Bearfence Mountain: Overview

Trailhead Location: Off Skyline Drive at milepost 56.4

Length: 1.1 miles

Elevation Gain: 240 feet

Difficulty: Moderately challenging

Hiking Time: 30 to 45 minutes

Route Type: Loop

Pet-friendly? No

Hike Features: Rock scramble, summit with 360-degree views, another overlook with 180-degree views

Directions and Parking

Bearfence Mountain is in Shenandoah National Park, Virginia, and the trailhead is located along Skyline Drive near milepost 56.4.

The trailhead features a small, paved parking area with enough space for about 12 vehicles.

If you plan to visit during peak season (summer and fall), it’s a good idea to arrive early to secure a parking spot!

✨ READ THIS: 15 Ways to Avoid Crowds in the Great Outdoors

Distance to Bearfence Mountain Trailhead from each of the park’s entrances:

• Thornton Gap Entrance: About 25 miles (45-minute drive)
• Rockfish Gap Entrance: About 50 miles (1-hour and 15-minute drive)
• Front Royal Entrance: About 58 miles (1.5-hour drive)

Best Time to Hike Bearfence Mountain

Spring and fall are the most ideal times to hike the Bearfence Mountain Trail, but it can be a great experience in any season!

Spring (April to June): The weather is mild, with average temperatures in the 50s to mid-60s°F, and the park comes alive with wildflowers and fresh greenery. If you hit the trail early enough, you can enjoy the summit with fewer people as compared to the summer and fall months.

Summer (July to August): Summer can be hot, especially in the lower elevations of the park, but Bearfence is relatively short, so it’s still manageable. If you plan to hike during the summer, it’s best to go early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the heat and beat the crowds.

Fall (September to November): This is arguably the most popular time to hike Bearfence Mountain with vibrant fall foliage covering the Blue Ridge Mountains and Shenandoah Valley making the views from the summit even more breathtaking. This season is very popular, so plan for crowds and consider a weekday hike for a quieter experience.

Winter (December to March): If you prefer a quieter, more serene experience, winter might be perfect. The trail is less crowded, and you can enjoy crisp, clear views. Just be mindful of icy conditions, especially on the rock scramble section, and check the weather before heading out. Proper gear, like hiking poles and traction devices, is essential.

Watching the sunrise from the summit of Bearfence Mountain is a MUST-DO! It’s one of my favorite spots in Shenandoah National Park to watch the sunrise. It’s an incredibly peaceful moment, and the views are stunning from every angle, making it a great spot for photographers looking to capture the perfect sunrise shot.

Tips for Hiking Bearfence Mountain

Start Early: Beat the crowds and enjoy cooler temperatures by starting your hike early in the morning, especially during peak season.

Bring Plenty of Water & Snacks: Although this is a short hike, it’s important to stay hydrated, especially during the summer months. Make sure to bring plenty of water as well as high-energy snacks to refuel your body!

Be Physically Prepared: The rock scrambling section is the only tough part about this hike. It can be tricky for some people, so know your limits, take your time, and be safe. If you have a fear of heights or you’re hiking with small children, I recommend taking the other route that avoids the rock scramble.

Footwear and Gear: The trail involves rocky terrain, steps, and rock scrambling, so wear comfortable, sturdy hiking shoes (or boots) with good traction. Also, hiking poles may be beneficial on the rocky sections, especially when descending. Make sure you wear proper clothing for the season and bring layers just in case.

Sun Protection: Even though this hike takes you through a shaded forest, it’s always smart to take extra precautions and protect yourself from the sun, so wear sunscreen and SPF lip balm.

Be Bear Aware: Black bears are active within Shenandoah National Park. Follow these guidelines to avoid any negative interactions with a black bear.

Leave No Trace: Stay on the trail, pack out all trash, and avoid picking plants or disturbing wildlife. Help keep Shenandoah National Park pristine for future hikers.

FAQs – Bearfence Mountain Edition

Is there an entrance fee?

Yes, there is an entrance fee!

Entrance to Shenandoah National Park costs $30 per vehicle for a 7-day pass. However, if you have the America the Beautiful Annual Pass, your entry is free! For those who love exploring national parks, investing in the Annual Pass is a smart choice. At just $80, it grants you access to over 2,000 federal recreation sites across the country!

How hard is the Bearfence Rock Scramble?

The Bearfence Rock Scramble is considered moderate in difficulty. It involves climbing over and around large rocks, which requires some agility, balance, and a bit of physical effort. While it’s not as intense as the scrambles found on longer trails like Old Rag, it still presents a fun challenge, especially for those not accustomed to rock climbing.

Adventurous hikers and families with older kids will enjoy the scramble. It’s not recommended for very young children or those with a fear of heights. The scramble section is relatively short but can be tricky, especially in wet or icy conditions. It’s important to take your time, use handholds where available, and be mindful of your footing.

If you’d prefer to skip the rock scramble, there’s an easier route that leads to another overlook that offers stunning 180-degree views. It’s a great option for families with younger children, hikers who are not comfortable with climbing, or anyone simply looking for a more relaxed hike while still experiencing the park’s stunning scenery.

More information about skipping the rock scramble section below.

Trail Directions

Bearfence Mountain Trail

From Bearfence Mountain Trailhead parking area, cross Skyline Drive and climb the stairs to reach an intersection in the trail.

At the intersection, continue straight onto the Bearfence Loop Trail. Follow the blue blazes on the trees. You will soon reach the best part of this hike – the rock scramble!

Bearfence Rock Scramble

Follow the blue blazes on the rocks as you scramble your way to the summit.

Take it slow, stay safe, and enjoy the climb!

Bearfence Mountain

At the summit, enjoy beautiful 360-degree views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and Shenandoah Valley.

Take your time to fully immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring beauty of nature and the sweeping views of the surrounding mountains. If you are watching the sunrise, enjoy the peaceful experience.

Next, continue rock scrambling down the summit of Bearfence Mountain. You will soon reach another junction in the trail. To see more amazing views, continue straight.

Second Viewpoint

In just a short distance, you will see another viewpoint to your right which offers beautiful 180-degree views. This overlook can be reached without tackling the rock scramble (more on this later).

Appalachian Trail (finish the loop)

Retrace your steps back down the Bearfence Loop Trail and take a left at the intersection to get onto a small connector trail.

Soon you will reach another junction – take a right. You will now follow the white blazes on the trees indicating the Appalachian Trail.

At the final junction, take a left to return to the parking lot.

Congrats, you did it! 🥳

Alternate Route: Avoid the Rock Scramble

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 incredible 180-degree views.

The hike is a mile-long roundtrip with about 220 feet of elevation gain. It’s considered easy and doable for hikers of all skill levels.

Trail Directions:

1. Starting from the Bearfence Mountain Trailhead parking area, cross Skyline Drive and follow the trail until you reach an intersection.
2. Take a right onto the Appalachian Trail (South).
3. At the next junction, take a left onto a small connector trail.
4. Take a right at the next junction onto the Bearfence Loop Trail.
5. Follow the trail for a short distance until you see the viewpoint to your right.
6. Retrace your steps to return to the parking area.

Conclusion

Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a first-time visitor to Shenandoah National Park, Bearfence Mountain promises an unforgettable experience. From the exciting rock scramble to the jaw-dropping views, it’s a hike that perfectly captures the spirit of adventure and the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

If this guide inspires you to hike Bearfence Mountain, I’d love to hear about your adventure. Leave a comment and share your experience!