Trayfoot/Blackrock Mountain Loop

You can choose to take this hike from the trailhead outside of the park or from the Blackrock Gap parking lot on Skyline Drive. If you take it from the western trailhead, follow it clockwise to hit a solid ascent before following the ridge to the Blackrock Mountain summit and the AT. From there, you continue to the Blackrock Gap parking area and head back down into the gap on an easy, wide-track trail that slopes down to a creek for water. It's a perfect loop when you want a challenge but don't want to kill yourself or share the trail with tons of people.