The hike up from Paine Run is not bad and the trail is very well maintained. Watch Queue Queue. It's a small cul-de-sac, so not too much room for parking.  Blackrock Summit is a talus slope created by weathering, which causes rocks to move, so climbers should be cautious. The Appalachian Trial (AT) ran right along side and we got a photo at the concrete sign post and began the hike heading north towards Brown’s Gap. Reminded me a little of the vantage point from Spy Rock, just at a higher elevation. Hiked clockwise, including an overnight at the campsite by Paine Run. Blackrock Summit is a gorgeous Virginia trail that can be found within the boundaries of Shenandoah National Park. This service road used to be one continuous road connected with the Browntown Trail.Now, this yellow-blazed service road provides a steady descent from the Gravel Springs Hut to the park boundary and Harris Hollow Road below that. Really, the only cool feature on this hike apart from some creek crossings. This challenging loop in the southern district of Shenandoah National Park isn’t as well-known as some of its neighboring hikes, but it offers a wonderful variety of scenery. Watch Queue Queue. For the most part, hike is not very steep either up or down hill. Located at Milepost 84.4 on scenic Skyline Drive, it is an extremely accessible and easy hike. The ridge walk is very nice, good views and we had beautiful light this morning. There are more great views and fun boulder jumbles along the spur trail. By Trail Contributors: Christine and Adam Anderson. The BlackRock Savings Summit READ. The best hiking information including GPS maps, descriptions, reviews, driving directions and pictures. Of course, I passed the location of the GWNF fire I posted about last night going through Shenandoah on the way down to Elkton. The trail up to Skyline was easy. We hiked this as mapped. It’s only a mile long, with an option to add another .6 miles if things are going well. The loop makes a great day-hike, but it’s also an excellent one-night backpacking trip with camping options at two different locations. Can’t hear anything over the hiss of a backpacking stove glad the pup altered us to the bear.  Not many vantage points offer these views and even fewer showcase such a distinctive summit. The trail is primarily used for hiking, nature trips, and bird watching and is best used from April until October. This area is used as a school bus turn around and should not be used for parking. Fine hike if you just want to get out into the woods. From the parking lot, the trailhead begins on the white-blazed Appalachian Trail. He kept his distance and moved on. The mountains had the very first signs of spring but the trees were still leafless so the views were still largely unobstructed. This mile marker is located 19 miles south of US 33 or 21 miles north of I-64. At this time of year the water level is lower, so the couple stream crossings were very easy. 1.3 mph for moderately strenuous trails. The path to the summit follows alongside the Appalachian Trail and loops around the… First of all, great website! I decided that I was going to have a lazy weekend and took advantage of a mostly empty shelter! The views from the rocky, sun-drenched summit are simply incredible, stretching over the surrounding Plott Balsam range to the nearby Blue Ridge Parkway and eastern summits of the Great Smoky Mountains. There are two magnificent viewpoints, a beautiful mountain stream to explore, fascinating rock formations, and solitude on some of the park’s less traveled trails. The apex of the Blackrock Summit hike offers amazing 360 degree views of Shenandoah National Park and the Appalachians. BLACKROCK EXPERT SERVICES GROUP is the global brand that unites Blackrock Expert Services, IT Group and Haberman Ilett BEYOND DISPUTE Scroll-down. During this unprecedented crisis, our conviction in our purpose – to help more and more people experience financial well-being – is stronger than ever. Explore the amazing view and the rock pile at the summit, then descend via the blue-blazed Blackrock Spur. Biking. Find the trail head at the trail information board once you park in the Blackrock Summit Parking area at milepost 85 along the Skyline Drive. From there to the Paine Run Trail/Trayfoot Mountain Trail intersection is roughly 0.3 miles. I did this clockwise which I recommend. There are several stream crossing along this hike and most have rocks that allow you to cross without getting wet. This hike winds along a portion of the Appalachian Trail, a 2,200-mile trail from Georgia to Maine.  Located at Milepost 84.4 on scenic Skyline Drive, it is an extremely accessible and easy hike. The purple-gray rocks are streaked with rusty red and covered in chalk-green lichen.  