Monday, January 24, 2011

A Walk to Blackrock on a Cold Day

Shenandoah's Rocky Outpost Offers Great Views

Blackrock
An earlier hike to Blackrock, in warmer weather.

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The trail to Blackrock. It begins near milepost 85 on the Skyline Drive.

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First view of the rocks.

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Snow on the rocks.

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The view from the top.

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Trayfoot Mountain in the distance.

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Furnace Mountain and Austin Mountain.

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The blue-blazed trail to Trayfoot Mountain...

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...leads through wind-twisted trees...

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...through the Cleft in the Rock.

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A frosty fern.

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Winter color.

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Twisted wood.

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Blackrock derives its name from the growth of lichen on the rocks...

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...which from a distance looks dark on the surface.

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Mountain Laurel.

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Frost.

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A Black Bear (Ursus Americanus) made this footprint in the soft ground of the last thaw.

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Winter's colors are a special treat.