Absolutely loved hiking at Bear's Den Overlook! The trail was peaceful, well-maintained, and had beautiful scenery the entire way up. The hike itself was fairly easy and can be finish under a hour. It is dog friendly, fairly shaded, and trail is well marked. You can sit down on the rock ledges and look at the incredible panoramic views of the Shenandoah Valley and the Blue Ridge Mountains. There is a small parking lot. It's a perfect spot for a quick getaway from the city, whether you're going for sunrise, sunset, or just a relaxing day outdoors. After can hit up Bear Chase Brewery close by. read more

See all

A great quick out and back hike! It took us about 20-30 minutes from the parking lot to get to the top with no breaks. Great view from the top and a quick walk to the bear den hostel from the top. Well maintained trail. Lots of parking even on the weekends although it can get rather crowded on the trail read more

Bears Den - View - Hostels Near Me - Bluemont, Virginia

Went for a hike at Bears Den recently with family. We hiked to the overlook. It took about 10-15 minutes to get there which was not bad at all. I would rate this fairly easy. Nice overlook on top of the rocks. You can keep going up and hiking up the trail but we turned back after the rocks. read more

It's a truly excellent respite during your travels! It is extremely comforting to lay in the beds and sit in any one of the many chairs read more

See all

Fairly scenic hike with fairly short and easy trails that are dog friendly. Plenty of parking that are maintained. Please keep in mind that parking is $3 a day. The road to the parking lot by the campground entrance is not built for 2 vehicles, especially if the other vehicle is a truck. You may have to back out to let them pass. There's a restroom facility should you require it. The campgrounds look really nice and well-kept, too. There's parking for lodge guests and campers as well. The trails can get rocky, so ankle-supportive and sturdy hiking boots/shoes are recommended. there are a handful of smaller trails that merge with and diverge from each other. There is a brewery down the street from it. You can grab a quick bite and drink with friends if you wanted to. The only thing I didn't appreciate was the presence of quite a bit of dog poop! Just a heads up! Plenty of people brought their dogs on their hikes with them. I didn't see anyone not clean up after their pet, but there was more that I saw compared to how much I normally see on trails. Overall, pretty good experience! I think it would be a great place for an overnight camping trip with friends or for a quick day hike. read more

Bears Den - Bear's den rocky overlook - Hostels Near Me - Bluemont, Virginia

See all

Went for a scenic hike at Bears Den recently with extended family. We hiked to the overlook. It took about 10 minutes to get there. When we arrived we were greeted with a beautiful view of the Blue Ridge foothills. We crawled around on the rocks, took some family photos, and just chilled for a bit. Then we hiked back to the parking lot and left. Next, we went to Bear Chase restaurant nearby, which was nice. read more

See all

Not far from DC about an hour and stunning views. Also a number of farm stalls and stores. We stopped at Leesburg outlets before coming here but it was not worth it, just keep going and get to Bears Den for a nature retreat. It's a stop along the Appellation trail so you may see some hikers. read more

Bears Den - Stunning views - Hostels Near Me - Bluemont, Virginia

See all

One of our favorite hikes simply because of the beautiful views from the overlook and it's right next to our favorite brewery. Once you get to the top you see a panoramic view of the Shenandoah Valley and the Blue Ridge Mountains. Truly breathtaking. It's an easy hike with a clear, clean path. Post hike, we drive up the same road to Bearchase Brewery to refuel. You could walk to the brewery but the road upwards is steep and I'm usually out of energy by the time we finish. We really earned that beer! Pro tip: The parking lot is small so get there early to find a spot as it gets full pretty quickly. read more

Bears Den - Views from the overlook - Hostels Near Me - Bluemont, Virginia

See all

Really good walking trail... lots of parking., there is not bathroom so you better hold it lol read more

