Bear Fence Mountain-8 Miles-Moderately Strenuous

Starting Point - Bootens Gap Parking Area

Ending Point - Bootens Gap Parking Area

Hike Distance/Rating - 8 Miles/Moderately Strenuous

Trailhead GPS Coordinates - 38.468357, -78.457498

PLEASE NOTE - A half-mile part of this hike is going to be rock scrambling up to the summit of Bear Fence Mountain. The summit of Bear Fence Mountain does offer a 360-degree view of the surrounding mountains and Shenandoah Valley. The rock scramble is going to be optional. There are some other vistas along the hike route.

Hike Highlights - Appalachian Trail, Bootens Gap, Bear Fence Mountain Trail, Bear Fence Mountain Rock Scramble, Lewis Mountain Campground, Lewis Mountain Trail

Hike Details - This is an out and back hike from Bootens Gap to Lewis Mountain via the Appalachian Trail in Shenandoah National Park. Along this stretch of Appalachian Trail, there is the Bear Fence Mountain Trail that parallels and intersects the Appalachian Trail. For those wishing to get a good workout, we will turn off the Appalachian Trail and rock scramble our way to the next Appalachian Trail intersection. Along this rock scramble, we will have expansive views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and Shenandoah Valley. For those, who do not wish to partake in the rock scramble, there are other vistas along the hike route. After the rock scramble, we will continue on to the Lewis Mountain Campground and Lewis Mountain Trail. We will turn around and retrace our steps back to the cars. We will bypass the rock scramble on the return trip. This is a very popular destination within the Park and there will likely be a traffic jam on the rock scramble on our return to the cars.

What to Bring - Broken in Hiking Boots, Trekking Poles, Lunch/Snacks, 3 to 5 Liters of Water, First Aid Kit, Good Day Pack, Camera, Tick Repellent, Money for Your Driver, Sunscreen, beanies/gloves, Layers of Clothing