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blueBlack Bearfence Loop Trail

FEATURED
  4.8 ( 24 )
FEATURED
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  1. Areas
  2. VA
  3. …Shenandoah Valley
  4. …Shenandoah National Park
  5. Central District

Trail

1.1 mile 1.8 kilometer out and back
Intermediate/Difficult

Elevation

Ascent: 232' 71 m
Descent: -232' -71 m
High: 3,578' 1,091 m
Low: 3,356' 1,023 m

Grade

Avg Grade: 8% (5°)
Max Grade: 15% (9°)

Dogs

Unknown
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Trail shared by Ben Stockdon

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Current trail conditions

All Clear 26 days ago See History

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

— Ben Stockdon
GPX File

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.

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We need help with the following missing trail information:

Need to Know, Dogs Allowed, Flora & Fauna, History & Background

Contacts

Land Manager: NPS - Shenandoah National Park

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Check-Ins

Jul 14, 2019
Corey Kronman
w/ Giang & Lois. Scrambly and super fun! great views in the middle. Good chilling spot at the top 1.2mi
Jul 10, 2019
Theodore Bradshaw
Jul 9, 2019
Jordan McKenna
Jul 6, 2019
jeff nye
Jun 26, 2019
Jesse Daniels
Jun 22, 2019
Matt Mortensen
Jun 21, 2019
David Whitney
1.1mi — 0h 58m
Jun 16, 2019
Faadhil Moheed
1.1mi — 0h 45m
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.8 from 24 votes

#5

in Central District

#267

Overall
  4.8 from 24 votes
5 Star
75%
4 Star
25%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
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1 Star
0%
Featured Hike Rankings

#5

in Central District

#10

in Virginia

#267

Overall
74 Views Last Month
1,657 Since Dec 1, 2015
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
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Photos

Sunset view from atop Bearfence.
Sunset view from atop Bearfence.
 12

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