Near Flat Rock
Well-constructed bridge on Bankhead Trail.
Near Flat Rock
The Flat Rock.
Near Flat Rock
View from the Flat Rock on Monte Sano
Near Flat Rock
Entrance to the Flat Rock Connector
Near Flat Rock
The bench that most of the Flat Rock trail follows.

Looking for more photos?

View All Photos
Driving Directions
Hike Trail

Flat Rock

3.3 (3 Ratings)
The longest trail in Monte Sano State Park.
8.3
mi
Distance
388
ft
Gain
strenuous
Difficulty
Fall ColorsViewsWaterfallWildflowers
Access Issues
Closed during hunting season October 1st - February 10th

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
8.29mi
Distance
388ft
Elevation Gain
823ft
Elevation Loss
20%
Max Grade
1,120ft
High Point
674ft
Low Point
Path Type
Point to Point
Description
Flat Rock Trail is the longest trail on Monte Sano. It runs from the Bankhead Trail and runs around the north side of the mountain before ending at Dug Hill Road. There is not a single marking along the entirety of Flat Rock Trail that says Flat Rock. If you are attempting to hike this trail I would suggest loading the GPS track into your watch or smartphone. Most of the trail has beaten down enough so it is easy to follow, but certain spots can be tricky. There are some sections that are used for trail races like the Viduta Stage Race or the Mountain Mist 50k so you'll see the occasional race marker or spray painted arrow. From the Dummy Line Trail you head across Bankhead parkway on to Bankhead Trail, which use to be a part of the Flat Rock trail. and down a steep decline till you reach a narrow to singletrack trail until the trail forks where you bear left to start on the Flat Rock Trail. At 1.5 miles, the trail takes a hard right near a fenced-in cell phone tower and the trail converts to doubletrack. At the 3 mile point, you reach the trail's namesake, The Flat Rock. It is a large flat limestone rock that features a nice view and few cacti. This is also where the trail intersects with the first of two trails called the Flat Rock Connector. This connector will take you to the Logan Point Trail. After you exit the flat rock the trail turns back to singletrack and weaves through the woods. Because of the remote nature of the trail some sections are a bit overgrown but it is still very navigable. At mile 6.75, the trail reaches the Flat Rock K2 Connector trail that is known by the local runing community as K2 because of its steep incline. At mile 7, the trail merges with the power line cut which it follows for the majority of the remaining distance. At mile 8, the trail intersects with Warpath Ridge. From here it slopes down aggressively to Dug Hill Road. This section is also be called the Power Line Trail.

Route Conditions

Report Conditions
Anonymous Adventurer
All Clear
Looking for more condition reports?
View History

Nearby Hike Routes

Old Railroad Bed to Alms House

Hike Route

Old Railroad Bed to Alms House

River/Creek
moderate
1.6 mi
+271 ft
North Plateau Loop

Hike Route

North Plateau Loop

Fall Colors
moderate
1.83 mi
+79 ft
Stone Cuts to Golan Heights Loop

Hike Route

Stone Cuts to Golan Heights Loop

Cave
strenuous
3.66 mi
+482 ft
High Trail to Hotel Basin

Hike Route

High Trail to Hotel Basin

Fall Colors
strenuous
4.56 mi
+821 ft
Devils Racetrack

Hike Route

Devils Racetrack

Birding
moderate
3.32 mi
+269 ft
Blevins Gap

Hike Route

Blevins Gap

Fall Colors
strenuous
10.98 mi
+1,809 ft
Contributors
Luke Brisk