In the coming years, these rocks will disappear and the summit will become similar to others in the region. With the trees not yet leafed out this was a very nice hike, with Blackrock Summmit being a highlight. The one of a kind summit consists of a giant pile of sanded, quartzite rocks. Cross Skyline Drive and take the Appalachian Trail Northbound for about 1.3 miles. 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. No matter what your goals may be, at BlackRock… Several false summits and thick overgrown trail sections. Every year, thousands of people attempt to thru-hike the entire trail. In less than a quarter mile, you will come upon the summit. To the west of Skyline Drive, the area is developed, with a lodge, a restaurant, and a ranger station. The start… It was an easy section, and we were going 2 mph or slightly better. They shift and tip as we climb. The elevation gains hiking this route backwards were tough, but the seclusion and sweeping ridge views in every direction (it is still early spring up in the mountains in mid-April, so minimal foliage) were worth it! Pro tip: Make the trip down to the hut on a hot day to soak your hat and shirt in the spring. Details: As described above, this is a short hike to amazing views in the Southern part of SNP. Even though the junction marks the Trayfoot Mountain Trail, we continued on the AT to head for Blackrock Summit. That also makes the hike along Paine Run slightly less interesting as you don't really hear the stream or get many waterfalls. Lots of ticks, poison ivy, and horse flies. View a list of our global experts Sector. We hiked this route backwards as an overnight hike so we could get to the Paine Run campsite before dark. Appalachian Trail: Blackrock Summit - See 192 traveler reviews, 128 candid photos, and great deals for Shenandoah National Park, VA, at Tripadvisor. Blackrock Summit is a hidden gem in the beautiful Shenandoah National Park. I prefer to start hikes at the bottom when possible so I'm not hiking up at the end to return to my car. We went to the Summit lot and were really confused. For the longer trail, the trailhead is at milepost 87.4 at Blackrock Gap(Elevation 2,320 feet). I did see 3 different bears on this hike all along the ridge line. Directions to the Blackrock Summit Trailhead. 3D This video is unavailable. Note- as I was leaving every parking area was completely filled, so get there early this time of year. Day hike started from the end of Horsehead Road to the west. I parked at the cul de sac at the southern end of Horsehead Road (rte 661) and followed the continuation of the road on foot to a park entrance. Take in the panoramic 360° views and a snack, before you head back. Just before dinner we were visited by a very large bear from the ridge to the south. We suggest hiking the loop counter-clockwise, starting at Blackrock Gap. The route is only one mile roundtrip and involves relatively no elevation gain. If you plan on completing the hike during the weekend, be sure to get an early start as this trail is a popular one. Also, the trail along Trayfoot Ridge is starting to get a little overgrown. This was a disappointing hike for us.  The path to the summit follows alongside the Appalachian Trail and loops around the main attraction before returning to the parking lot. Blackrock Summit is a hidden gem in the beautiful Shenandoah National Park. I completed this hike counter clockwise. going down toward Paine Run. Paine was nice and flat and clear of vegetation. Explore the most popular trails in my list BlackRock Summit with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you. 1.4 mph for moderate trails. The best views were from Blackrock and the rest was pretty much in the woods. At 0.7 miles from the start, there is a junction with the trail to the right leading to the Black Rock Hut 0.2 off trail (see Hiking Upward description). You'll want to take the spur trail right at Blackrock for the fastest route. Most know for The Pinnacle, the summit of Blackrock Mountain offers just as good of views, but at a significantly … This unique rocky outcrop exposed at the end of the trail is actually part of an ancient seabed from an ocean that even predates the Appalachians themselves. Turn left … Blackrock is great as everyone has stated. After only 15 minutes of hiking through trees, the trail at Blackrock Summit opens wide. Agree with the previous reviewer that this is a pretty easy hike--more like a 3 than a 4. Back then, I was in pursuit of my goal to complete all of the hikes in the Best Easy Day Hikes – Shenandoah National Park (Amazon link at end of post).  Blackrock encompasses the beauty of Virginia and has great rocks to climb and explore. I had brought my fly rod and was hoping to find some brook trout in Paine Run but the pools looked empty and the water felt warm for trout. An average pace is: 1.5 mph for easiest trails.  