Bear Fence Mountain-8 Miles-Moderately Strenuous
Details
Starting Point - Bootens Gap Parking Area
Ending Point - Bootens Gap Parking Area
Hike Distance/Rating - 8 Miles/Moderately Strenuous
Trailhead GPS Coordinates - 38.468477, -78.457458
PLEASE NOTE - This hike is rated as moderately strenuous and is an out and back hike along the Appalachian Trail. On the way out to Lewis Mountain, we will hike the Bear Fence Mountain Trail through the 0.5-mile rock scramble. This trail will require rock scrambling through a 360-degree view from the summit of Bear Fence Mountain. The rock scramble is optional for all hikers. There are other viewpoints if you decide not to navigate the rock scramble.
Hike Highlights - Bootens Gap, Appalachian Trail, Bear Fence Mountain Trail, Bear Fence Mountain Rock Scramble, 360-Degree View from Bear Fence Mountain, Lewis Mountain Campground
Hike Details - This is an out and back hike using the Appalachian Trail and Bear Fence Mountain Trail. We will start the hike by hiking the Appalachian Trail southbound about 2 miles to the junction with the Bear Fence Mountain Trail. We will turn left and ascend via a rock scramble to the summit of Bear Fence Mountain. On the summit of Bear Fence Mountain, we will have 360-Degree Views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Massanutten Ridge, Shenandoah Valley, and other mountains of Shenandoah National Park. After soaking in the views, we will reconnect with the Appalachian Trail and continue to the Lewis Mountain Campground. Lewis Mountain will be our turn around spot. We will retrace our steps back to the cars bypassing the rock scramble on the return trip. There will most likely be a traffic jam of day hikers on the rock scramble, hence bypassing it on the return to the cars at Bootens Gap. There will be an optional post hike at a restaurant in Ruckersville following the hike.
What to Bring - Broken in Hiking Boots, Trekking Poles, Lunch/Snacks, 3 to 5 Liters of Water/Electrolytes, First Aid Kit, Good Day Pack, Camera, Tick Repellent, Money for Your Driver, Layers of Clothing for colder winter Weather, Beanies, Gloves, Gardening/Gripping Gloves for Rock Scramble
AI summary
By Meetup
Out-and-back, moderately strenuous hike with optional rock scramble to a summit; delivers 360-degree views for hikers seeking a challenging day on the trail.
AI summary
By Meetup
Out-and-back, moderately strenuous hike with optional rock scramble to a summit; delivers 360-degree views for hikers seeking a challenging day on the trail.