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

Water crossings: multiple

Dogs not permitted on this hike.

Total # of hikers: 10

This hike is rated as strenuous. All hikers will start on the Meetup wait list. All hikers please answer the recent hiking experience questions when you RSVP in Meetup.

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

Hike Details - This circuit hike is in the South District of Shenandoah National Park. We are going to meet at 0900 at 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 in the Spring flowers, 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.

Trayfoot Mountain Circuit in Alltrails

If you are interested in carpooling, place a note in the Meetup hike comments. Thanks!

What to Bring - Broken in hiking boots, trekking poles, bug spray, long pants (expect overgrown trail in places), lunch/snacks, 3 liters of water, electrolytes, day pack, first aid kit, camera/phone, an annual SNP pass.

Post hike rehydration carside at the parking lot. Bring a sandwich, beverage and a chair.

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/Disclaime](https://www.meetup.com/GetHiking-Charlottesville-Charlottesville-VA/pages/21088739/Disclaimer/)r