Appalachian Trail to Blackrock Summit - 5 miles (Easy)
Details
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GetHiking's Annual Easy & Moderate Hike Series is back! It's time to get the legs moving and hit the trail in 2020 with a series of familiar and fun easy to moderate level hikes.
Hike # 1 - Appalachian Trail to Blackrock Summit - Shenandoah National Park.
If there is such a thing as a gentle stretch along the AT, this must be it. Our hike will start at the Brown's Gap parking area, where we will hike south on the Appalachian Trail to Blackrock Summit (3,092') - out and back will be just over 5 miles. Once a huge cliff, today Blackrock is a tumbled mass of boulders. The trail wraps around the rocky summit with an optional boulder scramble to the top - there is also a very interesting short side loop trail that leads through a wonderful maze of rock formations. The scramble is truly optional as views from the trail at Blackrock are fantastic. We will plan on a break for picture taking, snacks and exploring before heading back.
Difficulty: Easy
Note on difficulty: I always feel compelled to clarify that while a hike may be described as ‘easy’, we’re still hoofing it up and over five miles in the mountains. In short, hiking 5 miles of mountain trail is much different than a long walk in town. There are two uphill climbs on this hike. The first as we leave the parking area and the second, on the last leg up to Blackrock Summit. Estimated elevation change is about 650’. If you have a question or concern about the hike please message me!
Where: For those wanting to carpool and/or caravan out together, we will meet at Barracks Road Shopping Center in front of Great Outdoor Provision Co. We will depart Barracks Road no later than 10:15 a.m - please arrive by 10:00 so that we can figure out who is riding with whom. Driving time to the trail head will be approximately 1 hour. We will be taking the Bypass to I64 West, exiting at Rockfish Gap where we will enter the Shenandoah Park South entrance. For those driving to the trail head, once through the Parks South entrance continue North on Skyline Drive and park at Brown's Gap parking area - mile post 83. If you have a SNP pass, please bring it... If you plan on driving directly to the trail head, please say so in the comment section, so that we are not waiting for you at the carpool. Please be at the Trail Head by 11:10.
Fees & Such: Of course for the carpool to work, some have to offer to drive so others can ride. Riders, please give your driver $5.00 to cover their expenses. Also, note that there is a entrance fee to the Park - $25.00 per vehicle or $50.00 for an annual pass, good for anyone in the car. If you already have a Park Pass, please bring it...
Supplies: please bring plenty of water and wear hiking boots/shoes. Trekking poles are not required, but are nice to have on any mountain hike. We will be taking a nice break for exploring and enjoying lunch at Blackrock Summit - so bring lunch and snacks...! Also, pay attention to the mountain weather - wear & pack warm layers and a rain shell.
Weather: If inclement weather necessitates canceling or postponing the hike, the decision will be made no later than 8:00 a.m. - cancellations will be posted on the hike comment section... This is intended to be a fun, easy hike - if the weather stinks, we'll go another day.
RSVP: If you find that you're not going to be able to attend the hike, please update your RSVP to "No" as soon as possible. This allows those on the waitlist to have the opportunity to attend.
Dog Policy: If you want to hike with your pup, please check out our - Dog Policy (https://www.meetup.com/GetHiking-Charlottesville-Charlottesville-VA/pages/22042321/Dog_Policy/)
Disclaimer: 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/)