bearfence mountain

Bearfence is located near to the Swift Run Gap (Route 33) entrance to the Skyline Drive and Shenandoah National Park making it a nice quick hike to an amazing view. Parking is directly across the street from the trail head. The trail starts like a set of steps until you reach several easy rock scrambles. The final scrambles are a bit more dangerous with one area where you walk a narrow ledge on the side of a cliff. At the pinnacle, you have a amazing 360 degree view. Keep younger kids close. Hikers need to be in good physical condition to scramble over the rocks.

We were on our way back to St. Louis from Nags Head and decided to make a detour at Shenandoah National Park. Unfortunately, we had less than a day to experience the park, but thanks to TripAdvisor, made some excellent decisions on how to spend the time. At the top of the list was the Bearfence Mountain hike. The scrambling was fun, especially for our 11 year old son, and crossing the AT on this trail was a memorable experience.

My favorite hike at Shenandoah so far (though I've not yet attempted Old Rag Mountain) Bearfence Mountain starts as a hike and then becomes a rock scramble that takes you to a beautiful summit with 360 degree views. If you have a fear of heights you may feel uneasy at the top as you are standing on a somewhat exposed ridge. When your done enjoying the view you will scramble down the other side and hike the remainder of the way out. It's one of those hikes that you will not soon forget so if your up for a little adventure put it at the top of your list!

Great hike with beautiful views. If you want a hike that's like old rag but only 1/4 of the journey this is your hike. Rock scrambling and great views. Fun hike.

Unless you feel like sporting around, take the Appalachian Trail instead of the dedicated (blue) route. Much easier and with the same outcome, save the hassle of the "rock sramble".

The Bearfence Mountain hike is great short hike. If you are doing some smaller hikes in Shenandoah you should definitely include this one. It's a little over a mile round trip, but a good portion of it is rock scrambling. It's a fun hike, but not great for young kids or those who are afraid of heights. Some of the scrambling may be scary to some. The trail is well maintained, and well marked. Plus, the views from the top are great. Can easily be done in less than an hour.

The hike was long but it was long forgotten when we saw the view. It was a very wonderful experience for the family. You will not be disappointed with the view.

A cool rock scramble leads to epic 360 views of the blue ridge mountains. Probably not advised when rocks are wet, but not too strenuous.

This should not be a difficult one and doesn't take too much time. 2 hours should be okay even for beginners. It's just that not always you would find a way to climb the steps. There are rocks that need you to scramble especially when it comes to the top of this place. Would definitely suggest to check weather before going. Scrambling rocks on rainy days will be really unsafe.

This hike was pretty much impressive. Not a tough trek for someone who is in particularly good shape, but I wouldn't do it on a rainy day. You have to climb a bit, but not extensively. The viewpoints present astonishing 360° and 180° views of the park.

This is one of the easier summits to reach in the park... The rocks are tricky looking but actually very easy to climb. There were some "easy" hikes that were much harder on me. This "moderate" hike was actually quite easy and had one of the best views of the entire park. Don't skip this hike, you will kick yourself for missing it. If you are experienced do it with a headlamp near the sunset. As long as you get off the scramble part before dark you will be fine. The view is simply stunning. I can't say enough good things about this hike.

This is really a nice hike. It has a nice rock scramble (not hard for the experienced). The views are wonderful at the top. This is an easy hike for an experienced day hiker. I would not do the hike if the rocks are wet. Also, there is a step part so be forewarned if you are afraid of heights.

Believe the description of this hike! It is a scramble and climb across the rocks at the top of the mountain. Not for the faint at heart. Go with a friend, in case you get stuck.

Although this hike is only about a mile and a half, it's a nice little challenge The gorgeous view from the summit is a worthy pay-off. I am a regular hiker and the rock scramble was not particularly difficult for me. My 9-year-old fearless nephew was on his first hike and had a blast!

This hike is challenging for the very cool rock scramble at the top. You look up and say "Is that a trail blaze on that rock?" and yes, it is! Lots of fun, but not for those who aren't agile or are afraid of heights. Our 9 & 10 year old boys loved it.