Blackrock Trail #447

Highlights

• Trailhead starts at West Parking Area for the Valley 
• Hiking, Horseback Riding & Mountain Biking Trail
• Easy Access w/multiple camping, fishing, rock climbing & other exploring opportunities in the nearby valley
• Trail is 1.8 miles in length and takes you to Blackrock Mountain's summit (4,200 feet) and beyond
• Views of entire Valley to the Southeast & views of the Blue Ridge Parkway to the Northeast from above the many rock outcroppings
• Connecting trails including Powerline Road Trail #451 & Rattlesnake Knob Trail #452 for Hiking, Horseback Riding & Mountain Biking and Connecting Hiking & Horse Trail ONLY Turkey Knob Trail #469 
• Connecting "Overlook Trail #491" Hike ONLY
• We suggest that you download and print the PDF map we provide for this area before visiting

The Local Scoop

The Blackrock Trail #447 takes you up and along Blackrock's rocky ridgeline. Excellent views of the entire southern portion of the valley can be had from the summit's 4,200 feet of elevation.  When at the summit (if you are Biking or Hiking) we suggest parking your bike and taking the short connector trail "Overlook Trail #491" (Hike only) for even better views of the valley to the Southeast. This trail is only 0.5 mile in length. After your view, return to your bike and BR Trail #447 to continue North on your high elevation ride/hike at over 4,000 ft. From this point you'll have approx. 0.8 mile to where you'll come to a four-way intersection. Straight ahead is Turkey Knob Trail #469 (Horse & Hike Only). This trail is the Northern most trail in the valley, is relatively flat and ends at Rock Bridge Road.  A parking area is supposed to be located here. We'll have to confirm this at a later date. To your Left is the last leg of the Powerline Road Trail #451 that will take you West and down to Flat Creek and the Nantahala National Forest boundary for approx. 2.2 miles. To your Right is the longest stretch of the Powerline Road Trail #451 which travels South for approx. 3.4 miles to where it ends at Panthertown Valley Trail #474. Rattlesnake Knob Trail #452 will be a spur trail on your Left at approx. 0.5 mile past the four-way intersection and continues North for approx. 1.6 miles to where it ends at Rock Bridge Road (S.R. 1140). There are many combinations of trails that one could plan on exploring during a trip.  Use our interactive map and downloadable map of the valley right here on our site to make planning a breeze. We recommend this trail system to anyone looking to get out in the wilderness and do some exploring.  Keep in mind that you may run into other folks and animals along these "multi-use" trails. This area offers outdoor lovers an excellent "playground" for a half day, full day or a multiple day excursion.  This is truly a wilderness area and one of our very favorites. Take advantage of the many primitive camp sites along each trail that dot the valley and ridges of this area. If you are camping overnight, please "pack-out" what you have "packed-in" so we keep this gorgeous and wild area just the way it is for future generations to come.  The trailheads in the valley are not marked so you will need to have an idea of where you are at all times. NOTE: We recommend researching the Panthertown Valley area by paying attention to this local scoop, include a partner on your adventure & have a map before coming. This area is "wild" and the trail system is unmarked, you can get lost very easily if you don't know where you're going. Our best suggestion is to download and print the map we provide on this site, find the trail(s) you are interested in and plan out your day accordingly. You need to avoid any side, less-worn trails you come across (and you'll come across a lot of them).

Local Directions

From the main intersection of U.S. Hwy 64 and N.C. Hwy 107 in Cashiers, N.C. take Hwy 64 East (towards Brevard) for 2 miles to "Cedar Creek Road" on your Left (crossing the Horsepasture River). Take Cedar Creek Road for 2.3 miles to "Breedlove Road" (S.R. 1121) on your Right. There will be a sign for Panthertown Valley at the Stop Sign. Take the Right and travel 3.3 miles to the end of the pavement for Breedlove Rd and where the rough, gravel road begins. Either park at the cul-de-sac here or continue on the rough but short gravel/mud road to the main parking area. To pick up Blackrock Trail #447 take a look at the info kiosk's map or the one you printed here.  Trailhead is to the Left, just before you go past the iron gate at the end of the parking area. Past the gate is Panthertown Valley Trail #474.