“Bearfence Mountain, elevation 3,620 feet, reportedly got its name from the palisade-like rocks, resembling a fence, that surround its summit. Outstanding 360 degree panorama makes this one of the best climbs in Shenandoah National Park. The first hour was filled with frustration because there was a detour on the t Bearfence isn't like Old Rag with significant climbing required, but it is a fun romp over rocks. This hike is an absolute must do. Bearfence Mountain is a little further up the trail, and actually involves some fun rock climbing to get there. As you can see from the photo above, Bearfence Rocks may be … Bryce is based out of Goochland Virginia, near Richmond, and does most of his hiking in mid-state Virginia. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your At the trail post for the Appalachian Trail junction, continue straight on the Bearfence Mountain Loop Trail. Baldface Mountain fog sea I parked at Bootens Gap and started the hike by following the Appalachian Trail north and beginning an ascent up the south side of Hazeltop. One of the many trails in Shenandoah takes you to the top of Bearfence Mountain, which provides a stunning 360 degree view of the Valley and surrounding mountains. The hike to Bearfence Mountain is not too bad and very close to the visitor's center. Hunting seasons are getting underway, and it's important to take extra precautions when hiking this time of the year. Bearfence Mountain Attraction Bearfence Mountain Bearfence Mountain, Shenandoah National Park, VA Best For: Infants 0-2; Little Kids 3-6; Big Kids 7-9; Tweens 10-12; Teens 13-17; If your kids love climbing rocks, they’ll love Bearface Mountain, which has plenty along the mile-long trail. The view, which extends over the mountains and valleys, is reachable after just a 1.2-mile hike. Just stay straight, and the trial will intersect with the AT in about .3 miles. Bearfence Mountain Viewpoint then to 360 summit (stopped a little short due to crowding on summit). Just by visiting this page, you have become a member of the HU community, and we invite you to post a review and share your tales from the trail. In addition to the tremendous contribution of volunteer programs managed by the USDA Forest Service and National Park Service, many of the trails in the mid-Atlantic are maintained by private groups. Bearfence Mountain - an Easy SNP Day Hike On Sunday we had one of those exceptional Indian Summer days in the Valley – the temperature rose to the mid-seventies, although it was probably a few degrees cooler up in Shenandoah National Park – so I decided to take in … To begin the hike, cross the road from the parking area at mile … The Mid-Atlantic Hiker's Guide: West Virginia - by Michael V. Juskelis At 3,620 feet (1,103 meters) high, it may not be the tallest of mountains, but it does offer spectacular 360-degree views. This hike includes a rock scramble, which means you’ll be pulling yourself up, over, and between boulders, using your feet and hands. And that is the reason we came: We were seeking a sunset. The blue blaze was easy enough, but the white blazes led up a jagged course with deep fissures between the rocks. Don't rush it. Discover 165 cabins to book online direct from owner in Bearfence Mountain, Elkton. Perfect area for sunrise and sunset - 360 view. adventures and follow local regulations. Some, such as the Lunana Snowman Trek in Bhutan and the Kangshung Valley Trek in Tibet, are grueling multiweek adventures at high altitudes. However, at milepost 10.4 (Compton Gap) there is a trail to Compton Peak, perhaps the first large mountain accessible from the North entrance of Shenandoah National Park. This was the Appalachian Trail? Cross Skyline Drive and climb the stairs up the bank. It is considered by many one of the prettiest areas of the park. Bearfence Viewpoint Hike 1.1-mile round trip.75-hour hiking time Easiest 305-foot elevation gain This route takes you to a viewpoint without the rock scramble. Description. When you get to the rock scramble, keep on the blue blazes until you reach the summit. Bearfence Mountain, Shenandoah National Park: See 196 reviews, articles, and 132 photos of Bearfence Mountain, ranked No.4 on Tripadvisor among 23 attractions in Shenandoah National Park. Chris Santella, along with top expedition leaders, explores the world's greatest walking adventures. However, if you take your time, you will be fine. The Bearfence Mountain Trail is a short loop trail passing over the rocky summit of Bearfence Mountain. The easiest is the 1.1-mile-long (1.8-kilometer) round-trip Bearfence Viewpoint trail, which incorporates a section of the Appalachian Trail and is suitable for most levels of fitness. However, if you take your time, you will be fine. The trailhead is located on mp 55.1 of Skyline Drive, and you can access Shenandoah National Park from several different entrances. It wasn’t until the 1990s when I made an effort to day hike along it in numerous spots, including Shenandoah National Park. Awesome. From the summit, you can either make it a loop by following the signs, or come back the way you came. The only challenging part is the rock scramble and there was one part that made me a little nervous. Loved this hike, and the views were outstanding. Hunting seasons start around mid-October and run through February. He prefers some of the longer hikes such as The Maryland Challenge, Mt Rogers/Grayson Highlands, North Fork Mountain and the Catoctin Trail. ... A very fun hike but not good for people with a fear of heights. 