AT- Doyles Run Overlook to Blackrock Summit (~7.5 miles/~1,035 elevation gain)

Parking: Doyles Run Overlook - mile 81.9 on Skyline Drive
https://share.google/7yx4IWKG5ROhB3vEU
The hike: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/at-o-b-doyles-run-overlook-to-blackrock-summit-084afd9?u=i&sh=jbc54i

Note: There will be an optional post hike rehydration at the overlook. Bring a beverage, a chair and a snack at your discretion.

Hike Description: This is an out and back hike from the Doyles River Overlook to Blackrock Summit. The overlook has a beautiful view of the Doyles River valley. We will start hiking on the Appalachian Trail southbound. A mile to the south we will pass through Browns Gap. Browns Gap was named for the wealthy and influential Brown family (more history below). We will continue along the AT for another ~2.7 miles, passing Dundo Campground, until we reach our reward - the 180+-degree viewpoints of Blackrock Summit. We will take a snack break here, enjoy the views and scamper around on the rocks if you chose. It is also our turnaround spot for this hike. We will retrace our steps back on the AT to our starting point.

Some additional history of Browns Gap: About 1750 Benjamin Brown and his son, also Benjamin Brown, began to buy land in the western part of Albemarle County, including more than 6,000 acres on both sides of what is now Doyles River. They became one of the most influential families in that part of the county. The older Benjamin Brown had eight sons: Benjamin, Barzillai, Benajah, Bernard, Bernis, Bezaleel, and Brightberry. In 1805-06 Brightberry Brown and William Jarman built a turnpike across the Blue Ridge here. For many years it was one of the principal routes for taking farm produce from the Shenandoah Valley to Richmond.
Browns Gap and the turnpike were used briefly during the Civil War. On May 2, 1862, at the beginning of his Valley Campaign, Stonewall Jackson marched his entire army through Browns Gap. From June 9 to June 12, after the Battle of Port Republic at the end of the Valley Campaign, Jackson's army camped in and near Browns Gap.
On September 25, 1864, General Jubal Early and his army, after their defeat at Winchester, fortified themselves here and fought off Sheridan's attacks for two days while awaiting reinforcements.

Disclaimer: GetHiking Organizers are not professional guides. Expect the same risks and take the same precautions you would if you were hiking alone. You are solely responsible for your own safety and well-being. With your RSVP you agree to participate at your own risk and are solely responsible for any damage to your property and/or any injury to yourself or your guest. When joining GetHiking you affirm that you knowingly and voluntarily agree not to bring any type of claim arising out of/or related to this event against the organizers of this group.
Weather: If inclement weather necessitates canceling or postponing the hike, the decision will be made no later than 7:00AM - cancellations will be posted on the hike comments section. Steady rain with not much chance of clearing and/or dangerous conditions will call for postponing the hike.
RSVP: If you find that you are 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.
Recommended items - Broken in Hiking Boots, Trekking Poles, Lunch/Snacks, 2-3 Liters of Water, Good Day Pack,