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Bearfence Loop Trail

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Intermediate/Difficult
 4.7 (38) RECOMMENDED ROUTE
  1. Areas
  2. VA
  3. …Shenandoah Valley
  4. …Shenandoah National Park
  5. Central District

“A short trail with moderately hard rock scrambles, but great views! ”

Ben Stockdon
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Map Key

1.1

Miles

1.8

KM

Out and Back

3,578' 1,091 m

High

3,356' 1,023 m

Low

232' 71 m

Up

232' 71 m

Down

8%

Avg Grade (5°)

15%

Max Grade (9°)

Dogs Unknown

Features Fall Colors · Views · Wildlife

Family Friendly A lot of fun for the kids to climb the rocks and short enough that it won't lose their attention.

Overview

Though this trail will lead you past several false summits, be sure to hold out and continue to press on for the real thing. The 360-degree views are well worth the moderate climb required to reach the summit.

Description

As you pull into the parking lot look across the road for the trailhead. This trail has many different side trails branching off of it. This can make it important to remember how to get back, but can also lead to exploring so many other trails at the same time. If you are worried about getting lost, just be sure to use the Hiking Project mobile app to help navigate.

The trail is well marked and as you get about halfway in, the rock scrambles begin. Having a shoe with some good sticky rubber for traction is great here. Some light climbing is involved in the rock scrambles, and you can even boulder a few spots along the trail. In the winter, this trail has a good chance for ice and snow.

Make sure to sit on top of one of the rocks and have a bite to eat while enjoying the amazing views all around you. This is one of the best trails in the park for sunrise/sunset views. It is short enough to get you to a great view while still being enough of a challenge to be rewarding.

Contacts

Land Manager: NPS - Shenandoah National Park

Shared By:

Ben Stockdon
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.7 from 38 votes

#6

in Central District

#247

Overall
  4.7 from 38 votes
5 Star
74%
4 Star
18%
3 Star
8%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#6

in Central District

#11

in Virginia

#247

Overall
50 Views Last Month
3,406 Since Dec 1, 2015
Intermediate/Difficult
0%
3%
24%
6%
67%
0%
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Photos

Sunset view from atop Bearfence.
May 25, 2016 near Stanley, VA

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Check-Ins

Aug 4, 2021
Miranda Clark
an amazing hike! not suitable for young children. a great trail for confident hikers
Jul 14, 2021
caroline storz
freaked abt rain& didn't want to climb more boulders. plus do not understand the loop. seems like out &back looking @map. should connect applch trail 0.7mi
Jun 20, 2021
Chris R
With Isaiah
May 25, 2021
Allison K
Cool rock scrambling. Into the clouds to the east and limited view to west bc of clouds 1.1mi
Apr 15, 2021
Robert Simons
Shockingly quick, hard, and stunning
Nov 28, 2020
Molly McLeod
Oct 17, 2020
Michaela Cirone
Bearfence Mountain Viewpoint then to 360 summit (stopped a little short due to crowding on summit). 1.1mi — 1h 30m
Sep 7, 2020
Cody K
0.8mi

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