10/7/17 - A short, but extremely scenic and exhilarating scramble over boulders and cliffs to the rocky ridgeline of Bearfence Mountain at 3,545 feet. Dad gave son the choice between biking a semi-nearby rail-trail or going hiking in Shenandoah National Park. From the parking lot to the top of the mountain took about 20 minutes. There are several viewing points along the trail. Soon the rock scrambling will begin as well as the spectacular views. Some of his favorite areas in North Carolina include the Black Mountains, Grandfather Mountain, Old Fort region, and Linville Gorge. Christine and Adam live in the heartland of Virginia's best hiking in the western part of the state. But our lives took different turns, and mine turned away from hiking for more than a decade. The view from the summit is well worth the climb as it is one of only three summits in the park that has a 360-degree view. You can find descriptions of the hike from the lower end at Virginia Trail Guide or Hiking Upward. Hunting seasons start around mid-October and run through February. We're committed to building a better, more inclusive home for the modern outdoors. This past weekend I hit the trail with my brother David to complete the Bearfence Mountain, Conway River Loop.The route was attractive because it was a reasonable length (12 miles), promised a rock scramble and views and allowed us to camp in Rapidan Wildlife Management area which unlike the neighboring Shenandoah National Park, allows open fires. This is the perfect overlook to really compress the landscape and show the layers of the Blue Ridge. I will guide you up and through the rock scramble where you will witness the sunrise many miss out on. We value your privacy. Thank you! The parking lot is well marked with a sign, and I have never had a problem with space, though I imagine in the fall on a weekend you will want to go early. Bearfence trail is a short uphill hike from the parking lot followed by a rock scramble to … We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on. Big game rifle seasons are generally Thanksgiving through the first week of January. I did go during winter time at the end of January but the views were still incredible. At 3,620 feet (1,103 meters) high, it may not be the tallest of mountains, but it does offer spectacular 360-degree views. The trail head for the South River Falls Trail is located at mile marker 63 off of Skyline Drive via the South River Picnic Area. Zachary is based out of Chapel Hill, NC and author of Zach's Mild Adventures. Bearfence isn't like Old Rag with significant climbing required, but it is a fun romp over rocks. Since college he has been on hundreds of hikes around North Carolina and southern Virginia, visiting the most popular and most obscure trails he could find. This 4.75 mile hike is probably one of the best places in the park to experience the spring trillium bloom. However, total evelvation gain throughout the hike is closer to 4,000 feet. From the Bearfence Mountain Parking Area, located at milepost 56.4, cross Skyline Drive and climb the stairs up the bank. The hike starts from the Gap Creek trailhead with an easy-enough-climb until you reach the turn to Duncan Knob and arrive at a jaw-dropping boulder field. Hunting Seasons 2020 - 2021 Alt's adventure inspired an annual fundraiser which has raised over $150,000 for the Sunshine Home where his brother lives. Day 86 - To Bearfence Mountain Hut in SNP - 4th Bear Sighting - 12.40 Miles - From Hightop Hut in SNP To Bearfence Mountain Hut - Within 15 minutes of leaving camp this morning, I had my 4th bear sighting. Bearfence has in my opinion the best view in Shenandoah NP. There are several viewing points along the trail. They are also the authors of Virginia Trail Guide an in-depth social media blog promoting the awareness of Virginia's hiking trails. Jeff Alt takes you along every step of his 2,160-mile Appalachian Trail adventure filled with humorous, frightening, and inspirational stories including, bears, bugs, blisters, skunk bedmates, and hilarious food cravings. 