Bears Den - From the top of the mountain - Hostels Near Me - Bluemont, Virginia

See all

Bear's Den is an absolute gem that goes above and beyond in every aspect. From the moment you walk through the door, you're greeted with a warm, rustic charm that instantly puts you at ease. The décor perfectly balances cozy and elegant, with wooden accents, soft lighting, and charming touches that make it feel like an intimate, welcoming retreat. The ambiance is just perfect for any occasion, whether you're enjoying a quiet dinner, celebrating with friends, or looking to unwind after a busy day. What truly sets Bear's Den apart is the exceptional staff. Every team member is incredibly friendly, attentive, and genuinely passionate about creating a great experience. They take the time to explain the menu with enthusiasm, offer personalized recommendations, and ensure you feel right at home. The level of customer service here is truly top-notch, making every visit feel like a VIP experience. And then there's the food--an absolute delight. The menu is diverse, offering a fantastic range of dishes that are both comforting and innovative. Whether you're savoring their perfectly seared steak, the fresh, vibrant salads, or the mouthwatering house-made desserts, you can tell that each dish is made with care, skill, and the finest ingredients. The flavors are always fresh, bold, and beautifully balanced. The chef's attention to detail is evident in every bite, and it's clear that quality is their top priority. Pair your meal with their expertly curated drink list, and you're in for a treat! For those who enjoy an immersive dining experience, Bear's Den has an inviting open kitchen where you can watch the chefs work their magic, adding an extra layer of excitement to your meal. The attention to detail in the food preparation and presentation is impressive. And the best part? Bear's Den always keeps things fresh and exciting. They consistently update their menu with seasonal specialties, so there's always something new to try. Plus, they're known for offering a variety of options for every dietary preference, making sure that everyone has a memorable dining experience. If you're looking for a place that combines delicious food, exceptional service, and an unbeatable atmosphere, Bear's Den is the place to be. Whether it's your first visit or your hundredth, each time feels just as special as the last. Highly recommended--this is one spot you don't want to miss! Tough dogs can I get a fue. read more

Super easy short hike with nice views. Parking is plentiful. Near a few breweries and wineries in the Bluemont area as a nice post-hike treat. It is rocky so still wear appropriate footwear and the trail can be narrow at times so be mindful of others. One thing to note is there are lots of dogs on this trail and lots of people that are not always mindful of their dogs or have less than well-socialized dogs. So be vigilant if you bring your own pooch and be respectful of other dog owners and you should be fine even in the narrow spots. read more

See all

Parking is easily accessible. The trail to arrive to the Bears Den overlook is probably a mile or so. I wasn't sure what to expect because recently I have hiked trails that are just a mile and they turn out to be extremely strenuous. Luckily the trail leading up to Bears Den is easy. The overlook is beautiful and scenic. It is popular. I went on a Sunday afternoon so I had to wait for people to finish taking pictures before I could actually approach the overlook. 4 stars. read more

Bears Den - Hostels Near Me - Bluemont, Virginia

Very beautiful and the volunteers that were there were very nice. The kids and my husband went on a hike while I got the baby down for a nap and they got some wonderful pictures. read more

We wanted to do a mini hike and this place was near where we were staying at. The parking is easy and suggests that you pay for more than a donation. I forgot but sent a donation of more than $3 to pay for the views that I received. The hike was light at the best, and took us maybe 5-10 minutes to get to some of the most amazing views that we had the opportunity to visit on this trip. They had other hikes but I do not think they're very long. The views are incredible and provide amazing photos. It was a little cooler in the lower 40's but it was a nice day to get out and enjoy mother nature and the weather. read more

See all

This little hike has big rewards. Great parking! You don't get that often. Mostly you're either on the side of the road or nose in and having to back out into traffic, bikes and pedestrians. Short hike to the cliffs! Sure it's uphill to the cliffs but you are parking in the crest so you don't have that far to go. It's uphill but non strenuous. Take your time. Beautiful views! Lots of colors in the fall. Great place to sit and talk with your friends, have lunch or take selfies. :) It's free!! No fees like at the state and national parks. The Appalachian Trail is free and this follows the A.T for one mile. Come enjoy beautiful views on a short hike for free! Of course it's 5 stars. :) read more

See all

A 9-mile out-and-back segment of the Appalachian Trail to the top of Buzzard Hill from Bears Den. * Great elevation change for that extra cross-training * Straight shot--once you find the white-blazed AT * If you're coming from DC side...tolls will add up to about $11.40 :( * $3 to park; honesty box * Not too scenic, all the same rugged, rocky trail with trees on both sides...no sign of wildlife ...oh yea...AND I COULDNT FIND THE TURN OFF that supposedly leads to the top of the hill!!! Maybe I'm just too new at this hiking thing. I'll update if/when I go again and actually find this so-called Buzzard Hill 'overlook' .... Useful Links: http://www.hikingupward.com/OVH/BuzzardHill/ http://carrieshaffer.blogspot.com/2008/06/buzzard-hill-hike.html (great depiction of the elevation change) read more

