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Bearfence Loop Trail

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
 4.7 (58)
  1. Areas
  2. VA
  3. …Shenandoah Valley
  4. …Shenandoah National Park
  5. Central District
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“A short trail with moderately hard rock scrambles, but great views! ”

Ben Stockdon
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1.0

Miles

1.7

KM

Out and Back

3,579' 1,091 m

High

3,361' 1,024 m

Low

218' 66 m

Up

217' 66 m

Down

8%

Avg Grade (4°)

14%

Max Grade (8°)

Dogs No Dogs

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 with improvements by J H
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.7 from 58 votes

#6

in Central District

#177

Overall
  4.7 from 58 votes
5 Star
74%
4 Star
19%
3 Star
7%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#6

in Central District

#9

in Virginia

#177

Overall
19 Views Last Month
3,912 Since Dec 1, 2015
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
0%
2%
25%
15%
58%
0%
Add a Photo

Photos

Sunset view from atop Bearfence.
May 25, 2016 near Stanley, VA
Looking west from the summit of Bearfence Mountain. Massanutten mountain in the distance.
Jan 16, 2023 near Stanley, VA

1 Comment

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Weather

Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 48 days ago
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Jun 14, 2025
Tom M
May 19, 2025
Anonymous
Apr 5, 2025
Anonymous
LOVE this one! super cool rock scramble about halfway up. can take scramble or non scramble trail back down. wear grippy shoes for rock climbing — 1h 00m
Oct 18, 2024
brent birsa
Jul 5, 2024
William Smiley
From log steps to mountain climbing. Surprising technical range.
May 16, 2024
Grace Lenart
Mar 16, 2024
Tom Muldowney
July 2023
Oct 23, 2023
Emelda Santos

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