15.8 miles today planned. Overview Bearfence Mountain is a splendid destination where the path to the summit includes two rock formations with stellar views. Check out our guide on Bearfence Mountain in Elkton so you can immerse yourself in what Elkton has to offer before you go. Even though the distance is short, the rock scramble made things interesting and fun. Bearfence Mountain is a splendid destination where the path to the summit includes two rock formations with stellar views. Bearfence Mountain was the first hike that scared the heck out of me. The Old Rag Mountain summit in Virginia’s Madison County is one of the most sought-after hiking spots accessed from the Shenandoah National Park trails. From there you cross Skyline Drive, and the trailhead is located just on the other side of the street. There is also the option to combine it with a further hike on the AT. Bearfence Mountain, Shenandoah National Park: See 199 reviews, articles, and 138 photos of Bearfence Mountain, ranked No.4 on Tripadvisor among 23 attractions in Shenandoah National Park. Seems like a no brainer and this short hike fits that bill. Hunting is not permitted in National Parks, and is permitted on most Wildlife Management, and National Forestry Service lands. Bearfence Mountain is a summit in Virginia and has an elevation of 3553 feet. SHEN: On Top of Bearfence Mountain (GC1B2FP) was created by The Richmond_Mountain_Men on 4/22/2008. 1.1mi — 1h 30m Also, about 1/2 way between the summit and Bee Mountain, there's a really nice rock outcropping that affords spectacular views of the ridge you climbed as well as The Priest to the south. Secure payments, 24/7 support and a Book with Confidence guarantee For most of the trail hikers must use both hands and feet to climb over large sections of rock. I’ll cover the approach from Skyline Drive, which follows the ridgeline of Jones Mountain to the rocks. Best Shenandoah Hike for Kids: Bearfence Mountain Loop On the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, son has no school, and dad has the day off from his job at the University, while mom still had to work. Like the first two, this one saw me and ran off immediately. Scramble up to the summit and find a good spot to check out views of Massanutten Mountain, the Blue Ridge Mountains, and Shenandoah Valley. Blazes mark the best scramble climbing route. The trail is a crowded one, especially during weekends, and to avoid the rush start at 6 or 7 in the morning. She is passionate about engaging the hiking community on all issues that affect the mountains and parks that we all love to hike. Bearfence Mountain is a splendid destination where the path to the summit includes two rock formations with stellar views. Bearfence Mountain is a splendid destination where the path to the summit includes two rock formations with stellar views. This route also features two views – both are obstructed – so it’s best to hike this route before trees at … The easy route is a trail that doesn't include rock scramble and it's just as fast to get to the top that way. Please consider joining or donating to your local hiking non-profit. It has the best view in the park and is challenging. Will have complete 360 views of both sides of the Parkway. Bearfence Mountain is one of the few hikes in Shenandoah National Park that provides views to both the east and west – making it an ideal location for sunrise or sunset. The trail to the summit is a welcome change from the basic hike in the woods common to most Shenandoah mountains. It is through their efforts that we are all able to hike these great mountains. I would consider this to be Old Rag's little brother. Bearfence Mountain from Mapcarta, the free map. Bearfence Mountain Trail is a 1 mile heavily trafficked loop trail located near Elkton, Virginia that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as moderate. Most people hike to the rocks and don't bother with reaching the true summit. Two options on how to get there: moderate and easy. I have been hiking on this trail for nearly 8 years and have never grown tired of it. The hike to Bearfence Mountain is not too bad and very close to the visitor's center. Although a short jaunt to the top, the scrambling is … It was cold, too — a frigid day for a hike but the sky was blue, clear. To go on the shorter route to the viewpoint, be prepared to head through boulders and rough, steep rocks on Bearfence Mountain by using both your feet and hands. I hung this photo up at work to keep my dream of thru-hiking the AT alive. I will drive up to 3 guest from the shop to Bearfence Mountain hiking trail. Amazon - "Fifty Places to Hike Before You Die is the latest offering in the bestselling Fifty Places series. In a few tenths of a mile, I came to a junction with the Laurel Prong Trail; here, I turned right and took the Laurel Prong Trail east. Michael Juskelis’ dedication to the outdoors, as well as decades