The 5 Best Bear Buffets You Can Hike
Spot some bruins and sample the goods at these Bearpacker Magazine-approved destinations.
Shenandoah National Park
Beast and machine face off along Skyline Drive.
Shenandoah National Park pairs natural beauty with modern life. Its most famous attraction is Skyline Drive, a scenic byway that runs the length of the park. For those hoping to get off the road and into the woods, Shenandoah hikes will not disappoint. Across 500 miles of Shenandoah hiking trails visitors will see the quiet beauty the Blue Ridge Mountains, and make stops along its waterfalls and other attractions. While you're out on one of Backpacker's top Shenandoah hikes keep an eye out for the occasional black bear; these gentle giants still roam the Shenandoah wilds.
![View from Old Rag, Virginia [Photo by Matt Mills]](https://www.backpacker.com/.image/ar_16:9%2Cc_fill%2Ccs_srgb%2Cfl_progressive%2Cg_faces:center%2Cq_auto:good%2Cw_620/MTQ0OTE0MTU2OTU0ODU1MTQx/view-from-old-rag-virginia-photo-by-matt-mills.jpg)
Washington, D.C.: Old Rag via Berry Hollow
Take the lesser-traveled route up one of Shenandoah National Park's most storied peaks.
Shenandoah National Park: Moormans River
This 4.2-mile out-and-back hike is a local's favorite, climbing gently from the flood-torn banks of the Moormans River to one of the most impressive waterfalls in the park.
Shenandoah National Park: Little Hogback to Overall Run Falls
Take this 8.8-mile out-and-back dayhike or overnight to escape high-season crowds; it stitches together a lesser-known route leading to a photo-worthy waterfall.
Shenandoah National Park: Riprap Trail
Gurgling mountain streams and peaceful vistas line this 9-mile loop in southern Shenandoah National Park
Shenandoah National Park: Whiteoak Canyon Trail
This 6.6-mile out-and-back canyon hike is fantastically verdant and loaded with glistening cascades, including the park's second highest waterfall.
Shenandoah National Park: Turk Branch Trail
Solitude rules on this 6.2-mile out-and-back past the headwaters of a lively mountain stream where deer and black bears roam by the skeleton of a weatherbeaten homestead.
Shenandoah National Park: Mathews Arm Loop
This rugged, 16.8-mile, 2-day backpacking trip reveals classic Appalachian wonders: idyllic waterfall-laden hollows, reborn woodlands, and scenic backcountry campsites.
Shenandoah National Park: Big Devils Stairs
This 5.6-mile lasso loop departs the popular Big Devils Stairs hike, scramble upstream to waterfalls and connecting with a forgotten trail free of crowds.
Shenandoah National Park: Hazel Mountain
This 9.6-mile hike into a narrow wooded valley passes through old settler farmlands, impressive waterfalls, and mountain overlooks to a quiet creekside lunch spot.
Shenandoah National Park: Thornton Gap to the Pinnacles
Go 5 or 10 miles on this dayhike, which features skyline views of migrating hawks, the Shenandoah River Valley, and nearby towns.
Shenandoah National Park: Skyland to Big Meadows via Appalachian Trail
Save this 13.6-miler for a weekday in the spring when crowds are thin and haze-free views stretch for miles (patches of flowers and wildlife, too).
Shenandoah National Park: Beahms Gap to Thornton Gap
Mature oaks, overgrown homesites, a mountain hut, and a scenic viewpoint highlight this 3.6-mile dayhike on the Appalachian Trail.
Appalachian Trail: Bootens Gap to Fishers Gap
Link the wooded summit of Hazeltop Mountain, the rugged cliffs of Blackrock, and Big Meadows (home to deer and black bear) on this 6.9-mile route in Shenandoah National Park.
Appalachian Trail: Fishers Gap to Stony Man Overlook
This 8.5-mile hike passes vertical cliffs, weaves through spruce and fir stands, and traverses the northern slopes of Hawksbill Mountain, the highest peak in Shenandoah.
Appalachian Trail: Stony Man Overlook to Thornton Gap
Treat yourself to far-reaching panoramas from Marys Rock—arguably some of the best views in Shenandoah National Park—before a steady descent to Thornton Gap on this 6.9 miler.
Appalachian Trail: Swift Run Gap to Bootens Gap
Countless views, fragrant pines, and a worthy side trip to South River Falls highlight this 11.6-mile hike in Shenandoah National Park.
Appalachian Trail: Doyles River Overlook to Pinefield Gap
On this 8.8-mile hike, you’ll wind around Big Flat Mountain and gaze at Shenandoah peaks from Ivy Creek Overlook. Kodak moment: Take the side trip down Doyles River Trail to photograph several waterfalls.
Appalachian Trail: Pinefield Gap to Swift Run Gap
Savor postcard-worthy views of the Blue Ridge from Hightop Mountain on this 10.9-mile hike in Shenandoah National Park.
Appalachian Trail: Blackrock to Doyles River Overlook
This quick 3.2-mile hike in Shenandoah National Park traverses the Blue Ridge to Doyles River Overlook, where views extend south across wooded slopes.
Appalachian Trail: Beagle Gap to Blackrock
Find your rhythm as you ascend, descend—again and again—between rocky overlooks and deeply cut gaps on this 15-mile trek in Shenandoah National Park.
Appalachian Trail: Gravel Springs Gap to US 522
Travel through white ash and yellow poplar, skid down steep ridges, and sing Hallelujah at the scenic outposts on this 12.3-mile leg in Shenandoah National Park.
Appalachian Trail: Thornton Gap to Gravel Springs Gap
Frequent overlooks, lush landscapes, and three Blue Ridge summits highlight this 14.3-mile section in Shenandoah National Park.
Shenandoah National Park: Sugarloaf Loop
A fantastic four-season trek, this 5.5-mile hike near the Appalachian Trail roams around Hogback Mountain in Shenandoah National Park.
