Blackrock Gap, Trayfoot Mountain, Paine’s Run

OVERVIEW

Hello fellow lovers of the outdoors! I’m not sure why this mountain was named after the uncommon combination of feet and trays, but it looks like a fun hike with several viewpoints over Shenandoah National Park and the surrounding area. It’s between 9 and 10 miles, so eat lunch before we start and be ready to hike! There are some stream crossings, but I don’t think they’ll be too bad. If you have crocs or another lightweight, waterproof set of shoes, you could bring those for any tough crossings, otherwise we’ll do our best not to get wet or cross barefoot.

**Although I’ve marked this adventure as beginner hiking, a beginner-intermediate designation would be best

Where: Echols dorm/Blackrock Gap
When: Friday, August 27
Additional info: https://www.hikingupward.com/SNP/TrayfootMountainPaineRun/

Here’s the plan:
1:15 PM – meet at Echols dorm, by the side door
2:15 – arrive at the trailhead, start hiking
?:?? – Eat some snacks
7:15 – arrive back at the car(s)
7:30 – enjoy a view of the sunset from one of Skyline Drive’s overlooks if we’re on schedule
8:30/9:00: arrive back at UVA

What to bring:
– 2L of water
– Snacks
– Good shoes for hiking
– Rain coat if the weather forecast calls for wetness
– Sunscreen if you don’t want to burn
– Shenandoah/national parks pass if you have one
– Optional: crocs/waterproof shoes (not flip-flops) if they’re lightweight
– Optional: long pants if you want greater protection against ticks

Preference off the waitlist will be given for those with National Park passes. The hike is in Shenandoah National Park, but I plan to buy a pass for myself (if nobody has one) so entry for others in the car will be free.

DRIVER(S) NEEDED: I do not have a car, so without any drivers this trip cannot happen! The drive is about 1 hour/40 miles away and you will be reimbursed for gas + 50% tip, as well as get priority off the waitlist. Please arrive with a full tank of gas.

photo borrowed from Hiking Upward