The rocks range in size and many have colorful lichen growing on them. ****We just want to point out that you have to park at the Blackrock Gap Parking lot---NOT the Blackrock Summit lot! Once I got to top of Trayfoot Mountain, appeared trail maintenance was done for about a half mile (grass trimmed back?) Posted by Jeff on Mar 11, 2012 @ 1:58 pm in Forest Hikes, Hiking, Hiking Blog, Nantahala National Forest, North Carolina, Rated Moderate Hikes | 3 comments | Last modified: July 8, 2017 . To get to this Blackrock Summit, it’s best to enter the Park from Elkton through Swift Run Gap, as the trailhead is between milepost 84 and 85 heading south. This video is unavailable.  This family friendly detour from Skyline Drive offers stunning vistas and a great experience. A jagged rock scramble spills down the mountainside and Saunders leads the way up. The hike summits Blackrock Mountain at 3.7 miles, scrambling up its sheer rocky top. The Blackrock Summit TRACK Trail is a 1-mile loop with a 175-foot elevation gain to a rocky talus slope overlooking the Shenandoah Valley. Long uphill hike to Trayfoot Mountain. The Blackrock Summit Parking Area is located on the west side of Skyline Drive at mile marker 84.8. Because of the great views and the short hike this is a VERY popular hike, and it is great for families. Trayfoot Mountain and ridge was overgrown and Paines Run Trail doesn't really stay next to the stream for it to be interesting. I grew up in Calgary and hiked some of these peaks as a child. The view from Blackrock Summit was amazing. At the start of Paine Run Trail, however, there's a wide stream crossing with no rocks or fallen trees to allow for easy crossing. Many moons and a couple of knee surgeries later, I have given up hiking. The views from Blackrock Summit were amazing. The Trayfoot mountain ridge line is a bit wild and is obviously not as hiked of a trail as the rest of the hike as it is very grown up with grasses and whatnot but there were not too many blow downs across the trail. Turkey Knob and Blackrock Trails, Nantahala National Forest. Lots of down trees and limbs had to drag a lot of it away to make room for the tent. Watch Queue Queue 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. Take a right, continuing on the blue-blazed Trayfoot Mountain Trail. Look ahead with sustainability Our response to COVID-19. We hiked it counterclockwise. Foliage is starting to obscure views from Trayfoot Ridge Trail, in another week or so visibility will probably be totally gone. Only one other car today though. Paine Run was running strong, not so high that getting soaked was inevitable, but we had to pick our spots at a few crossings. 1.2 mph for strenuous and very strenuous trails. All in all a beautiful hike that I will be doing again soon. Your email address will not be published. We had another bear visit at breakfast this time my dog’s barking was enough to turn around a small bear at about 30 yards. Last mile back to Blackrock Gap parking area hardest part (it was getting warm). The first day was sweet! One more short vertical 4′ to 5′ and you are at your destination. This easy 5.1 mile hike takes you to the magnificent viewpoint at Blackrock Summit. This is a short climb for about 12′ up to continue on the ridge to Blackrock. Connect with an expert Search by name. All the reviews I read were spot on. Sit on Blackrock (it is really a black lichen-covered stone). The solitude quotient was very good (although we started at 7:30 am on a cold, blustery day--on a nice day Blackrock will be filled with people so starting early is always a good idea). Find an expert +44 (0)20 7836 0158. View the Full Album of Photos From This Hike. Took route counter-clockwise. Watch Queue Queue Mile - 1.45 - Reach the junction of the Blackrock Spur and the Trayfoot Mountain Trail. Blackrock is a mountain summit west of Big Meadows in Shenandoah National Park. Blackrock Summit has by far the best view in the southern district of Shenandoah National Park. That way you have Blackrock summit to look forward to towards the end of your hike. Big Meadows itself is a wide meadow east of Skyline Drive at an elevation of about 3500'. I don’t know of any other spot where you can see the Shenandoah Valley so clearly, as it separates the Blue Ridge (on our side) from the Allegheny mountains along the West Virginia border. S ituated in the far northern reaches of the Panthertown Trail System in Nantahala National Forest, Turkey Knob and Blackrock Mountain offer … After reaching The Trayfoot Mountain summit (which was about 7 miles in), it's all downhill. Hiking in Virginia, Maryland, West Virginia and North Carolina, including the Shenandoah National Park, George Washington National Forest, Jefferson National Forest, Monongahela National Forest and many state parks. Great hike with some great views. Would recommend just doing Blackrock by itself as side hike.  