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Simple, and easily accessible overlook of the Shenandoah Valley just off the Appalachian Trail and only an hour's drive from Washington D.C. Enjoy great sunsets everyday as the sun sinks below the shadow of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Bears Den is a collection of rocks and boulders that overlooks the Shenandoah Valley in northern Virginia, just off the Appalachian Trail. You have two options to access this overlook: park at the bottom of the mountain and hike up to the overlook via the trail, or drive to the top and access the overlook from the trail located at the trail center.
Hiking to the top of Bears Den is great in the spring and fall as the colors of the valley really start to show and make sunsets here especially beautiful. Hiking in the summer and fall is also nice, however the weather can be a little harsh at times. Take Route 7 west until it intersects Route 601 at the top of the mountain. At the base of the mountain, at the intersection of Route 601 and Route 7, is a parking lot where you can park for free and walk the short distance to the trailhead. The trail should be blazed with white trail blazes as it is part of the Appalachian Trail. Follow the trail about a mile to the top and the Bears Den outlook is at the top. Start your hike a little before sunset and get to the top to see one of the best, and little known sunsets in the Shenandoah Valley. The parking lot is also a great jumping off point for multi-day hikes south along the Appalachian Trail and there are also multiple campsites and a trail center at the top for those wishing to plan an overnight trip.
Parking at the top is the easiest way to access the overlook. Simply drive up the mountain on Route 601 from Route 7 and the entrance to the trail center will be about half a mile up on the right. Follow the path in and park at the roundabout next to the beautifully carved bears in the tree. The trail center asks that you pay a $3 daily parking fee, however if you are just coming for the sunset you can get away most times without paying. Walk up past the campsites, towards the trail center and take your first left (before the trail center) down the path and follow it until you reach the rock outcrop. Again, campsites are available for overnight camping but they are available on a first come first served basis and the trail center recommends you contact them ahead of time to check availability.
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Hike to Bears Den Overlook
Not sure why it took me so long to finally come out and do this hike, but super happy I did. Its now one of my go-to's thats close to DC. Plenty of dogs there, too!
Hike to Bears Den Overlook
We had the nicest evening here. Beautiful view of sunset. Lots of other folks there too. Pet friendly lots of dogs and my puppy enjoyed it too. Will definitely go back.
Hike to Bears Den Overlook
I finally made it here. I had the entire place to myself but a lousy sunset so I'll definitely be back. Note: You can park near the bear sculpture and just walk up the drive way and hit the trail to the overlook. It isn't necessary to walk through the campsite.
Hike to Bears Den Overlook
We parked 50 yards off RTE 7 and 601. The trailhead is not well marked out of the parking lot--but it is well worn. Around 600 yards up the blue blaze trail meets the AT. Don't follow the signs to the "Bear's Den Center" unless you want to check out the hostel. Instead stay on the AT. Kids had a blast climbing on the rocks and being outside.
Hike to Bears Den Overlook
If you're all about a payoff with no effort other than driving this is a winner. Because of that the overlook gets crowded with kids which is great if you have kids and want to show them the mountains. If you don't and are looking to relax quietly at an overlook, you might want to skip this one. Still a nice view to quickly checkout if you're in the area.
Hike to Bears Den Overlook
Great short hike with views at the top! Great spot to try out trail running or take small children who can't hike very far. You can also skip the hike all together and drive straight to the top. Outlook faces west and is great for sunsets.
Hike to Bears Den Overlook
Minimal effort for beautiful views year round
Hike to Bears Den Overlook
Very nice views for little effort. Some of the best views close to D.C.
Hike to Bears Den Overlook
Beautiful fun and easy!
Hike to Bears Den Overlook
I've visited Bear's Den in the fall and the winter and stayed for sunset both times. These were honestly the two best sunsets I have ever watched. I highly recommend doing this short hike, it is totally worth it.
Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
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