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Bearfence Loop Trail

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
 4.7 (55)
  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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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 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 55 votes

#6

in Central District

#184

Overall
  4.7 from 55 votes
5 Star
73%
4 Star
20%
3 Star
7%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#6

in Central District

#9

in Virginia

#184

Overall
19 Views Last Month
3,912 Since Dec 1, 2015
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
0%
2%
26%
16%
56%
0%
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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

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Weather

Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 26 days ago
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Mar 16, 2024
Tom Muldowney
July 2023
Oct 23, 2023
Emelda Santos
Oct 21, 2023
Colleen Gebauer
Cool hike, quite a lot of people and small parking. Mid point had great 360 views and was windy — 1h 30m
Oct 21, 2023
Brooke Walczak
Really windy. Hat almost fell off on top of one of the rocks. Scrambles. 1.1mi
Oct 20, 2023
Carleigh Sprouse
Oct 14, 2023
Meredith Wozniak
Just to 1st 360 degree view for sunset
May 17, 2023
Glenn Pinero
May 6, 2023
Maddie McElfresh

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