This article was originally published on Mathprofhiker’s Hiking Blog . Highly recommended for a family friendly, easy stroll with a huge payoff at the top. 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. Continue on this trail to return to the parking lot. Near the top, the giant boulder pile comes into view through a tunnel of leaves. 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. It is ideal for watching the sunset or sunrise, but it’s a remarkable experience no matter what time of day you visit. Overview Blackrock is a mountain summit west of Big Meadows in Shenandoah National Park. 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. This 270 degree view is a great spot in the park to watch both sunrises and sunsets. The second hike adds steps on the Trayfoot Mountain Trail. Took the whole family on this hike including the dog. You have arrived at Blackrock Summit. Once the trees open up, you will be … Simmons Gap Ranger Station. Blackrock Summit Parking Area - Skyline Drive in Shenandoah. 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. 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. Located at Milepost 84.4 on scenic Skyline Drive, it is an extremely accessible and easy hike. I started at the Blackrock Summit Parking area. The parking lot at Blackrock Summit was completely empty when we arrived- astounding considering how beautiful the day was. After 1.7 miles you will reach the main waterfall. Go PRO to support our mission and get benefits like gear deals, no ads, and more! From the parking lot, the trailhead begins on the white-blazed Appalachian Trail. adventures and follow local regulations. Immediately you'll cross over the Appalachian Trail-stay straight on the blue-blazed trail to Doyles Falls. Perched on top of Big Flat Mountain, this is one of the largest campgrounds in the park. That’s good since this is a rather popular destination in the park. Once the trees open up, you will be treated to views of the mountains to the north. The Appalachian Trail passes only a few yards to the west of the parking area, and that is my preferred route for this hike. As the chain and this trail’s wide path give away, this section of trail doubles as a fire road. Jenkins Gap Overlook - 2355 ft. 5. Blackrock Summit Parking Area - Skyline Drive in Shenandoah. With only 175-feet of elevation gain, the trail is an easy walk to the summit. This area is used as a school bus turn around and should not be used for parking. The other two are Limberlost Trail and Fox Hollow Trail. I think you’ll thank me. 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. All information about 22932 Crozet, Crozet, Virginia - Blackrock Summit Parking. 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. 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. Directions to the trailhead: The Blackrock Summit Parking Area is located on the west side of Skyline Drive at mile marker 84.8. Following the Appalachian Trail route, this trail is located in Shenandoah National Park. This was my first time getting truly acquainted with the stretch of mountains between Calf Mountain and Blackrock. The parking area at milepost 84.4 is quite large, able to accommodate more than a dozen cars. An informative display is located at the end of the parking area with the AT just a few yards further west. I also recommend bringing along a telephoto, if you've got it! From the Blackrock parking area at Skyline Drive mile 84.4, follow the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) south. Head South on the Trayfoot Mtn Trail/BlackRock Hut Rd about 1 mile to the Blackrock Summit. Continue around the mass of boulders to find equally awe-inspiring views to the south. Just above the lodge is Blackrock. Shenandoah Overlook. According to the sign at the beginning of the trail, it is "an easy hike with outstanding views and interesting geology. 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. Blackrock Summit is an easy hike to love. Park at Brown Gap parking lot (mm 83) on Skyline Drive & cross the road to begin the hike to the summit. Drive North on the Skyline Drive for about 15-20 minutes to the Blackrock Summit Parking area at milepost 85. Parking at MP 84.4 on the Skyline Drive. 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. Another set of cascades are 0.2 miles past this point. The trail then wrapped around the talus slope. Trailhead at Blackrock Summit parking area. 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. I told you it was a short and sweet hike. Blackrock Summit is a hidden gem in the beautiful Shenandoah National Park. Trailhead is to the Left, just before you go past the iron gate at the end of the parking area. Dundo Group Campground is a beautiful campground located at milepost 83.7 along the Skyline Drive with the Appalachian Trail pas... Overview I have taken my two boys (1 and 4) on this hike with no problem. For the 1.0-mile hike, continue curving along the Appalachian Trail until you reach the Blackfoot Hut Road-Trayfoot Mountain Trail. Choose this hike today to try out with our children. 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. 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. 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. The Blackrock Summit hike is one of three hikes in Shenandoah National Park with an adventure component. Blackrock Gap is not the hike/trail described here. For a hiking map of the area, visit here (or ask for one at the park entrance). 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. Please explore responsibly! Keyser Run Trailhead. 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