Hike to Bear Church Rock via Bootens Gap

Stanley, Virginia

3.5/5

based on 2 reviews

Save

View all 5 photos

All 5 photos

Save Review Directions Add Photo

Details

Distance

9.4 miles

Elevation Gain

800 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Christin Healey

This is a true hidden gem in Shenandoah National Park. You are above 3,000' the entire hike, so the views are expansive in the fall, winter and spring, and summer brings cooler temps without an extensive elevation gain (800').

The trail leads along the ridge of Jones Mountain to the gorgeous views at Bear Church Rock, and it's the perfect hike for those seeking solitude - didn't see another soul the entire time on a holiday weekend.

From the parking lot, head out left on the AT northbound. In .4 miles you will come to a trail junction and turn right on Laurel Prong Trail. At 1.4 miles you will reach another trail junction where you will keep straight, joining the short Cat Knob Trail. Follow the trail uphill, past gray boulders, where you will reach your final junction at 2.1 miles, intersecting Jones Mountain Trail. Veer right onto Jones Mountain Trail. At mile 4.6, the trail zigzags very steeply down the point of the ridge among brush and laurel.

In 1 mile, look for a side trail to the left that will lead you onto the granite slab of Bear Church Rock. Stop for lunch and enjoy the views of the Blue Ridge! You can also camp here if you want to turn it into an overnight. Retrace your steps, making for a 9.4 mile out and back hike.

Getting there: Bootens Gap is at milepost 55.1 on Skyline Drive, 10.4 miles north of the Swift Run Gap Entrance.

Download the Outbound mobile app

Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use.

Get the app

Features

Camping

Photography

Backpacking

Hiking

Dog Friendly

Easy Parking

Forest

Scenic

Reviews

Explorer

Jake Sells

Explorer

Hike to Bear Church Rock via Bootens Gap

02/19/17

Like a lot of hikes in Shenandoah NP this is a must do in Fall. Great views throughout the hike, and easily doable in an afternoon.

5.0

Brandon Kinne

Hike to Bear Church Rock via Bootens Gap

01/16/16

Hikes this trail on 15 January, not much to see during this time of year. I was on the trail for about 4.5-5 hours, so it can be done fairly quickly, but I would wait until summer or fall for this one. The views are better from Skyline Drive. Only saw 2 others on the trail though

2.0

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Photograph The Point Overlook

The Point is the best overlook off of Skyline Drive to watch the sun set behind the Blue Ridge Mountains. The Point Overlook is one of 72 overlooks for people to enjoy the beauty of Shenandoah National Park as they drive along Skyline Drive. Skyline Drive is the road that winds through the heart of Shenandoah National Park, starting at Front Royal in the north and ending at Rockfish Gap in th...

Bearfence Mountain Loop

This is one of my favorite hikes in Shenandoah National Park for its views, easy access to the trail, and the option to combine it with a much further hike on the AT. There is also a really fun little rock scramble at the top that scares a lot of people away, but makes for a more secluded summit, especially during the week. There are 360 views of the Blue Ridge Mountains from the top, and it's...

Hike to Naked Creek Falls

Please note that there is no trail leading to these falls. This hike is for advanced hikers.Park your car at Naked Creek Overlook in Shenandoah National Park and walk through the field staying to the left. As you start to enter the woods you will hear the creek running on your left. Make your way to the creek and follow it down to the falls. The hike is easier if you stay towards the right of...

Hike to Historical Rapidan Camp in Shenandoah National Park

For this hike park at the Milam Gap parking lot located at mile 52.8 on Skyline Drive. Once parked you will cross Skyline Drive to reach the trail. Hikers will follow the blue blazes along the trail and creek. After you have crossed the creek twice you will come to a larger waterfall. At this point you will need to follow the yellow blazes to reach Rapidan Camp. The yellow blazed trail is the ...

Hike Big Meadows

Big Meadows is located in the middle of Shenandoah National Park and a great place for the whole family to explore, including your four legged friends. There is a small parking area that can hold about 10 vehicles, but don't worry if it’s full. There is a very large parking area across Skyline Drive, located in front of the Big Meadows Wayside Station and the Visiter Center. There is no offici...

Hike Dark Hollow Falls

Catch the trailhead to these falls at mile 50.7 on Skyline Drive, just north of Big Meadows Lodge and Campground and the trailhead is just to the left of the parking lot. This is an easy 1.4 mile roundtrip hike, straight down to get to the falls, and straight up to arrive back at your car. Many people don't know there are actually two places to view different drops of the falls, so keep going...

Hike to Bear Church Rock via Bootens Gap

Details

Description

Download the Outbound mobile app

Features

Reviews

Leave No Trace

Nearby

Photograph The Point Overlook

Bearfence Mountain Loop

Hike to Naked Creek Falls

Hike to Historical Rapidan Camp in Shenandoah National Park

Hike Big Meadows

Hike Dark Hollow Falls

Discover

Community

Company

Follow Us

Mobile Apps