DESCRIPTION: This section of the Appalachian Trail is referred to as the "Roller Coaster" due to the trail undulating up and down for a total of 3,175 feet of vertical ascents over the ridge spurs as it heads 4.8 miles south from Bear's Den Overlook to the top of Buzzard Hill with a beautiful overlook, and then 4.8 miles back (total 9.6, but some say 11.2 with all the up and down). This is the sister hike of our Raven Rocks hike which heads north instead of south. The trail skirts the wooded western slopes of the Blue Ridge, a lengthy crest of upturned quartzite extending from southern Pennsylvania to central Virginia where stony outcrops are ubiquitous and the Shenandoah River meanders immediately to the west.
From the parking area at Bear's Den, head up the dirt road towards the house where you turn left on the blue-blazed nature trail just before the stone gates. In 50 yards pass a small nature trail on your left and in another 50 yards turn left at the intersection where a 20-foot trail connects to the Appalachian Trail (AT). Turn left onto the white-blazed AT and start your descent where in 0.6 miles you cross a stream over an old wooden footbridge. Continue on the AT and in 1.0 mile cross the first fork of Spout Run. Begin another ascent as you cross another spur before descending and arriving at the Sawmill Spring/Moore Shelter blue-blazed trail that heads left uphill. Stay straight on the AT and shortly cross the second fork of Spout Run and intersection of the other end of the Moore Shelter trail. The trail connects with the trail you just passed and is a small loop to the shelter. You can see the shelter through the trees in the winter. Turn right remaining on the AT for another 1.6 miles as it crosses another spur before passing a short flat area and beginning your final ascent up Buzzard Hill. At the top of Buzzard Hill, the AT heads slightly left. Turn right here onto a short side trail that goes to a lookout area and is a great spot for lunch. To return we retrace our route.
TRAILMAP: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/trail/us/virginia/bear-den-park-to-buzzard-hill-via-the-appalachian-trail (Download the AllTrails app onto your phone and download map before the hike)
BRING hiking gear, gloves, 2-liters of water, lunch, and snacks.
CARPOOLING: The drive is 1-hr west on Route 267 to Route 7 from Tyson's Corner VA. For those interested in carpooling, we can gather at Quality Inn Tyson's Corner at 1587 Spring Hill Rd, Vienna, VA 22182 at 8:45 AM and depart at 9:00 AM. If you need a ride or can give a ride, please say so in the comments section below. Coordinate beforehand so everyone knows who they are going with. With the price of gas as high as it is these days, if you are receiving a carpool ride, please chip in $5 towards fuel per person.
RELEASE OF LIABILITY & ASSUMPTION OF RISK AGREEMENT: By attending this hike, I acknowledge that hiking in nature carries the risk of potential harm to myself up to and including the risk of injuries such as broken bones or muscle/tendon injuries, illness, disability, or death. These can be caused by slipping or falling off rocks due to loss of balance or lack of coordination; twisting ankles on rocks, brush, limbs, or ice; Acts of nature such as rock falls, inclement weather, lightning, strong wind, extreme temperatures; drownings in rivers, streams, or other bodies of water; drinking unfiltered contaminated water or becoming dehydrated; succumbing to heat exhaustion; getting bit or stung by venomous reptiles, or insects; and my own or other’s negligent or risky behaviors. This list is not exhaustive nor is it inclusive of all risks. In response, I release and hold harmless with respect to all injury, disability, death, or loss of property, whether caused by negligence or otherwise, the “Active Adventures” meetup group’s leadership as well as the designated hike leaders for this hike.
