Not too long ago I ventured out to Bear Den Mountain via Appalachian which is a 7.7-mile out-and-back trail near Greenwood, Virginia. This trail is inside Shenandoah National Park which charges a fee to enter.

Trail Overview

If you’re looking for a challenging hike with some views this trail is a good choice. This is a moderate to strenuous (in some areas) hike with great views of Calf Mountain, crossing the road at Beagles gap and back up the Mountain.

Location and Access

The shortest access to the summit is found at Beagle Gap, making this a much shorter hike to the summit and you’ll miss the views on Calf Mountain.

The Beagle Gap parking area is at mile 99.5 of Skyline Drive. The Skyline Drive can be accessed from US 250 to the South at Rockfish Gap (exit 99 off of I-64). If you want to do the long hike, keep driving until you reach Jarman’s Gap Parking lot.

Point of Interest

The summit is mostly clear and views in nearly every direction, if you don’t mind the radio towers. At some point, someone installed old tractor seats very near the summit. It was a great spot to take a break and eat lunch before making the track back to the car.

This is one of those trails I can say I did and probably won’t do again, unless of course, I am on a section hike on the At. I am a big fan of trails that loop and not so much of in-and-out trails. Overall, when we went, we had good weather, plenty of food and water!

This is where I recommend being prepared for a hike so you can take a break and stay well-nourished.

Have you ever hiked Bear Den Mountain? What was your experience? Let me know in the comments.