Bearfence Mountain Trail - Shenandoah National Park

Описание: Hiking Shenandoah National Park Fall Colors October 2020 - The Bearfence Trailhead

VIEWING MY VIDEOS
Best viewed at the highest resolution your device supports (I recommend 1080p) and with headsets as I capture all of the sounds (the wind, rain, water, my footsteps, and - not the least - my grunting and panting as I navigate some of these trails.

LOCATION
A hike on the Bearfence Trailhead (no rock scrambling). I just wanted to take in a nice hike and find a quiet and secluded spot away from and crowds. I found one! (practicing social distancing).

A day-trip to The Shenandoah National Park in Virginia for a day hike on the Bearfence Mountain Trail. Along the way, I capture a few views on Skyline Drive - they are always unique.

ABOUT SHENANDOAH NATIONAL PARK
Shenandoah National Park extends along the Blue Ridge Mountains in the U.S. state of Virginia. The Skyline Drive runs its length, and a vast network of trails includes a section of the long-distance Appalachian Trail. Mostly forested, the park features wetlands, waterfalls, and rocky peaks like Hawksbill and Old Rag mountains. Shenandoah is home to many bird species, plus deer, squirrels, and the elusive black bear.

There are over 500 miles of hiking trails in Shenandoah ranging from easy to very strenuous. When you are out on the trails, look for the concrete trail markers with directional information at trailheads and intersections.

Bearfence is a 1.2 mile heavily trafficked loop trail located near Elkton, Virginia that features beautiful wildflowers and is rated as moderate. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from April until October.

The Bearfence Trail leads up a steep slope that eventually turns into a scramble climb to the summit of Bearfence Mountain. Blazes mark the best scramble climbing route. The view from the summit is well worth the climb as it is one of only three summits in the park that has a 360-degree view.

Getting down from the summit requires a short scramble climb, after which the Bearfence Trail returns to a normal hiking surface. The Appalachian trail can be accessed from either one of two right turns from the Bearfence Trail. The second right turn should be followed to complete the one-mile loop. The Appalachian Trail leads back down the mountain to Skyline Drive.

The scramble climb makes this trail a unique hike to a great view. Anyone who is reasonably fit and flexible should be able to handle the scramble climb, but hikers who have issues with heights may want to skip this trail. Near the summit, the climbing path occasionally passes within eighteen inches or so of sheer drops. This is also definitely not the trail for families with kids small enough that they have to be carried, and older children may also find the climb difficult.

Trail: Bearfence Mountain Trail
Skyline Drive Mile Marker: 56.4
Difficulty Rating: Moderate
Distance: 1.2 miles
Trail Type: Loop
The Trail Features: Beautiful wooded areas with thick foilage, massive rocks and boulders, and spectacular views from the top.