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Bears Den is no mere hiker shack. Guidebooks call it one of the nicest hostels in the United States and one of the great respites on the Appalachian Trail. Built of local quartzite, the lines are set to model a European castle. The sixty-six acre retreat boasts two stone turrets, three circuit trails, a campground, and a secluded cottage in the woods.
Head out the back door and take a trail 150 yards to meet up with the Appalachian Trial. There you stand in the middle of the Roller Coaster section- a 15-mile up and down rocky path that offers challenging hiking, scenic overlooks, and bubbling mountain stream crossings. If that's not sweet enough for you, the icing on the cake is to stay in the comfy lodge, get a hot shower and relax. Don't forget to catch the beautiful sunset over Shenandoah Valley at Bears Den Rocks.
Appalachian Trail Hikers
Situated in the middle of the roller coaster, Bears Den is 3 miles north of Sam Moore shelter and 8 miles south of Blackburn Trail Center. Enter the lodge around back into the co-ed hiker-room. Linens for sleeping and showering are provided. The room has a lounge area, refrigerator with soda, free Internet and phone access and bathroom with shower. Laundry facilities are available.
Discounted Rates for hikers that arrive from the trail with a backpack. Short-Term parking is available for hikers that shuttle themselves. Check out our rates
Thru-Hikers
Stay the night and let us give you some hospitality. At a minimum, this hostel is a must see! Please stop in and sign the year book poster.
We accept Mail Drops.
Free dinner once a week.
On occasion, there are youth and educational groups that visit Bears Den. Let us know if you are interested in speaking to youth about hiking the AT.
Suggested section hikes from Bears Den: (Shuttle service may be available. Please call.)
North:
- Blackburn Trail Center (8 miles north. Up and down rocky terrain. One day hike)
- Harpers Ferry (20 miles north. Up and down rocky terrain. Suggested two-day hike. Very well conditioned hikers can complete in one full day.)
South:
- Route 605 road crossing. (6 miles south. Up and down rocky terrain. Moderate pace can complete in 4 hours.)
- Route 50 road crossing. (15 miles south. Up and down rocky terrain. Full one-day challenging hike.)
Day Hikers
Three trails allow you to meander through the Bears Den grounds-including a nature trail and demonstration trail. Trail Map Just three minutes out the back door, you can stand on massive quartzite rocks and admire the expansive Shenandoah Valley. Bears Den Rock Overlook is on the famous Appalachian Trail. Walk north to spectacular views or south into magical forests with secluded streams.
Suggested day hikes at Bears Den:
- Nature Trail (1 mile. Easy. Use the brochure to learn about Bears Den ecology or simply enjoy the hike.)
- Demonstration Trail (1.5 miles. Moderate. A brochure inform hikers about how a trail is made and maintained.)
- Historic Trail (.5 miles. Moderate. A great loop to walk in the morning.)
- Tributary Bridge (2 miles. Moderate. This popular hike winds you down the mountain to the first stream crossing south on the Appalachian Trail. The hike down is easy, ascending back up can be as challenging as you want.)
- Crescent Rock (6 miles. Challenging. About a six hour hike out and back on the Appalachian Trail. Crescent Rock Overlook offers a wonderful view of Shenandoah Valley and the opportunity to see rock climbers.)
- Spout Run & Sam Moore Shelter (6 miles. Challenging. About a six hour hike out and back on the Appalachian Trail. Head south to find this bubbling mountain stream and visit an AT Shelter).
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"This place is wonderful!! Places like this are an integral part of the AT experience!! I am glad, glad to be here!!"
- Mud Butt
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"Hot shower, clean clothes, a soft warm bed and ice cream… who could ask for more?"
- Meo
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