The following hike is published in Virginia C. Roy's book: "Charlottesville for Seniors" copyright 1997 by Featherstone, Inc. Used with permission. To order your own copy of "Charlottesville for Seniors" call 1-(800) 562-4292

Round Trip Distance:1 mile Trail Rating: Easy, well maintained trail. Moderate elevation change. Reference: PATC Map 11 (available at entrance stations),
Reference: Heatwole's Guide.

This rocky place is a great place to take in the sunset. The jumble of boulders is the remains of a cliff that fractured and fell and the name"Blackrock" is derived from the lichen that covers the rock, giving it a dark appearance. The Parking area is located on the Skyline Drive between mileposts 84 and 85. At the far end of this parking area is a short path connecting to the Appalacian Trail. Turn left on the AT and walk .5 mile to the rocks at the summit. This is a fairly easy half mile walk uphill. Note that the Appalacian Trail is marked by white paint blazes on the trees along the trail. A double blaze always means to watch for a change in direction of the trail. Only the AT is marked white--other trails in the park are blazed blue or yellow. At the summit the trail curves around the boulders to overlook Madison Run and Payne's Run valleys. The Large mountain to the West is Trayfoot Mountain. A blue-blazed trail leads off in it's direction. Follow this trail to the "Cleft in the Rock" and you will see the structure of the ridge and cliff in clearer detail. In .3 of a mile this trail intersects the Trayfoot Mountain Road. in the saddle between Blackrock and Trayfoot. Here you are likely to see wildlife as the animals like to cross through the dip between the mountains as they move about in search of food. Sunset at Blackrock usually brings animal activity and the interesting play of evening light on rocks and faraway ridges. As soon as the sun dissapears you will want to head back to the parking area so that you have dusk light for your return.