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This is a great hike with some challenging ascent and an easy slope back.


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Map Key

10.3

Miles

16.5

KM

Loop

3,370' 1,027 m

High

1,453' 443 m

Low

2,075' 633 m

Up

2,077' 633 m

Down

8%

Avg Grade (4°)

31%

Max Grade (17°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Fall Colors · River/Creek · Spring · Views

Overview

The two summits give you nice views of Blackrock Gap, and it is lightly trafficked.

Description

You can choose to take this hike from the trailhead outside of the park or from the Blackrock Gap parking lot on Skyline Drive. If you take it from the western trailhead, follow it clockwise to hit a solid ascent before following the ridge to the Blackrock Mountain summit and the AT. From there, you continue to the Blackrock Gap parking area and head back down into the gap on an easy, wide-track trail that slopes down to a creek for water.

It's a perfect loop when you want a challenge but don't want to kill yourself or share the trail with tons of people.

Shared By:

Paul Karns

Trail Ratings

  4.6 from 5 votes

#2526

Overall
  4.6 from 5 votes
5 Star
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4 Star
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Recommended Route Rankings

#71

in Virginia

#2,526

Overall
10 Views Last Month
1,501 Since Mar 22, 2020
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult

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Photos

Shenandoah afternoon.
Oct 6, 2016 near Grottoes, VA
Beautiful view from the rocks at Blackrock Summit.
Jul 31, 2021 near Grottoes, VA
The talus slope on the AT.
May 13, 2016 near Grottoes, VA
Trail curving around talus slope at Blackrock Mountain summit area.
Jul 24, 2020 near Grottoes, VA
View north from Blackrock Mountain summit area.
Jul 24, 2020 near Grottoes, VA
Expect to find this marker for the Furnace Mountain Trail if accessing it from Skyline Drive.
Jan 30, 2017 near Grottoes, VA

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Check-Ins

Oct 23, 2021
Ashlee W
Beautiful fall hike! Black rock summit was amazing the the trees changing colors. Paine Run was running well but easily crossable. 9.6mi
Aug 7, 2021
Chris Gadsby
Jan 16, 2021
Joe Pollard
Oct 2, 2020
Cody Rusmisel
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