The compilation of rocks distinguishes this hike from many others in the area and exploring this summit and others in Shenandoah National Park are highly recommended. Started early (7:30am) to beat the heat.  The collection of rocks can be climbed to access even better views of the surrounding area. This article was originally published on Mathprofhiker’s Hiking Blog. If camping by the creek, be aware of cooler temperatures and more humidity---it was pretty dewey when we woke up. Blackrock summit scramble was fun and views were amazing. Prices and download plans . The Blackrock Summit Trail at Shenandoah National Park in Crozet, Virginia is an easy 1.2 mile loop hike that leads out to Blackrock Summit. 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. This 270 degree view is a great spot in the park to watch both sunrises and sunsets. Blackrock Mountain. Near the top, you will see a … Did see a bear on the last switchback back to the car at the Blackrock gap. Note: Avoid starting the hike in the valley at the Paine Run Trail trailhead on VA340. All hikes have ratings for length, streams, views, solitude and camping. I liked Buzzard Rock a lot as it is peaceful, small, breezy, and secluded with nice views.  The route is only one mile roundtrip and involves relatively no elevation gain. Trayfoot, however, was very overgrown in areas with a few downed trees that are tricky to get around. Overall, the views from Blackrock Summit are worth the trip. Quick 90 minute hike to the campsite. TLDR - came for the trout, found bears. There is also a picnic area and a camping area (albeit not a rustic one). Gorgeous trail, interesting rocks, and tremendous views from Blackrock Summit. Related resources: If you’re looking for actual facts and/or useful information, visit these resources: The very informative Black Rock Forest Consortium homepage (and thanks for the sweet forest, dudes!) It was overcast, but cool and pleasant for hiking. Blackrock Summit is a short hike, easily accessible from the Skyline Drive. After that it got hard with prolonged constant uphill grades on the AT and (blue) Trayfoot Mountain Trail for about two miles. We begain the hike at the Blackrock parking lot. You can read about our trip report at: https://travel2walk.com/2019/07/07/virginia-hikes-blackrock-trayfoot-mountain-paines-run-loop-june-22-2019/. The climb to Trayfoot summit followed the ridge line which allowed for a bit of a breeze, but would be much more picturesque when the leaves are off of the trees. We continued on until we reach the next junction at about the 1.2 mile mark. Instead, armed with a long-travel trail bike, I'll summit the ones I can bike down. The trail starts off along the Appalachian Trail (white blazes) to the summit, which is only about 0.5 - 0.6 miles one-way. The Blackrock Summit Hike is an easy 1 mi/1.6 km hike. We stand for racial equity Learn. And it doesn’t require a big climb—but it does reward hikers with big views from a summit. Saw quite a few fresh horse tracks which makes me think this trail is well-traveled. BlackRock is a global investment manager, serving South Africa with a commitment to helping more and more people plan for their financial future. Instead of getting wet at the very beginning of my hike, I went upstream ~200 yards and found a more narrow portion of the stream I was able to cross while staying dry. Sunday's Blackrock Summit Hike I’ve written about Blackrock Summit several times since I first discovered it back in September 2009. Most people access the view by a .5 mile walk from Blackrock parking area, but this route lets you spend a little more time enjoying the beautiful Appalachian Trail. The blue trail was lightly maintained as described but I would still rate it as average trail conditon overall. Pulling down into Blackrock Hut, we got set up quickly. The trip objective was to circumnavigate the southern Canadian Rockies and summit seven peaks in seven days. Required fields are marked *. Your email address will not be published. View of Route, View all 11 archived reviews for the Trayfoot Mountain/Paine Run hike, 5.0 hours including 30 minutes for breaks. Hike to stunning views atop Blackrock Mountain on this challenging loop in Pinnacle Park near Sylva, North Carolina. You will have to cross Skyline Drive again after the first 1/4 mile or so to remain on the AT. Met a very pleasant gentleman who was maintaining the stretch between Trayfoot & Blackrock, he gave us several great bear stories. 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