Furnace Mountain-Blackrock-Austin Mountain Loop Hike

This VERY STRENUOUS hike in the southern section of Virginia s Shenandoah National Park offers varied terrain and great views, particularly from the Austin Mountain Trail, the Furnace Mountain Summit and the highly scenic Blackrock Summit. The 13.5-mile circuit with approximately 3000 feet of elevation gain is for experienced hikers only. Long sections of the trail include hiking along talus (broken rock) slopes that are exposed to the sun.

We ll start at the foot of the Blue Ridge near Port Republic, VA. We ll first ascend the Furnace Mountain Trail, including a side trip to the very scenic Furnace Mountain Summit. We ll reach our high point at the spectacular Blackrock Summit, where we ll linger to enjoy one of the grandest panoramas in all of Shenandoah. After a short jaunt on the Appalachian Trail to Browns Gap, we ll return downhill to our cars via the rugged Austin Mountain Trail.

Bring plenty of water (at least 3 liters), lunch, bug spray, sunscreen and about $20 for transportation and trip fees. We will stop at the Sheetz in Haymarket on our way to the trailhead, where you can buy made-to-order sandwiches for lunch. There will be an optional dinner stop on the way back to Washington. Those going to dinner should remember to bring a mask.

Due to the length of the both the hike and the drive to and from Shenandoah, we likely will not get back to the East Falls Church Metro until after 9 p.m.

Meet at 8 a.m. at the East Falls Church Metro Kiss & Ride lot.