Evening Hike at Bears Den

Take a short evening hike to Bears Den in Bluemont, VA and watch the sunset over the Shenandoah Valley.

Bears Den (Point B)

THINGS TO DO:

1.  Drive to Bears Den (58 miles, 1 hour)

Carving at Bears Den Day Use Parking Lot

2.  Hike either the Nature Trail (1 mile, easy); the Demonstration Trail (1.5 miles, moderate); or the trail to Tributary Bridge (2 miles, moderate)

3.  Finish your hike at the Bears Den Overlook and watch the sunset.

View from Bears Den Outlook

Sunset over the Shenandoah Valley

THINGS TO KNOW:

We did this as an evening hike, following dinner in Loudoun County, and loved it.  It was easy and had amazing views.  There were surprisingly only a few groups at the overlook that weekend, which made it simple to find a spot to sit and enjoy the sunset.  Another couple brought pizza and we liked that idea for the next time we go.

You could easily turn this into a day-long hiking trip.  Bears Den is on the Appalachian Trail, which allows you to modify your hike based on time and ability.  (You will find longer hike ideas on the website for Bears Den.)

The day-use fee is only $3.  Parking was a little tight since the day-use lot is also used for nearby camping (for an additional fee - rates found on the website).  If the lot is full, you can park on Route 7 and hike in 0.5 miles.  Camping, fires, and alcohol are prohibited at the overlook and you are encouraged to pack out anything you bring.

While watching a sunset is always more enjoyable without the kids, we were glad we went without our little one since there are cliffs, large boulders, and other assorted ways to fall.  By all means, take your children to this great spot, but be prepared to keep an eye on them while you apreciate the view.