See all

No bears in the area. Instead you will have a lot of cell signal. Thankfully you will be so far removed the cliff views drown out nearly all sounds of the humming motorway. The view is absolutely breathtaking. Just glorious. The trek itself is not the best hike I've ever had. But it is the perfect spot just outside the city to truly escape the city. Actually, the cell signal tempts me to bring my tablet and perch on a rock to get some work musing done in this special place. The hostel area is quaint but it's just not our thing. read more

This trail is a very short and sweet one. Very close to the parking lot and you will get to an amazing view just by walking 0.5 miles. Good spot to stop by with friends and family, specially very easy for kids. read more

Bears Den - Hostels Near Me - Bluemont, Virginia

See all

Bear's Den is an awesome camp site. We checked in at 5pm for 9$ each person and was able to set up the tents immediately. There is a designated bonfire place with wooden benches and picnic table available for use. They also give you free bucket of wood to start your fire the next buckets would cost u 6$ each. You can opt to not buy extra Buckets because you have the forest for resources. You can also get woods from other Camp area if other campers Have leftover woods. There's also a cabin/office where you can use if you need to go to the restroom. But take note that the office closes at 9 PM and weirdly it is close during Sunday's and will open at 5 PM. They also have a cubicle By the campgrounds that is quite filthy to use. It is like a portalet in the forest but gahd its horrible. But you can just use the forest as your natural toilet! read more

See all

I enjoyed my hike immensely. The weather was lovely and the scenery was perfect. Because of COVID-19, there is no parking inside of the park. So you'll have to park in the parking lot to the right and there's an entrance to the trail as well. It's a moderate trail, but there are some inclines that require a bit of climbing. Most of the trail is rocky so be mindful of wearing sturdy shoes. This trail overlooks the entire Shenandoah Valley and is truly stunning. Keep in Mind, the campgrounds and hostel facility was closed during my visit. I came strictly for the hike. I did check out the campgrounds and they are perfect, will definitely come back to camp once the grounds are open again. read more

A quick fix for those needing to get a hick in before the weekend is over. We've been coming here for a few years now and enjoy the view awaiting us at the top. There are very large granite rocks at the top allowing for a nice stage to take in the view below. The trail itself isn't too challenging. The path though can be somewhat challenging due to the rocks imbedded in the ground. read more

Bears Den - Hostels Near Me - Bluemont, Virginia

Bear's den gives you access to the Appalachian Trail off of Rt. 7 with a great beautiful, overlook of the Shenandoah Valley and Blue Ridge Mountains. Most of the trails are easy. Parking is $3. There is a lodge there, but it was closed when we did our hike. Plenty of campgrounds and a hostel for backpackers. Would get a 5, but there are a couple of downsides. One you can always hear traffic from Rt. 7 and given the easy access there are lots of non-serious hikers often with yippie dogs that they are not cleaning up after. Sorry I'm a hunting/farm dog guy and expect owners to cleanup after or take off trail. read more

See all

I visited Bears Den for a hike in early June 2020. Parking is VERY tight in the parking lot here, so we ended up parking at the brewery just down the road and walking up the steep incline to the hiking area. The hike is fairly simple and easy (unless you take a roundabout way). It took us just 30 minutes to do the loop. But the hike does afford a fantastic view of the Shenandoah Valley -- definitely check out the overlook area! I was awed and astounded by that stunning view, as we stood on the boulders at the edge of the park. It's definitely not a difficult hike and was perfect on a ridiculously hot June day (when we visited). Would definitely recommend! A plus is also that it's close to Virginia's winery region, so definitely check out some of the wineries after your hike (my favorite there is Bluemont Winery)! read more

This hike isn't far from the DC area so that's a plus. One end you park on makes it so there is zero actual hike and you just walk for 10 min and are at the summit not really what we were looking for. I guess if you parked on the other end then it was more of a hike around 2 miles ish. View was pretty but nothing compared to skyline drive hikes. read more

