Summary:
Climb to the top of Black Rock Mountain and on to a panoramic view of wooded mountains in three States.

From the parking area, it is a short climb up steps to the start of the loop. Bear right to follow the loop anti-clockwise, and continue climbing through the trees for a short time before the trail levels. Cross a small spring at marker post 4, reduced to a trickle of water by autumn. The trail is easy, with just a gently undulating gradient. After a level section, pass a short spur on the left (this leads to a boulder field and fragile botanical area at marker post 7).

20 minutes into the hike, at marker post 10, the trail makes a sharp left. The wide, level path continues through the forest (passing posts 10-13), which is now predominantly pine. It then narrows a little and starts climbing. After a steady climb, fork left at the sign and continue climbing up the hill, making your way to the summit of Black Rock Mountain. Just before post 14, the climb gets steeper as you switchback up the hillside and crest the ridge.

Now the trail bears left, and the climb is more gradual as you make your way along the tree-lined ridge. Soon you reach the forested 3,640-ft summit (40 minutes in). Continue making your way along the ridge on the gently undulating trail. Some wooden steps lead up to a more rugged section (posts 20-22), with lichen-covered boulders and rock outcrops lining the trail. From Tennessee Rock, an outcrop on your left, the view stretches over Wolffork and Germany Valleys and the Southern Appalachians. Depending on visibility, you may be able to see Clingmans Dome in Tennessee, as well as the wooded peaks of Georgia and North Carolina.

Rhododendrons crowd the path as you descend from Tennessee Rock. The trail passes close to the road before heading back into the trees. Descend through the forest to complete the loop, and bear right back down the steps to the parking area.

If you want to continue hiking, you can take the longer John Edmonds Trail, a backcountry forested loop that shares the same trailhead. Together, these two trails have a total distance of 9.4 miles.

Directions: From Clayton, take US 441 north for about 3 miles to Mountain City, then turn left onto Black Rock Mountain Parkway. It is clearly signed.

Trailhead: Parking area on the right of the Parkway, before you reach the visitor center.

Length: 2.2 miles / 3.5 km

Trail Type: Loop

Elevation Change: 360 ft / 110 m

Duration: 1 hours

Trail Condition: Well-maintained and signed, easy to follow. Yellow blazes.

Features: Hardwood forest, scenic viewpoint, beautiful leaf colors in October.

Climate: Pleasant temperatures spring to autumn. Snow in winter at higher elevations.

Accommodation: Cottages (7-night minimum stay in summer), tent and RV sites inside the Park. Lodging in Clayton.

Trail Notes: Trail map available at visitor center (open daily, 8am-5pm). An interpretive guide is also available, pointing out flora and fauna at numbered marker posts along the trail.