Description

Located in the Big Meadows Area, Blackrock is one of the best short hikes in all of Shenandoah National Park.

The NPS even highlights it as part of the [Kids in Parks program](https://www.nps.gov/thingstodo/hikeblackrocksummit.htm), making it a perfect hike for the entire family! A talus rock slope offers stunning views to start.

Then you'll pay a visit to Lewis Spring Falls — a beautiful waterfall and fourth-largest in Shenandoah National Park.

Though Blackrock and Lewis Falls are most often viewed as separate hikes, this is an excellent option to enjoy both in a single ~3-mile trek! There are countless ways to earn the views from Blackrock, the shortest of which begins at the Picnic Area or Lodge (as mapped).

If you're simply driving along Skyline Drive, the NPS suggests parking at the Blackrock parking area at milepost 84.4.

The main overlook is located on the Appalachian Trail, so you'll also enjoy the views if you're planning a longer thru-hike in the park.

The AT also connects to the adjacent Big Meadows Campground.

While the short walk to Blackrock is great for the entire family, this route increases in difficulty when you add a visit to Lewis Spring Falls (as mapped).

The stunning waterfall is the fourth-largest in the park and lesser-visited than many of the others, such as [Dark Hollow Falls](https://fatmap.com/30907/Other/hiking/routeid/979001/Dark_Hollow_Falls) or the [Browns Gap Waterfall Loop](https://fatmap.com/30907/Other/hiking/routeid/979102/Browns_Gap_Waterfall_Loop). Sources: https://www.nps.gov/thingstodo/hikeblackrocksummit.htm https://virginiatrailguide.com/2009/07/09/lewis-spring-falls/