Bears Den Overlook

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.

Hike to the top:
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.

Park at the top:
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.