In two days I hiked two overlooks in Shenandoah National Park that are *crucial* pinnacles for outdoor enthusiasts in Virginia: Humpback Rock and Blackrock Summit. Like "You know nothing, Jon Snow" crucial.
I arrived at the Humpback Rock parking area at milepost 5.8 on the Blue Ridge Parkway about three hours before sunset, ready to get my sweat on. This was my fourth ascent to the greenstone outcropping, so I was familiar with the one-mile trek with a 1,240 ft elevation gain and how it never fails to get my blood pumping. This time, however, I'd be hiking alone with my 25+ pounds of camera gear and there were posted warnings of bear activity in the area. "DO NOT approach them! Attacks on humans have occurred inflicting serious injury and death."
Challenge accepted.
The trail wasted no time ascending, and just as I was reaching that point of no return I realized I had forgotten my headlamp in the car. There was that typical weighing of options moment where I glanced longingly back at the trail and affectionately notified myself, If you get attacked by a bear in the dark you're going to have to assault him with your tripod and seal the deal with an elbow drop. Can you handle that? I recalled my brief childhood obsession with the pro-wrestling soap opera and pictured myself swinging ridiculously at an invisible furry attacker with my Manfrotto. I spent a good portion of the rest of my trek thinking of an appropriate battle cry and accompanying alias.
I arrived at the Humpback Rock parking area at milepost 5.8 on the Blue Ridge Parkway about three hours before sunset, ready to get my sweat on. This was my fourth ascent to the greenstone outcropping, so I was familiar with the one-mile trek with a 1,240 ft elevation gain and how it never fails to get my blood pumping. This time, however, I'd be hiking alone with my 25+ pounds of camera gear and there were posted warnings of bear activity in the area. "DO NOT approach them! Attacks on humans have occurred inflicting serious injury and death."
Challenge accepted.
The trail wasted no time ascending, and just as I was reaching that point of no return I realized I had forgotten my headlamp in the car. There was that typical weighing of options moment where I glanced longingly back at the trail and affectionately notified myself, If you get attacked by a bear in the dark you're going to have to assault him with your tripod and seal the deal with an elbow drop. Can you handle that? I recalled my brief childhood obsession with the pro-wrestling soap opera and pictured myself swinging ridiculously at an invisible furry attacker with my Manfrotto. I spent a good portion of the rest of my trek thinking of an appropriate battle cry and accompanying alias.
It took me about 45 minutes to reach the top where I snapped my way through sunset, amazed and humbled as always. The payoff is huge! You can even watch the cars snaking their way along the Blue Ridge Parkway below. I often recommend this hike to my Richmond friends as it's only an hour drive away.
When the sun dipped below the horizon, I packed my gear and began jogging back down the trail. Without a headlamp I knew it was best to move with haste before the onset of last light. After twenty minutes sans bear sighting and "I Quit" match, I was back in the parking lot with burning knees and an enormous sense of satisfaction. I've got more time to perfect my battle cry.
Note: If you're not used to hiking, this trail will challenge you, but the view will more than make up for it.
Note: If you're not used to hiking, this trail will challenge you, but the view will more than make up for it.
The next morning I was on Blackrock Summit for a spectacular 360 degree sunrise. The parking area is at milepost 84.8 on Skyline Drive, and the hike is a 1-mile circuit with an elevation gain of only 175 feet. It's a walk in the park compared to Humpback Rock, and the payoff is, once again, spectacular.
The rock scramble summit also makes for a great work out, but prepare for wolf spiders. Lots and lots of wolf spiders. I couldn't count how many I saw that morning! Good news for the spider-squeamish, these lupine arachnids are absolutely terrified of people so don't let them deter your triumph. Just #KeepExploring
The rock scramble summit also makes for a great work out, but prepare for wolf spiders. Lots and lots of wolf spiders. I couldn't count how many I saw that morning! Good news for the spider-squeamish, these lupine arachnids are absolutely terrified of people so don't let them deter your triumph. Just #KeepExploring
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