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All 9 Shenandoah National Park Attractions »

Bearfence Mountain

Shenandoah National Park, VA
4.5 of 5 stars 19 Reviews
Type: Mountains
Description: Popular scenic area.
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19 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
    16
    2
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    1
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Date Rating
New York
Senior Contributor
23 reviews 23 reviews
Reviews in 16 cities Reviews in 16 cities
14 helpful votes 14 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 9 April 2012

We were in Shenandoah valley for a day and wanted to pick the best hike in the region around Harrisonburg/Broadway. The ranger at the ticket counter suggested we do this hike. The hike is about an hour and a few minutes. It is relatively simple but does require rock scrambling in a few places while reaching the top. The views... More

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Fairfax Station, Virginia
Contributor
18 reviews 18 reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
6 helpful votes 6 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 27 March 2012
1
person found this review helpful

Absolutely my favorite hike in the Shenandoahs. I'm not in great shape, but it's a do-able hike and rewards you with the view to beat all views from the top. A couple of spots may make those who have height issues think twice, but still absolutely a fabulous way to spend ~2 hours! More

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tellysurf
Senior Contributor
35 reviews 35 reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
10 helpful votes 10 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 3 March 2012

If you want a level, well groomed path, or if you have a penchant for twisting your ankle, you better look on the Shenandoah National Park's map for another hike. If you are looking for a hike that isn't too long, but decently rigorous with some fun rocks to scurry over, this is the place for you. You will be... More

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Luray, Virginia
Contributor
16 reviews 16 reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
8 helpful votes 8 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 29 February 2012

One of the best views in the park, looks like alot of work has been done to the trail, it is a rock scramble so be careful. More

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Staunton, Virginia
Senior Contributor
28 reviews 28 reviews
Reviews in 15 cities Reviews in 15 cities
15 helpful votes 15 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 23 January 2012

short trail with some challenging rock scrambling but beautiful views make it worth a short stop when on the Skyline Drive More

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Waynesboro, Virginia
Senior Reviewer
10 reviews 10 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
17 helpful votes 17 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 13 January 2012
1
person found this review helpful

This is by far one of the most spectacular hikes along Skyline Dr. We have done it 2 times and each time we had a different experience. A word of caution...if you are not fit and can not climb DO NOT do this hike. At some points you are climbing only ft away from the side of the mountain. It... More

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Clemson, South Carolina
Top Contributor
71 reviews 71 reviews
Reviews in 45 cities Reviews in 45 cities
117 helpful votes 117 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 19 October 2011

Can only echo other comments. It was cloudy and cool when we visited but the 360 degree views were still great. It is a short but rough scramble up, down, over, and around that takes both upper and lower body strength. Worth the effort without a doubt. The return trip on the AT portion of the loop is pretty tame... More

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Ronkonkoma, New York
1 review
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 3 October 2010
2
people found this review helpful

This was a great experience for my 13 year old and 10 year old. (The young one stayed back with Mom) Yes, there was one spot that hung over a cliff, but we made it no problem and it was all worth it a minute later at the peak. More

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chesapeake, va
Senior Contributor
26 reviews 26 reviews
Reviews in 13 cities Reviews in 13 cities
24 helpful votes 24 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 9 July 2010
4
people found this review helpful

Other reviewers cover the information correctly. The only thing I would add is there is one place before the final ascent of your climb, where if you slip and fall you would definately be down a mountain. I almost panicked when I thought about it. I had to avoid looking down. Once you make it to the top, you are... More

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Newtown, PA
Top Contributor
158 reviews 158 reviews
Reviews in 100 cities Reviews in 100 cities
319 helpful votes 319 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 6 July 2010
1
person found this review helpful

I enjoyed this hike. It's not long as others have mentioned. If time is a factor, you should be able to knock this out in an hour or so. Getting to the top is half the fun. One does need to proceed with caution. I would say that having decent arm and leg strength is more an issue rather than... More

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