BLACKROCK BACKPACKING BREAK FROM FINALS

OVERVIEW

Hello outdoorsy souls,

If you guessed the backpacking season was over, guess again. If you guessed that no one would be willing to trade studying in the dark hellish armpit that is Clem with two days immersed in the beauty of nature, guess again. Because guess what? Claire and I are about to do JUST THAT and you should join us!!

We are planning on spending our Friday and Saturday backpacking the Trayfoot Mountain/Paine Run loop, which is a gorgeous backpacking loop that is not too challenging and includes Blackrock summit, which is LITERALLY INSANE (and Claire’s favorite view in the park!) if you haven’t beheld that view before. We’ll be parking at Blackrock Gap and hiking opposite what this here website suggests: https://www.hikingupward.com/SNP/TrayfootMountainPaineRun/, so we can camp at an established site about three miles in.

Again, here is the trail map: https://www.hikingupward.com/SNP/TrayfootMountainPaineRun/

Trip details:
Friday, Dec 8th:
leave UVA at 1pm and head up to Shenandoah; park at Blackrock Gap (between mp 88 and 87, about an hour-ish away from UVA)
Start hiking around 2pm
Hike 3 miles in to the campsite at the crossing of Paine Run; set up camp; maybe play fun games like cards and munch on a yummy dinner of your choosing
Saturday, Dec 9th:
Pack up camp, hike remaining 6-7 miles and also basking in the glory of the views when the trees have no leaves
Depending on the time we wake up, get back to the car at like 12ish and get back to UVA at 1ish

What to bring:
DISCLAIMER: *IF YOU CAN’T MAKE IT TO GEAR ROOM ON TUESDAY @ 3PM (WHICH IS ONLY GEAR ROOM LEFT), TEXT ME AND CLAIRE AND WE WILL PICK UP GEAR FOR YOU!!!!!!!*
Sleeping bag/sleeping pad
Backpack
Hiking shoes
Two pairs of socks + bandaids/moleskin
WARM clothes!!!!!!! More layers the better, it’s worth the couple added pounds to the pack to stay warm while backpacking in the “off-season”! E.g: hat, gloves, pair of long pants, pair of leggings, long-sleeve shirt, sweatshirt/sweaters/jacket-type over layers, bra/underwear as applicable
Toiletries (i.e deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste)
2 water bottles that hold 32 oz each
One dinner, one breakfast + snack if you want (some good and light examples are PBJs in flour tortillas, tuna pouches, instant mashed potatoes, trail mix, apples, carrots, granola bars, etc)
IF YOU DON’T HAVE A WAY TO GO TO THE GROCERY STORE, TEXT ME AND I WILL BUY FOOD FOR YOU & YOU CAN VENMO!!
Jetboil/lighter if you want to heat water for ramen or oatmeal (I’m going to pack food that I don’t have to cook!)
Headlamp!!!!!!
Trash bag for backpack protection in case it rains
Money if you want to buy some lunch on the way back on Saturday
Fun things to do like cards, journal, book, etc

What we’re bringing:
2 tents
Backcountry permit
Bear bag + rope
Trash bag
Water filtration system
Extra moleskin
First aid kit
Toilet paper + trowel
Map
Park pass
Probably cards
Anything else I forgot to add that’s important

If you have any questions or concerns, shoot us a text! My number is 434-270-4230, Claire’s number is on the website!