Bearfence Mountain has a lot to offer! Want to rock scramble? Hike this trail. Want to see beautiful views from two amazing viewpoints? Hike this trail. Want to hike a short trail? Hike this trail. Want to skip over the rock scramble and check out one of the viewpoints? Hike this trail. Basically, what I’m saying is, this hike is pretty awesome!
Bearfence Mountain Loop trail is one of our favorite hikes in Shenandoah National Park! This short hike involves a challenging rock scramble to 360-degree views and continues on to another viewpoint with 180-degree views. This is definitely the perfect hike to add to your hiking bucket list!
Table of Contents
Know Before You Go
Shenandoah National Park – Entrance Fee
Entrance into Shenandoah National Park is $30 per vehicle for a 7-day pass. If you have the Annual Park Pass (America the Beautiful Pass) then you get in for free. If you don’t have an Annual Pass and you visit National Parks frequently, we highly recommend making the purchase. It costs $80 but totally worth it!
Leave No Trace
Before you go, please make sure you understand the Leave No Trace principles. These seven principles help reduce our environmental impact from outdoor recreational activities. Nature is meant to be enjoyed and respected. 🌱
- Plan ahead and prepare
- Travel and camp on durable surfaces
- Dispose of waste properly
- Leave what you find
- Minimize campfire impacts
- Respect wildlife
- Be considerate of others
About the Trail
Bearfence Mountain Rock Scramble + Another Viewpoint
Location: Bearfence Mountain is located within Shenandoah National Park in Virginia.
Length & Elevation Gain: It’s about 1 to 1.2 miles with an elevation gain of 220 to 240 feet.
Hiking Time: It takes an average of 1 hour (give or take) to complete this hike.
Route Type: This trail is a loop.
Difficulty Rating: Most people rate this hike as moderate (depending on fitness level).
Terrain: This trail has dirt, rocks, steps, and a rock scramble.
Pet-friendly? No, pets are not allowed.
How to Get to the Trailhead
The trailhead, called the Bearfence Rock Scramble Trailhead, is located right off of Skyline Drive at mile marker 56.4. There is a small, paved parking area.
Put this address in Google maps: Bearfence Rock Scramble Trailhead, Virginia 22827
Trail Directions
From the parking lot, cross Skyline Drive and climb the stairs up to reach an intersection in the trail.
At the intersection, continue straight onto the Bearfence Loop Trail. Follow the blue blazes on the trees. Keep going until you reach the rock scramble (aka the fun part!).
Tackle the rock scramble until you reach the top. Enjoy the beautiful 360-degree views! After the rock scramble, continue along the trail until you reach an intersection.
Alternate Route: If you are not interested in seeing the second viewpoint, then take a right at the intersection then another right to get onto the Appalachian Trail (North). At the next intersection, take a left to return to the parking lot.
If you want to see the other viewpoint (which offers 180-degree views), then continue on the Bearfence Loop Trail.
Continue hiking for a short distance and the second viewpoint will be on your right. This viewpoint is not as spectacular as the first one with 360-degree views BUT still worth checking out!
Retrace your steps back down Bearfence Loop Trail and take a left at the intersection to get onto a small connector trail. Then take a right at the next intersection. You will see white blazes on the trees which indicates you are now on the Appalachian Trail (North).
Continue until you reach another intersection in the trail. Take a left to return to the parking lot.
Alternate Route: Avoid the Rock Scramble
Bearfence Viewpoint Hike
This hike is very similar to the one above, but it excludes the rock scrambling portion. This alternate route will take you to the second viewpoint which offers beautiful 180-degree views.
Trail Directions by NPS: Starting at the parking lot, cross Skyline Drive and climb the stairs up the bank. At the trail post, turn right onto the Appalachian Trail (South). Go left on the connector trail, then right onto Bearfence Loop Trail. You’ll see the viewpoint on your right. Retrace your steps to your starting point.
This hike is only about a mile long out-and-back with about the same elevation gain as above. It’s rated as an easy hike and should only take about an hour or so to complete.
More Great Hikes in Shenandoah National Park
There are a bunch of awesome hikes to do in Shenandoah National Park! Below is a list of some of our personal favorites.
Old Rag Circuit – This is THE most popular hike in all of Shenandoah National Park! It is both challenging and extremely fun. It includes a long, beautiful hike through nature and awesome rock scrambling to reach the summit.
Hawksbill Summit– Take a short hike to the tallest peak in Shenandoah National Park. This is also one of the BEST spots to watch sunset!
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