Hiking Project Logo

Bearfence Loop Trail

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Intermediate/Difficult
 4.7 (36) 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
Your Rating:      Clear Rating
Your Difficulty:
Your Favorites: Add to Favorites · Your List
Google Map
Zoom in to see details
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 36 votes

#6

in Central District

#249

Overall
  4.7 from 36 votes
5 Star
75%
4 Star
19%
3 Star
6%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#6

in Central District

#11

in Virginia

#249

Overall
54 Views Last Month
3,327 Since Dec 1, 2015
Intermediate/Difficult
0%
3%
25%
6%
66%
0%
Add a Photo

Photos

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

0 Comments

Weather

Current Trail Conditions

Update Conditions
All Clear 54 days ago See History
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

May 25, 2021
Allison K
Cool rock scrambling. Into the clouds to the east and limited view to west bc of clouds 1.1mi
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
Aug 10, 2020
Kristen Duncan
Aug 9, 2020
Leisa Yager Cave
Aug 9, 2020
Daniel McCloskey
Jul 21, 2020
Chris Ferrone

Nearby Recommended Routes