Bearfence Rock Scramble- Rapidan Camp/Camp Hoover (Rating: A)

You must read the following NVHC Sign-in Sheet Statement/Liability Disclaimer, https://nvhc.com/signin.pdf and then answer the question that you will see when you RSVP with "I accept" to be permitted on the hike.

This hike is about 12 miles with an elevation gain of about 1900 ft.

A very nice hike in Shenandoah National Park, to the iconic Camp Rapidan, or better known as Camp Hoover, President Hoover's summer mountain retreat. To add to the adventure, before we take off for Camp Hoover, we will do the Bearfence Mountain Rock scramble for some great views.

Description: We will hike starting at the Milam Gap parking area and connect on the Appalachian Trail to the summit of Hazeltop Mtn, (600 ft elevation over about 1.8 miles). We will continue on the AT to Bearfence Rock and complete that loop. There will be an option to do the rock scramble or just hike a short distance around to the other end of Bearfence Rock where we will all meet up. We will snack here while we enjoy the view. We will return on the AT to Laurel Prong trail and descend to Camp Rapidan. We will stop for a late lunch at Camp Hoover with some time to look over the Camp. We will then begin our return on Mill Prong trail back to the parking lot.

You should be in good physical condition to deal with the mileage and elevation gain. If you haven't hiked with me before, I may contact you to discuss this hike. Please note: The rock scramble on Bearfence Rock requires the use of both hands. Read the Bearfence Rock description in the link below. If you have any questions about this, please contact me.

The pace will be about 2.5 mph, slower on rock scramble and uphill. Hiking time with lunch, about 5 hours.

Alltrails Map
https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/bearfence-rapidan-51f3eb9?u=i&sh=z7o4im

Bearfence Rock:
https://www.nps.gov/shen/planyourvisit/upload/Bearfence_RoadTrail.pdf

Bring adequate water/hydration (at least 2 liters), snacks/lunch, and sturdy hiking shoes for the rock scramble as well as other rocky areas, tree roots, and potential wet areas. Hiking poles are helpful if you usually hike with them. However, you will need to stow your hiking poles for the Bearfence rock scramble. There are several stream crossings, which are usually easily crossed.

Park Entrance Fee: $30 entrance fee for Shenandoah National Park unless you have a National Park pass or a Shenandoah annual park pass. Military and Veterans are eligible for a military pass, just show your military/retired/veterans ID.

Dogs are permitted on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy. https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy

Please note: dogs are not allowed on Bearfence Rock so if you bring a dog, you must take the trail loop on the AT around the rock scramble.

NOTE: Anyone not wishing to do the rock scramble can also take the AT around and meet us at the other end of the Bearfence Rock scramble. We'll stop and discuss when we get to the rock scramble point of the hike.

Carpools: Meet at the Centreville Park and Ride

Suggested carpool fee is $8. The hike leader will be at the carpool location. Driving time to Milam Gap is about 1 hour 50 minutes. Carpoolers should plan to leave the Park & Ride by 7:00am

Neither the Club nor the hike leaders are responsible for coordinating transportation to/from the trailhead. Hikers are not guaranteed to get a ride to the trailhead from the carpool location. Carpooling is organized by the participants and they participate at their own risk.

If you are driving directly to Milam Gap, please be there a by 9am so we can get everyone signed in for a 9:15 am start. Milam Gap is at mile marker 52.6 on Skyline Drive , GPS 38.49985, -78.44556 .

Please note: The hike starts at Milam Gap parking lot at 9:15am.

If you haven't hiked with me before, please provide you full name, cell phone number, and emergency contact number. You can provide the info to me on Meetup message or text me at the number below.

Any questions? Message me on Meetup messenger or text me, 703-489-1315. If you text me, please include your name.