Blackbird/Ridge Loop

The Rocky Ridge Trail is softly uphill in this direction, exposed through windswept sandstone boulders and a surprisingly sandy trail with beautiful views of the sods. Then Raven Ridge Trail winds through pine forests and open meadows, a nice downhill the entire way so use it to relax and rest. Then the relatively smooth Upper Red Creek Trail requires the first real climb of the route, about 150 feet up over a half mile, into another downhill section taking you around the east side of Blackbird Knob.Then turn right onto the Blackbird Knob Trail, and enter the crux of the loop, a 300 foot climb up out to the parking lot over a mile.