Bearfence Mountain-7 miles-Moderately Strenuous

Starting Point - Booten's Gap (Skyline Drive Mile Marker 55)

Ending Point - Booten's Gap (Skyline Drive Mile Marker 55)

Hike Distance/Elevation/Rating - 7.2 miles/1200 feet of elevation/Moderately Strenuous

Disclaimer #1 - This hike is rated as a moderately strenuous hike. Since this hike is rated as moderately strenuous, there will be no vetting of hikers for this hike. Due to the small size of the parking area at Booten's Gap and the popularity of Bearfence Mountain, this hike is going to be capped at 12 hikers. You do need to be physically fit to complete this hike.

Hike Highlights - Booten's Gap, Appalachian Trail, Bearfence Mountain Trail, Bearfence Mountain Rock Scramble, 360 degree views from the summit of Bearfence Mountain, Lewis Mountain

Hike Details - We are going to one of the best views in Shenandoah National Park, the summit of Bearfence Mountain. The Bearfence Mountain Rock Scramble is a half mile long trail of fun and adventure. We are going to meet at the North Research Park shortly before 8:30 AM to form carpools to the trailhead at Booten's Gap on Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park. From Booten's Gap, we are going hike the Appalachian Trail southbound about a mile and half to the intersection with the Bearfence Mountain Rock Scramble Trail. The Rock Scramble is going to be optional. If you do not feel comfortable with navigating the Rock Scramble, you do not have to do it. It will require your hands to boulder your way through the Scramble. You can stay on the Appalachian Trail for another 0.5 miles to the intersection with the Rock Scramble Trail. There are still going to be amazing views to see even if you decide not to do the Rock Scramble. For those on the Rock Scramble, we will have amazing 360 degree views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. After soaking in the views, we will rejoin the Appalachian Trail. We will continue on the Appalachian Trail to the Lewis Mountain Campground. We will continue on the Lewis Mountain Trail to a secluded rock outcropping and have lunch. After having lunch, we will retrace our steps back on the Appalachian Trail to our cars at Booten's Gap. There will be an optional opportunity to complete the Rock Scramble again on the retrace back to our cars.

As is tradition with my hikes, there will be an optional post hike at a local restaurant, brewery, or the Big Meadows Wayside. Carpools can be arranged accordingly for those, who wish to partake in the post hike.

What to Bring - Broken in hiking boots, trekking poles, $5 for your driver if not driving, annual SNP pass if you have one, 3 to 4 liters of water, permetherin, sunscreen, moisture wicking clothing, a good day pack, lunch/snacks, camera/phone

Disclaimer #2 - GetHiking Charlottesville's Organizers are not professional guides. Expect the same risks and take the same precautions you would take if you were hiking alone. With your RSVP you agree with this disclaimer - Disclaimer (https://www.meetup.com/GetHiking-Charlottesville-Charlottesville-VA/pages/21088739/Disclaimer/)