and easy hike. The path to the summit follows alongside the Appalachian Trail and loops around the main attraction before returning to the parking lot. This 270 degree view is a great spot in the park to watch both sunrises and sunsets. If you park at the Blackrock parking area, it’s only a .5 mile walk to the summit. We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on. For the longer trail, the trailhead is at milepost 87.4 at Blackrock Gap (Elevation 2,320 feet). This short, easy hike in the South District of Shenandoah National Park will provide you with expansive views to the north and south. Perched on top of Big Flat Mountain, this is one of the largest campgrounds in the park. You can either stay here and enjoy the waterfall or hike 0.1 miles further to a smaller set of falls below the main falls. Head South on the Trayfoot Mtn Trail/BlackRock Hut Rd about 1 mile to the Blackrock Summit. According to the sign at the beginning of the trail, it is "an easy hike with outstanding views and interesting geology. ...to the Blackrock Summit parking area A Shenandoah National Park entry fee of $20 per vehicle, $15 per motorcycle or $10 per person is valid for seven consecutive days. I have taken my two boys (1 and 4) on this hike with no problem. Thousands of trees were snapped or uprooted, and large parts of the park's camping areas and summit area were damaged. With only 175-feet of elevation gain, the trail is an easy walk to the summit. The Cabins at Chesley Creek Farm are a wonderful blend of seclusion and comfort. Do NOT park near Blackrock Gap (you will pass this first). Continue ahead on the blue trail, which crosses Ben's Bridge (a wooden footbridge) and climbs along a picturesque stream, with cascades and waterfalls, following an old woods road. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. Make sure you are parking at the Blackrock Summit parking area and not Blackrock Gap (which you will pass right before Blackrock Summit). Check out the elevation profile as the high point of the hike is actually on the Trayfoot Mountain Trail/Blackrock Hut Road to the southeast of Blackrock Summit. Set in the South District of Shenandoah National Park, Blackrock Summit is one of several hikes I completed in one day that were a few short miles apart on Skyline Drive. The parking lot at Blackrock Summit was completely empty when we arrived- astounding considering how beautiful the day was. Shenandoah Overlook. From the Blackrock Summit parking area, near mile 85 on Skyline Drive, follow the Appalachian Trail to the bouldery summit and gaze upon mountains to the north. In about half a mile, the red trail ends at a junction with the blue-blazed Reservoir Trail. A slightly longer, 1.6 mile circuit, offers 445-feet of elevation gain and a walk through a boulder field. A mostly flat path hugs the mountain, enabling you to savor the views without a rock scramble. cuit1-mile cir.75-hour hiking time Easiest 175-foot elevation gain From the Blackrock parking area at mile 84.4, follow the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) south. This hike is roughly an hour long with great views. The adventure brochure also includes a trail map for the 1.0-mile loop hike, which follows along the Appalachian Trail and Blackrock Hut Road-Trayfoot Mountain Trail. For the short trail, park at Blackrock Summit Parking (milepost 84.8), which is very near the summit, and trek 1/2 mile and about 200 feet to the rocky summit. It’s impressive to see such a tall jumble of rocks! Turn left and follow the AT up a gentle but steady incline. Blackrock is one of our long time favorite trails in this section of the park. This article was originally published on Mathprofhiker’s Hiking Blog . We're committed to building a better, more inclusive home for the modern outdoors. You can find groceries and supplies there. To pick up Blackrock Trail #447 take a look at the info kiosk's map or the one you printed here. 1. 3. If you do Blackrock Summit, I also suggest the Trayfoot Mountain add-on. In a little less than a mile, the trail will open up and you will see a rocky talus slope (rock piles) to your right and left. Given that all these trails can be traveled in either direction, this loop can be reversed. The trail kiosk at the front of the lot suggests two hikes, including a short and sweet 1.0-mile loop hike to Blackrock Summit. We will restore a minimum of 150 feet of the A.T. treadway below the summit of Blackrock immediately south of the Blackrock parking area on Skyline Drive to a condition as close as possible to that achieved by the CCC in the mid-1930s. Shenandoah Overlook. The Appalachian Trail passes only a few yards to the west of the parking area, and that is my preferred route for this hike. Hikers will find … The trail kiosk at the front of the lot suggests two hikes, including a short and sweet 1.0-mile loop hike to Blackrock Summit. Blackrock Summit Parking Area - Skyline Drive in Shenandoah. Heads up as there are a couple of massive downed trees (but also ways to get around them). Directions to the Blackrock Summit: Starting at the Blackrock Summit parking area (mile marker 84.4 on Skyline Drive), follow the Appalachian Trail south from the far end of the parking lot, so take a left. In a row, I did Turk Mountain (milepost 93.5, 2.5 miles), Calvary & Chimney Rocks (milepost 90, 3.2 miles) and Blackrock Summit (milepost 84.4, 1.8 miles). Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your This loop heads from the parking area off Skyline Drive in the counterclockwise direction, up the AT and down the Trayfoot Mountain Trail/Blackrock Hut Road. The Blackrock Summit Parking Area is located on the west side of Skyline Drive at mile marker 84.8. Blackrock Summit is a hidden gem in the beautiful Shenandoah National Park. There are many ways to reach the summit of Blackrock, but the shortest begins at the Blackrock Summit Parking Area, near mile marker 85 on Skyline Drive. At 1.9 miles into the hike, we passed Blackrock Parking area. In a little less than a mile, the trail will open up and you will see a rocky talus slope (rock piles) to your right and left. Directions to the Blackrock Summit: Starting at the Blackrock Summit parking area (mile marker 84.4 on Skyline Drive), follow the Appalachian Trail south from the far end of the parking lot, so take a left. adventures and follow local regulations. Hawksbill Gap Parking Area - 3365 ft. 9. The route is only one mile roundtrip and involves relatively no elevation gain. The scenic vistas are definitely as advertised. Trailhead is to the Left, just before you go past the iron gate at the end of the parking area. From Brown Gap to the summit and back is a 5.1 mile adventure. I highly recommend all three hikes. The second way is a 3.7 mile hike o... Moormans River Overlook is one of the few eastern facing overlooks in Shenandoah National Park’s Southern District, which makes this a prime location for watching the sun rise when in this part of the park. Once the trees open up, you will be … From the Blackrock parking area at Skyline Drive mile 84.4, follow the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) south. I started at the Blackrock Summit Parking area. With endless mountain views, wildflowers, and a sweeping panoramic, the Blackrock Summit Trail packs a mean punch in just 1 mile. This mile marker is located 19 miles south of US 33 or 21 miles north of I-64. Near the .2-mile mark, stay to the right for the white-blazed AT. Staring at the Jones Run parking area turn left downhill following the blue blazed Jones Run trail. Thorofare Mountain Overlook - 3595 ft. 4. Falls Ridge Preserve: A Waterfall Hike with Caves, Cascades + Cliffs, Hawksbill Summit: 3 Hikes to the Highest Point in Shenandoah National Park, Hiking Bearfence Mountain: Two Ways to the Top, Millers Head Trail: A Hidden Gem at Shenandoah National Park. Just above the lodge is Blackrock. Whether you come on vacation or as a Virginia native, in the off-season or at the height of vacation season, a visit to Shenandoah National Park offers a special treat. A talus slope (essentially a massive sloping field of large rocks) appears at the .5-mile mark. I also recommend bringing along a telephoto, if you've got it! Please explore responsibly! Loft Mountain Wayside is just five miles north on Skyline Drive at milepost 79.5. Here you can treat yourself to wide-reaching views across the Shenandoah Valley and Massanutten Mountain. To the west of Skyline Drive, the area is developed, with a lodge, a restaurant, and a ranger station. 7. Blackrock is one of our long time favorite trails in this section of the park. Alternatively, for those (me) who want a second pass across Blackrock Summit, turn left onto the Appalachian Trail for big rocks and booming views in another .1-mile. I haven’t fully defined that term yet either, but when I do, Blackrock Summit will certainly be one of the featured outings. Calf Mountain Overlook - 2485 ft. 2. Past the gate is Panthertown Valley Trail #474. That’s good since this is a rather popular destination in the park. The trail then wrapped around the talus slope. This was my first time getting truly acquainted with the stretch of mountains between Calf Mountain and Blackrock. Mile - 0.0 - Park at Blackrock Gap on the western side of Skyline Drive. Blackrock Summit can be found just north of milepost 85 on Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park. Highly recommended for a family friendly, easy stroll with a huge payoff at the top. This little known waterfall is located close to the more popular waterfall, Doyles River Falls. Took the whole family on this hike including the dog. 1. Directions to the Blackrock Summit: Starting at the Blackrock Summit parking area (mile marker 84.4 on Skyline Drive), follow the Appalachian Trail south from the far end of the parking lot, so take a left. An informative display is located at the end of the parking area with the AT just a few yards further west. Make sure you are parking at the Blackrock Summit parking area and not Blackrock Gap (which you will pass right before Blackrock Summit). Dundo Group Campground is a beautiful campground located at milepost 83.7 along the Skyline Drive with the Appalachian Trail pas... Overview Drive North on the Skyline Drive for about 15-20 minutes to the Blackrock Summit Parking area at milepost 85. Loft Mountain. Here you’ll find drinks, snacks, gifts and restrooms. Note: Avoid starting the hike in the valley at the Paine Run Trail trailhead on VA340. From the kiosk just beyond the parking area, proceed ahead on the red-blazed Duggan Trail. Upon reaching the summit via the Appalachian Trail, as described above, rather than continuing around the boulders at the summit, turn right at the trail post to continue on the Blackrock Spur Trail. The park was re-opened to the public on May 6; however, large swaths of downed timber remain, especially on the mountain's westernmost flank above 3,200 feet. Jenkins Gap Overlook - 2355 ft. 5. Parking at MP 84.4 on the Skyline Drive.