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Blackrock Summit Loop

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Intermediate Intermediate
 4.5 (19)
  1. Areas
  2. VA
  3. …Shenandoah Valley
  4. …Shenandoah National Park
  5. South District
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“One of the top short-distance loops in this area with a manageable climb for all ages and a rewarding view from the top. ”

Zander Göpfert
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Map Key

1.2

Miles

1.9

KM

Loop

3,144' 958 m

High

2,950' 899 m

Low

219' 67 m

Up

206' 63 m

Down

7%

Avg Grade (4°)

18%

Max Grade (10°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Views

Family Friendly Easy trails with optional scramble around the rocks at the top.

Overview

This loop hike really checks all the boxes for beginning hikers or folks looking for an easier outdoor experience without sacrificing what makes Shenandoah National Park so special. To be able to connect a handful of easy trails into a loop with a gradual climb and pretty impressive view from the top is why this hike has become a must-see. With that in mind, parking can be hard to find and you'll rarely find yourself alone on the trail or at the summit.

Need to Know

Beware of wasps along the trail. It can also be buggy, so long sleeves or bug spray can be helpful.

Description

Given that all these trails can be traveled in either direction, this loop can be reversed. Check out the elevation profile as the high point of the hike is actually on the Trayfoot Mountain Trail/Blackrock Hut Road to the southeast of Blackrock Summit.

This loop heads from the parking area off Skyline Drive in the counterclockwise direction, up the AT and down the Trayfoot Mountain Trail/Blackrock Hut Road. From the Blackrock Summit boulder field, this leaves a little more elevation gain to the highpoint.

Flora & Fauna

Songbirds, butterflies, snakes.

Contacts

Land Manager: NPS - Shenandoah National Park

Shared By:

Zander Göpfert
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.5 from 19 votes

#3

in South District

#718

Overall
  4.5 from 19 votes
5 Star
68%
4 Star
16%
3 Star
16%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#3

in South District

#26

in Virginia

#718

Overall
54 Views Last Month
2,533 Since Nov 27, 2019
Intermediate Intermediate
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Photos

Shenandoah afternoon.
Oct 6, 2016 near Grottoes, VA
Beautiful view from the rocks at Blackrock Summit.
Jul 31, 2021 near Grottoes, VA
The talus slope on the AT.
May 13, 2016 near Grottoes, VA
Trail curving around talus slope at Blackrock Mountain summit area.
Jul 24, 2020 near Grottoes, VA
View north from Blackrock Mountain summit area.
Jul 24, 2020 near Grottoes, VA

2 Comments

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Weather

Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 6 days ago
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Check-Ins

Aug 24, 2024
J H
May 25, 2024
Kari Edwards
Straight up hill moderate climb. 762ft elevation gain. Total time 32 minutes. Sunny humid day
May 21, 2024
Isabel Sappington
Jul 1, 2023
Amy Anderson
Hike with Amy, Billy, Luke, and Caleb
Jun 25, 2023
DeAnna Boiani
Beautiful viewpoint 1.2mi
May 19, 2023
Tom Herr
Rushed over to catch the sunset. A little late, but enjoyed the landscape with a huge pile of big rocks in a field, looking like an avalanche. Good. 1.2mi
Oct 29, 2022
J H
Jul 1, 2022
Heather Roth
Beautiful view at the top! Lots of gorgeous rocks. 1.2mi

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