Trayfoot and Paine Run Circuit Hike-9.2 miles-Strenuous

Starting Point - Blackrock Gap (Mile Marker 87.4 on Skyline Drive)

Ending Point - Blackrock Gap (Mile Marker 87.4 on Skyline Drive)

Hike Distance/Rating/Elevation - 9.2 miles/Strenuous/2200 feet of elevation

Disclaimer #1 - This hike is rated as a strenuous hike. Since this hike is rated as a strenuous hike, all hikers will start the hike on the wait list until I can verify the hiking experience of all hikers on the wait list. Those hikers, who have not hiked with me on a strenuous hike, will need to answer the following vetting questions before allowing those hikers on the hike.

1. How often do you hike?
2. What strenuous hikes have you done?
3. When and what was the last strenuous hike that you completed?

The answers to these questions can either be emailed to me at patrickcory@hotmail.com or via Meetup messages. Hikers have within one week of their RSVP to send the answers to the vetting questions to me. Failure to answer the vetting questions within one week will move those hikers from the wait list to NOT GOING.

Hike Highlights - Blackrock Gap, Skyline Drive, Appalachian Trail, Amazing 360 degree views from Blackrock Summit, Trayfoot Mountain Trail, Furnace Mountain Trail, Blackrock Spur Trail, Fall colors and ridge line views from the Trayfoot Mountain Trail, Paine Run Trail

Hike Details - This circuit hike is my favorite circuit hike in the South District of Shenandoah National Park. It is especially amazing in the Fall when the leaves are changing and we are starting to get the ridge line views. We are going to start by forming carpools shortly before 8:30 AM at the Fontaine Research Park and make our way into the Rockfish Gap entrance of Shenandoah National Park. We are going to drive to the Blackrock Gap parking area on Skyline Drive. From the parking area, we are going to hike the Appalachian Trail northbound about two miles to the Blackrock Summit, the best view of this circuit hike. We will have 360 degree expansive views from Blackrock Summit of the surrounding mountains and valleys. After soaking the Fall colors, we are going to hike the Blackrock Spur Trail to the Trayfoot Mountain Trail. We are going to turn left and begin a short but steep climb to the summit of Trayfoot Mountain on the Trayfoot Mountain Trail. We are going to have amazing ridge line views of the Shenandoah Valley and the Blue Ridge Mountains. We are also going to have some really neat rock formations on this stretch of the Trayfoot Mountain Trail. We are going to continue on the Trayfoot Mountain Trail down to the intersection with the Paine Run Trail. We are going to turn left onto the Paine Run Trail. We will cross Paine Run and begin the steady climb back up to the cars at Blackrock Gap. Please make sure to review the hike link below before signing up for this hike.

https://www.hikingupward.com/SNP/TrayfootMountainPaineRun/

As is tradition with my hikes, there will be an optional post hike at a local restaurant or brewery. Carpools can be arranged accordingly for those, who wish to partake in the post hike.

What to Bring - Broken in hiking boots, trekking poles, layers of clothing for colder mountain weather, $5 for your driver if not driving, beanies/gloves, lunch/snacks, 3 to 5 liters of water, a good day pack, a first aid kit, camera/phone, an annual SNP pass if you have one

Disclaimer #2 - GetHiking Charlottesville's Organizers are not professional guides. Expect the same risks and take the same precautions you would take if you were hiking alone. With your RSVP you agree with this disclaimer - Disclaimer (https://www.meetup.com/GetHiking-Charlottesville-Charlottesville-VA/pages/21088739/Disclaimer/)