Bears Den Hike

The Bears Den Scenic Lookout is a relatively short, family and dog-friendly hike, located in the within the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia, part of the Appalachian Mountain Range.

This approachable hiking route is a small segment of the world renowned Appalachian Trail. The lookout point itself peers westwards across the Shenandoah Valley. 

Since it is orientated to the west, it can also be a great location for watching the sunset. So, don’t forget your headlamps for the hike back!

Bears Den Primary Route 

Whilst there are a couple of different versions and options for hiking to the Bears Den Lookout, this is the most popularly hiked route:

Snickers Gap Carpark to Lookout

The Snickers Gap (Appalachian Trailhead) carpark sits on the south side of the Harry Byrd Highway (Route 7), at the intersection with Blue Ridge Mountain Road. The parking area is reasonably large, allowing the trail to accommodate those busier days.

The First Part (0 – 0.4 mile mark): 

From the main carpark you start along a blue-marked leafy trail, for approximately 0.2 miles before meeting up with the Appalachian Trail. At this point you will be turning left, onto the trail, which will be marked with white. 

This early part of the hike then becomes slightly more old-growth, but may also have some poison ivy in the area, so be careful when coming close to the vegetation.

The Approach (0.4 – 0.7 mile mark):

As you continue along this segment of the Appalachian trail you will come across a couple of switchbacks, in order to gain elevation leading towards the lookout. Along here you will also start to see large boulders along the trail, primarily granite.

Just before you reach the lookout spot, you will pass a turnoff which heads to the Bears Den Center. Hike a little further past this turn-off to find your way to the lookout.

Bears Den Center (0.7 – 1.1 mile mark):

To continue the hike, head back to the Bears Den Center trail turnoff. This will be a short uphill which will connect you to the Bears Den Loop Trail, marked in blue. Following the path around to the left will lead you to the Bears Den Trail Centre and Hostel, passing the bear wood carvings.

This area is also a nice spot to stop, have a picnic, and spend some time before commencing the hike back towards the carpark. To continue the loop, follow the downhill part of the trail to the south of the Center.

The Descent (1.1 – 1.8 mile mark):

Soon rejoining the loop from the Bears Den Center you will come back across the Appalachian Trail. Turning right along this will bring you back along past the lookout point, and onto the original hiking trail.

Continue to follow this trail back to the carpark, the same way that you hike up. From top to bottom it is approximately a 0.7 mile descent. Take note to be careful in some sections when hiking down as some spots may be slippery, depending on conditions.

Alternative Routes/Hikes

Bears Den Center Carpark to Lookout

For those interested in catching a view, but less keen on a hike, there is also the opportunity to reach the lookout point from the Bears Den Center, beside the Bears Den Hostel.

By following Blue Ridge Mountain Road you will get a to a steep driveway, leading up to the day use parking area, which usually has a nominal parking fee.

This hike can be done in a small loop, and offers some additional sights, such as wood carvings of bears, and picnic areas. It is only a few minutes walk from the buildings to the lookout point.

Appalachian Trail Extension (South)

Once you arrive at the Bears Den Lookout, you have the option then of continuing south along the Appalachian Trail. The distance you wish to hike is completely up to you. This will continue to be an out-and-back hike, so it comes down to choosing your own turn-back point.

As you continue on the trail past the Bears Den, you end up in a section of the Appalachian Trail named the Roller Coaster, aptly named as the terrain turns into a series of steep-ish declines and inclines.

Approximately three miles down the trail you come to the Sam Moore Shelter, which can be a good place to stop, have a picnic, or refill water supplies from the nearby springs.

From the Snickers Gap Carpark, to the Sam Moore Shelter and back you are looking at a hiking distance of 8.0 miles (or 13.0 km), and an elevation gain of 2160 feet (658 meters).

The Full Appalachian Trail

As the Bears Den hike is a small segment of the Appalachian Trail, it would be remiss of us not to share a little more information and context about this hike. 

The full length of the Appalachian Trail is 2,175 miles in total, spanning across 14 states, all the way from Georgia to Maine. A typical hiker would take between 5 to 7 months to complete the length of the trail; ideally done through the warmer months of the year.

Considerations

Stick to the Trail

It can be tempting to venture off down different paths, but it is highly recommended to stick to the marked areas on this trail. Venturing off the main path can have you caught in muddier areas, and in areas with large amounts of poison ivy growing.  

Footwear

Although this hike is relatively short, it is recommended to wear appropriate hiking footwear, as the trail itself is reasonably rocky, moderately tree-rooted and susceptible to dampness or muddiness. There are also some larger rocks that can be climbed near the peak for greater views.

Whilst serious hiking boots are not specifically recommended, adequate outdoor footwear that offer decent traction will make for a safer, more comfortable hike.

At those times of the year where there may be snow on the ground or temperatures are near freezing, it could be worthwhile bringing hiking crampons to traction aids to reduce risk of slipping.

Hiking Poles

The use or need for hiking poles on this hike purely comes down to personal preference, personal needs and conditions. 

Some of this hike is a little rocky, so for those who are less surefooted or managing injury, hiking poles may be beneficial. As mentioned below, there are also times when the trail can be a little more slippery, at which times the use hiking poles may also be valuable. 

Food and Drink

Even though it may only be a short-ish hike, and potentially only an hour or two out of your day, it is recommended to bring a bottle of water and a snack along with you. Not only is it worthwhile to keep up your energy and hydration stores, but gives a good reason to stop, sit down, take your time and enjoy the views.

During summer and hotter times of the year, be sure to bring extra water with you, especially if intending on extending the hike further along the Appalachian Trail.

Weather

Regardless of the length of hike, weather should always be a key consideration. After recent rains the car park area and off-shoots from the trail can be known to become muddy. Summer months are usually quite warm, whilst winters can drop below freezing, with the occasional snowfall. 

Taking an extra pack-able layer is always worthwhile when hiking to lookout points, a not only are those areas more susceptible to weather factors (such as wind and coolness with elevation), but stopping to enjoy the view also cools down your body.

Time of Year/Season

Areas of the Appalachians can get busy at different times of year, especially though the summers and on weekends, given that it is located a little over an hour outside of Washington DC. 

Weekdays and off-season months are great if you wish for a little extra serenity. To improve the experience further, a nice time of year to visit the area is during the fall, when the leaves begin to turn color. During the fall however, the fallen leaves can make the descent a little more slippery.

Bears Den Hike Summary

The Bears Den Lookout hike is a reasonably accessible hike, with nice views and family-friendly difficulty. Being aligned along the Appalachian Trail there is greater opportunity to hike further and deeper to make more of the journey out there. 

To make the most of the hike it is worthwhile attempting it outside of peak periods, and at the drier times of the year, for a less muddy and easier approach for those less experienced on the trails.