November 2, 2025
Today’s adventure started at Riprap parking lot (mile marker 90) to Blackrock parking (mile marker 84.4) I was extremely excited about this section because Blackrock Summit is one of my absolute favorite hikes.
We started our trek at 6 am and began the rolling ascent to Blackrock Gap. The views along the way were limited, but the ultimate view was ahead. We stopped at the Blackrock Gap parking area to have a snack break. What was looming ahead was by far the most strenuous stretch thus far- a little over a half mile to the summit of Blackrock at 800’ elevation gain. It took the wind out of my sails, but when we saw the trail marker for the summit, it gave me a boost of motivation to get to the top.
We were gloriously rewarded with the views over the Shenandoah Valley, overlooking Furnace and Austin Mountains, the prominent Massanutten Mountain, and the town of Grottoes below. It was past peak on the trail, but the Valley floor was still showing all her fall colors. We didn’t linger too long or do the scramble at the summit due to the many folks enjoying the views (We are fortunate to live so close and can come up here frequently) so we began our short meander to the parking lot.
Stats- 4.94 miles and 1417’ elevation gain
Critter recap- Deer, raccoons, and crows.
