Bearfence Mountain Summit – Rock Scrambling in Shenandoah National Park

Bearfence Mountain is one of Shenandoah National Park’s shorter summit hikes, but don’t let the distance fool you. This 1.4-mile loop includes climbing over boulders, navigating rocky ledges and enjoying nearly 360-degree views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

If you’ve never tried rock scrambling, Bearfence is a great place to start, provided you’re comfortable with heights and using your hands as well as your feet. The scramble is relatively short and the elevation gain is modest, but it still calls for careful footing and a little confidence.

I’ve hiked Bearfence three times, and it’s one of those short Shenandoah hikes that delivers a lot of adventure without requiring an entire afternoon. It’s also a memorable stop along a longer Appalachian Trail hike and a wonderful place to watch the sunset, provided you’re prepared for the hike back.

Trailhead Parking & Access

The Bearfence parking area is at Skyline Drive milepost 56.4 in the Central District. Swift Run Gap Entrance at milepost 65.5 is the closest park entrance, about nine miles south of the trailhead. From there, drive north on Skyline Drive to the parking area.

Parking is limited. Cross Skyline Drive carefully, climb the steps on the opposite side and look for the trail marker. The rock scramble loop begins straight ahead.

Hiking the Bearfence Mountain Rock Scramble Loop

Follow the blue-blazed Bearfence Loop Trail uphill into the rocks. Before long, the trail becomes a scramble where you will step across uneven stone, climb over boulders and use your hands for balance. The blazes help identify the safest route across the exposed rock.

Wear shoes or hiking boots with dependable traction. This is not a good hike in wet or icy conditions, and anyone uncomfortable with exposed heights may prefer the viewpoint route described below.

As the trail climbs, openings in the rocks reveal views toward the Shenandoah Valley and Virginia Piedmont. Near the top, the panorama stretches in almost every direction. Take time to enjoy the summit before continuing along the marked scramble route.

After the scramble, turn right onto the connector trail, then right again onto the white-blazed Appalachian Trail heading north. At the next intersection, turn left to return to the parking area. This completes the loop without retracing the scramble.

An Easier Route to a Bearfence Viewpoint

If the rock scramble is not for you, the 1.1-mile out-and-back Bearfence Viewpoint hike offers a 180-degree mountain view without climbing over the exposed boulders. From the trailhead, turn right onto the Appalachian Trail heading south, then left onto the connector and right onto Bearfence Loop Trail. The viewpoint is on the right. Retrace your steps to return.

This option is less technical, but it does not reach the full panorama of the rock scramble route.

Bearfence Mountain at Sunset

The open summit makes Bearfence an appealing place to watch the sunset. If you plan to stay until the light fades, bring a headlamp and allow plenty of time to descend safely.

Rocky trails are difficult to navigate in pitch darkness. Don’t rely on your cell phone flashlight, which leaves you without a free hand when you need to steady yourself. A headlamp provides better visibility while keeping both hands available. Plan your route back before sunset, and avoid scrambling over exposed rocks in the dark.

Hiking Bearfence Mountain with Dogs

Dogs are not permitted on the Bearfence Mountain Trail, including the rock scramble and the easier viewpoint route. Leashed dogs may use the Appalachian Trail in this area, but cannot turn onto the Bearfence trail. Service animals are permitted.

Trail Map & Details

Pair Bearfence Mountain with a Waterfall Hike

Why settle for one memorable view when you can enjoy two? After the rocky summit at milepost 56.4, add a waterfall hike for a day of contrasting Shenandoah landscapes.

Lewis Falls – A Longer Hike with a Refreshment Stop

Head north on Skyline Drive to milepost 51.2 for the 3.3-mile Lewis Falls circuit. The trail descends steeply through the forest to a viewing area for an 81-foot waterfall, then climbs back. Lewis Falls can be especially pretty after rainfall, although its flow may be light during dry periods.

Afterward, stop at nearby Big Meadows Lodge for a meal or refreshments when seasonal dining is available.

Learn more: Trekking to Lewis Falls

South River Falls – A Shorter Hike to an Impressive Waterfall

Drive south to milepost 62.7 for the 2.6-mile out-and-back hike to the South River Falls observation point. The trail descends through forest to a view of an 83-foot waterfall, then climbs back to the picnic grounds. In my experience, South River often makes the stronger waterfall impression, although flow varies with the weather.

South River is a little farther along Skyline Drive from Bearfence, but the hike to the overlook is shorter than the Lewis Falls circuit. Either pairing combines a wide-open summit with a waterfall tucked into the forest.

Learn more: NPS South River Falls

About Shenandoah National Park

Shenandoah National Park protects a long stretch of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains. Its 105-mile Skyline Drive connects mountain overlooks, forests and trailheads between four entrance stations: Front Royal, Thornton Gap, Swift Run Gap and Rockfish Gap.

At Bearfence, the exposed greenstone rocks are part of the park’s ancient volcanic history. Mosses, lichens and small plants also find a foothold in cracks between the rocks, so staying with the blue blazes helps protect this fragile habitat.

Check current entrance fees and visitor information on the National Park Service website. Additional NPS trail information is available at these links:

• NPS Bearfence Rock Scramble
• NPS Lewis Falls information
• NPS South River Falls information

Explore More Shenandoah Adventures

Bearfence is one of many short hikes along Skyline Drive. Explore more rocky summits, waterfalls and longer Appalachian Trail routes in the Shenandoah collection on Space Between Adventures: