Bear Church Rock Hike (SNP)

This hike quickly became one of this trip leader’s favorite hikes for its many charms and beauties. The flat rock outcropping provides a pew above the Staunton River Valley and the nearby mountains almost wrap around you. Bear Church Rock is one of the few overlooks with few human structures in view (save for the the communication towers on Folk Mountain)

This visit, we will approach Bear Church Rock from Skyline Drive (MP 55) at Bootens Gap. We will start atop the Appalachian Trail before dropping elevation to Bear Church Rock. This trail will take us through a lesser-travelled section that is home to many wildflowers and backcountry hiking. Be warned, the overgrowth has been semi-unmanaged since the Pandemic Times and Stinging Nettles will likely be this part of the hike. Additionally, this trail rarely provides for flat hiking and the return trip is generally an uphill climb to Skyline Drive. That said, don't let this discourage you. Hopefully the hiker's reward is well worth the effort.

This strenuous out-and-back hike is 10 miles in length with approximately 2300 feet of elevation gain. After the hike, we may stop at the recently-open-for-the-season Big Meadows Lodge/New Market Tap Room. Did I hear screams for blackberry ice cream?

Bring water, snacks, lunch, bug spray, sunscreen, sturdy footwear and long hiking pants (recommended). We'll make our usual Sheetz pit stop to pick up lunch or any last-minute snacks. Trip fees should be about $28 ($15 for gas reimbursement, $8 for park entrance++, $5 Adventuring fee)

++We can often pay the park admission fee by using a park pass, as someone in each car will usually have a National Park Service Annual Park Pass.

[Note: RSVPs for this hike will open 2 weeks before the event and close at 6PM the day before the event.]

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