INTRODUCTION AND LOGISTICS
The Raven Rocks and Bear's Den trailheads at Snickers Gap are located about 40 minutes west of GWG on Highway 7 and offer the closest Appalachian Trail access to GWG. There are no fees to use either the smaller Raven Rocks lot on the north side of Highway 7 or the larger Bear's Den lot on the south side. Cell phone service is generally good because of the elevation of the area.
Here are some recommendations for hiking, backpacking, and car camping, along with a stop to relax and treat yourself after the trip.
HIKES
Raven Rocks is a 5½ mile (total) out-and-back with some rocky sections on the famous Roller Coaster section of AT, and is marked in blue on the map. If you've hiked the Tuscarora Trail across Massanutten Mountain as described in a previous blog post, stop by the store and let me know how you think they compare. Park in the small lot on the north side of Highway 7 if possible. I was barely able to squeeze in on a beautiful Friday morning. Otherwise you can park on the south side of 7 and cross the highway to the trailhead. Navigation is simple: follow the white AT blazes north to the viewpoint. Enjoy the ups and downs, but take care descending in the fall when the rocks are covered with leaves.Â
Bear's Den is a 1.4-mile round trip from the large parking lot on the south side of Highway 7, and is marked in red on the map. Navigation is almost as easy as Raven Rocks: simply follow the shoulder of Highway 7 back against traffic ÂĽ mile to the AT intersection, then follow the white AT blazes south to the viewpoint. The blue blazed trail from the parking lot is often muddy enough to make the shoulder of Highway 7 the better choice. Climb 200 feet to enjoy this view before heading back down. Or you can continue as far south as your time and ambition will allow and then turn around.
CAR CAMPING
While there is no car camping on the AT itself, Bear's Den Hostel has a very small campground for use by reservation only. Call the Potomac Appalachian Trail Conservancy at 540-554-8708 to reserve.
BACKPACKING
Any AT trailhead will offer virtually unlimited backpacking opportunities, and Raven Rocks/ Bear's Den is no exception. Rather than repeating the details from a previous post about a trip from Sky Meadows to Harper's Ferry that passes through here, I've made the table below that outlines nearby access points, designated campsites, and shelters. You can customize a trip that best suits you—whether it's an out-and-back overnight with one car, a point-to-point with two cars, or any other option you prefer.
FUN FACT
The Highway 7 crossing at Snickers Gap is one of the most dangerous on the AT with high traffic volume and many vehicles traveling well above the posted 55MPH speed limit. Fortunately, plans are in the works for a pedestrian bridge in this location. Until then, please take your time and cross with care.
"WORTH A STOP"
Bear Chase Brewery is worth a stop after your hike, and it could merit a trip on its own. Relax with their award-winning beer and delicious food options out on the deck or on back lawn. Be sure to check out their live music schedule, too. It's less than a half mile from the Bear's Den trailhead, so don't miss it!
Please stop by the store if you have any questions about the trails, camping, or gear you'll need. We love helping our neighbors get outside!
LINKS
Park, Hiking, and Camping Information
- Raven Rocks trail description from Hiking Upward
- Bear's Den trail description from Hiking Upward
- Bear's Den Hostel
- Blog post on Sky Meadows, detailing trip through this area
Places to Eat
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