and many thousands of miles of hiking experience, is in evidence throughout his new guide to a selection of West Virginia’s most beautiful trails. Bearfence Mountain This short hike has just enough rock scrambling to make it feel like a challenge. Trial is a short half mile up through a rock scramble to the peak. If you are planning a hike this winter make sure to call the park’s recorded information line for the most current Skyline Drive status. The best hiking information including GPS maps, descriptions, reviews, driving directions and pictures. There is also the option to combine it with a further hike on the AT. The Outbound works best with JavaScript enabled. Appalachian Trail. Just keep straight again(there is a sign) and follow the blue blazes. With 64 backpacking and day hikes this new West Virginia hiking guide is a must have for old-salt hikers looking for that new route, as well as the beginner trying to find an easier hike with gorgeous scenery. Originally from Scotland, his love of hiking started after his 20th Wedding Anniversary trip to the Canadian Rockies. Linda has hiked in the mid-Atlantic for more than 20 years, and enjoys spending most of her hiking time in the mountains of northwest Virginia and West Virginia. Formed by lava millions of years ago, the greenstone provides a challenging path to the summit. The Point Overlook is one of 72 overlooks for people to enjoy the beauty of Shenandoah National Park as they drive along Skyline Drive. © 2020 The Outbound Collective - Terms of Use - Privacy Policy. This is one of my favorite hikes in Shenandoah National Park for its views, easy access to the trail, and the option to combine it with a much further hike on the AT. The trail to the summit is a welcome change from the basic hike in the woods common to most Shenandoah mountains. The HU community contributors also include everyone who has posted a review of a hike on this site. Looking for things to do in Elkton? I've hiked this trail twice: once as a round trip to the true summit last September, once as a loop in December. It's located in Virginia, United States.A short hike to a panoramic view with a great rock scramble. Go PRO to support our mission and get benefits like gear deals, no ads, and more! This trail is not for children. It’s nothing short of spectacular along this section of Appalachian Trail. At the trail post for the Appalachian Trail junction, turn right onto the AT south. The hike up Bearfence Mountain is fairly short, but the rewards are ample: one of the park's few 360-degree views and a fun rock scramble. Bearfence Mountain: Bearfence Hike - See 199 traveller reviews, 138 candid photos, and great deals for Shenandoah National Park, VA, at Tripadvisor. Still, the allure remained. From the parking lot to the top of the mountain took about 20 minutes. When not working as an administrator at the University of Virginia, Jeff is often out on the trail with his constant hiking companion, Gracie the Ultimate Trail Dog. This hike starts along the beautiful Rapidan River, then heads up alongside Staunton River with small falls and pools, before making a steep climb to the panoramic outcropping of views at Bear Church Rock. When you're in the central district of Shenandoah why not stop for a short 30 minute hike with outstanding views of the surrounding landscape? Bearfence isn't like Old Rag with significant climbing required, but it is a fun romp over rocks. Those who prefer less of a challenge than the Bearfence Mountain Trail can hike the Appalachian Trail for an 180-view. To begin from the parking lot, cross Skyline Drive and climb the stairs up the bank. It's located in Virginia, United States.A short hike to a panoramic view with a great rock scramble. It's a Other size geocache, with difficulty of 1, terrain of 4.5. It's a Other size geocache, with difficulty of 1, terrain of 4.5. As Alt walked on through freezing temperatures, driving rain, and sunny skies, he was constantly buoyed by the knowledge that his walk was dedicated to his brother who has cerebral palsy. Bearfence Mountain, Shenandoah National Park: See 196 reviews, articles, and 132 photos of Bearfence Mountain, ranked No.4 on Tripadvisor among 23 attractions in Shenandoah National Park. Bearfence Mountain is located in Shenandoah National Park. Amazon.com Review Skyline Drive in the Shenandoah National Park will close periodically due to inclement weather such as ice and snow. The trail to the summit is a welcome change from the basic hike in the woods common to most Shenandoah mountains. Many parks and forestry areas have reduced amenities as they re-open. Bearfence Mountain was the first hike that scared the heck out of me. Either way, it's a 1.2 mile hike. Bearfence Mountain is located in Shenandoah National Park. 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