Great hike, but beware that it's rocky for a large percentage of the trail. A bit of an ankle twister if you're not wearing the right shoes. The overlook is definitely worth the effort. read more

The Bear's Den is everything a hostel should be. They have a huge kitchen stocked with whatever you need for any sort of cooking adventure (we made brownies). The cookware silhouettes pasted on each cabinet door makes for easy dish-finding. There's also a ton of common space to hang out and chat with your fellow travelers. Lori, the live-in manager, keeps everything clean and organized. We stayed in the one private room which was perfect for us. Note that this is a far cry from Shenandoah Valley's precious B&B scene. But if you prefer smelly backpackers over doilies and floral wallpaper, this is the place for you. read more

Parked my car here to access the AT and hike out to Buzzard Hill. They do charge for parking but it's not much ($3). There is a nice scenic overlook at Bears Den Rock that looks out west. For accommodations they have a hiker's hostel, campgrounds, and a cottage and lodge for rent. A lot of Scouts use this facility as well. Didn't get to explore much as I was eager to get on the trail in the morning and too tired to do anything other than crawl back to my car at the end of my hike. However it seems like a nice place to come back to and bring the family to do a little casual hiking and experience the great outdoors. Search for Buzzard Hill for my review of the hike. read more

See all

Awesome place for just about anyone who enjoys the outdoors can have a great time and experience here not just hikers but anyone who enjoys the outdoors read more

I wish every hostel on the AT could be such a positive experience! We arrived after hiking in a thunderstorm and were thrilled to find a very nice, warm, and clean looking facility. The caretaker was polite and helpful, and the Ben and Jerry's pint was a special treat. The bunk room looked pretty much as clean as the common area upstairs, though I wish the TV was not in the bedroom, because some people decided to watch a movie when the rest of us would have liked to sleep. The berry pancakes in the morning were so delicious as well and included! Such a great value compared to most places along the AT, and I didn't feel like they were trying to wring as much cash out of me as possible like I often do. If you're hiking in this area, definitely stop by! One of the best hostels on the whole trail. read more

Super great mini hike and awesome views would totally recommend specially with kids ... read more

See all

Wow. After hiking on the AT what a great and restful place. We rented the private room and bathroom. Got to wash our clothes and walk to Bear Den Rocks to watch the sunset. Wow! Glenn, the Innkeeper was so welcoming and friendly. He came down to our room wirh freshly baked and hot cookies. Tomorrow hikers can make their own pancakes for breakfast. A must place to stop! read more

My boyfriend and I were looking for a nice, quick hike to finish out our weekend. It's a pretty short hike - nothing more than a mile and it took us less than an hour (you can make it longer by getting into the Appalachian Trail). This was an easy hike with a great view! It was exactly what we were looking for. The trail was not difficult, and there were some cool rock formations which I took full advantage of climbing all over like a kid! We took our dog with us and he enjoyed it as well. read more

See all

We decided to hike through Bears Den this weekend- by far the best hike in Bluemont. We took my 2 1/2 year old son who killed it and was very happy to get to the top and throw rocks off the cliff the overlook was stunning. This is really the perfect local hiking spot for my family and I. read more

Bears Den - Overlook at Bears Den! - Hostels Near Me - Bluemont, Virginia

Easy hike maybe 15-20 mins up hill and down hill the view makes it worth it. At the top there's huge rocks to climb all over on u can jump from rock to rock. Probably dangerous for 8 and under read more

Great place to hook up with AT. Hike north not south or you'll hit RT 7 in a hurry. We rented the PATC cabin on site. Fab experience!

Good short hike on the Appalachian Trail with a great overlook of the Shenandoah Valley.

A historic building, well kept and well-maintained. The hosts on my visit were Justin and Patrice- very courteous and helpful, without overdoing it. the property and buildings are full of the feeliing of times before. I hiked in to the hostel (bottom floor, hiker only-with coded lock) and found it clean, tidy and well-stocked with linens and towels. The bunks are generous, clean,comfortable and sturdy, the shower/bathroom large and clean (plenty of HOT water). There is cable tv and a dvd with a supply of movies and books. Snacks and basic supplies available at a very reasonable cost. The upstairs kitchen is clean, well stocked with utensils, pots and pans, serving ware and everything one could ask for (bring your own food). The common area is rustic and well cared-for. Nicely done PATC! Thank you. read more