Hike to Blackrock Overlook

This is probably one of my favorite hikes I've done in Panthertown Valley. Its also one of the easier views to access.

You start from the Salt Rock Gap Parking lot, taking the Blackrock Trail (447) up Blackrock Mountain. This trail is located about 100 yards to the left if you are standing looking at the information hut in the parking lot. You can also take the Blackrock Spur (447A) (straight behind the information hut) that will connect you to the Blackrock Trail (447) a little further up the mountain. 

You will climb the mountain for a little ways but eventually topping out, walking on the ridges for a good portion of the hike. About 1.1 miles in, you will intersect the Overlook (491) trail. This will lead you to the overlook, located about .4 miles down the mountain. It may seem weird that you are hiking down to an overlook and feel as though you may have missed it but don't worry, the Overlook Trail dead-ends into Blackrock Overlook. The hike down to the overlook gets moderately steep in some places but doesn't last for very long.

There is tons of room on the rock face to enjoy the view of the valley. If you have time to relax here, take it!

Because most of the trails are connect and intersect one another, if you're looking for a longer hike or want to see more of the valley, there are many different loops you can take to get back to the parking lot!

NOTES:
Remember that the Panthertown Valley trails are all connected and may require you to take one trail to access another; not all the trails start from the parking lot. This also means that the trail distances posted under the informational hut are the distances from the START of that trail, but you may have to take one or two other trails to get to the start of that trailhead. 

Take a picture of the maps and trail milages. It can be confusing trying to remember the different numbers and how far each trail is. This will be super helpful once you've already started your hike, especially if you want to do a loop of your own!

Let someone know where you are going! Surprisingly the valley has great cell service on most trails however, especially in the summer months, bears and snakes can be a concern.