Hike Trayfoot Mtn-Blackrock-Paine Run (2,205' ascent, 9.17 miles)

DESCRIPTION: This rugged, under-the-radar circuit in the Southern District of Shenandoah National Park serves up immense solitude, massive boulder fields, and a peaceful trek through bear country. We will conquer a jaw-dropping talus mountain summit and track along a remote mountain stream far away from the traffic of Skyline Drive.

Phase 1: Navigating the Blackrock Boulder Jumble
We will park at the Blackrock Gap parking area (Milepost 87.4) and head north on the white-blazed Appalachian Trail.

• The Vibe: Invigorated and sharp. The trail wastes no time ascending through a forested burn area. After about 1.3 miles, we will bypass the initial Trayfoot turn to hit the stunning Blackrock Summit.

The View: This is easily one of the most physically striking mountaintops in the park—a spectacular, massive jumble of giant quartzite boulders wrapping around the peak. We will scramble up the rock pile to take in a sweeping, unobstructed panorama of the Shenandoah Valley and the rolling western ridges.

Phase 2: Tracing the Fin of Trayfoot Mountain
After scrambling around the boulders, we will use the Blackrock Spur trail to jump onto the blue-blazed Trayfoot Mountain Trail.

• The Vibe: Quiet and adventurous. We will push past the viewless, tree-covered 3,374-foot summit of Trayfoot Mountain and lock into a single-file line along the ridge. This lightly maintained trail follows a narrow "fin" of rock, gently dropping for 4 miles through fields of wild blueberries and mountain laurel. We will work together to navigate any overgrown spots or fallen trees.

Phase 3: The Drop to Paine Run
Near the base of Trayfoot, the trail descends via a few tight switchbacks, passing the rugged rock formations of Buzzard Rock before bottoming out at the intersection with the yellow-blazed Paine Run Trail.

• The Vibe: Watchful and unified. This deep, isolated wilderness hollow is prime black bear country. We will keep our eyes peeled and stay closely grouped, safely splashing or rock-hopping right across the wide waters of Paine Run stream to find a wide gravel bank for our lunch break.

Phase 4: The Historical Climb Out
Our final stretch follows the wide, rocky Paine Run Trail (an old 19th-century roadbed) as it climbs gradually back up the valley toward our cars.

• The Vibe: Relaxed and conversational. Because this multi-purpose trail climbs at a gentle, easy grade, we can walk two or three abreast, chat, and listen to the stream rushing on our left. We will pass the historic, muddy ruins of Blackrock Springs—a fashionable 1840s resort—before a final steady push brings us right back to the Blackrock Gap parking lot.

TRAIL MAP: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/trayfoot-mountain-trail-46d0671. Please download this map onto your phone.

PARKING/CARPOOLING: Please arrive at the Blackrock Gap Trailhead Parking lot 15 minutes before the start of the hike. Also, I encourage carpooling wherever possible. If you need a ride or want a ride, look at the list of attendees and where they live (it says in their profile). Then, for those who live near you, hit the "Chat" button to ask if they want or can offer a ride. If you are a rider, please chip in towards gas (usually $5 - $20 depending on distance and # of riders). Additionally, you can post a request to give or receive a ride in the chat section of the event.

EXPECTATIONS: Download the trail map onto your phone before you arrive. Bring plenty of drinking water and a lunch/snacks. Know your physical limits and cardiovascular fitness. Bring proper clothing and gear for the weather. If you have any concerns or questions, don't hesitate to contact the hike leader via the chat feature or direct messaging.

RELEASE OF LIABILITY & ASSUMPTION OF RISK AGREEMENT: By attending this hike, I acknowledge that hiking in nature carries the risk of potential harm to myself up to and including the risk of injuries such as broken bones or muscle/tendon injuries, illness, disability, or death. These can be caused by slipping or falling off rocks due to loss of balance or lack of coordination; twisting ankles on rocks, brush, limbs, or ice; Acts of nature such as rock falls, inclement weather, lightning, strong wind, extreme temperatures; drownings in rivers, streams, or other bodies of water; drinking unfiltered contaminated water or becoming dehydrated; succumbing to heat exhaustion; getting bit or stung by venomous reptiles, animals, or insects; and my own or other’s negligent or risky behaviors. This list is not exhaustive nor is it inclusive of all risks. In response, I release and hold harmless with respect to all injury, disability, death, or loss of property, whether caused by negligence or otherwise, the “Active Adventures” and "Harrisonburg Hiking Adventures" meetup groups' leadership as well as the designated hike leaders for this hike.

SICKNESS (COVID/FLU/COLD): As always, if you have been exposed to a contagious illness, or are having any symptoms at all, please do not attend. There will be plenty of future events.