Calf Mountain Hike
This is the furthest southern hike that can be done in Shenandoah National Park before entering the Blue Ridge Parkway. The Appalachian Trail follows Skyline Drive on the thinnest part of SNP, ever wonder why it is not very wide at this point? Checkout this blog from our friend and fellow hiker Jeff, great job on the history of that last section of SNP.We did this as a 2 day backpack, camping at the Calf Mountain Shelter, roughly 8 miles out and 8 miles back. The views from Bear Den Mountain, Beagle Gap, and Little Calf Mountain make this a hike you will want to do.
- Mile 0.0 – The hike begins at the parking area in between Route 250 and I-64 just before the entrance to Shenandoah NP. Head north on the Appalachian Trail (NT), crossing over I-64 and in about 350 yards the Appalachian Trail will bear to the right.
- Mile 2.6 – Continue your climb on the AT over Scott Mountain, pass through 2 gates and 3 intersections, be careful and follow the white blazes at the intersections and in 3.1 miles reach an overlook looking west to Waynesboro.
- Mile 3.1 – After a steep descent you will reach McCormick Gap and then cross Skyline Drive. Note: On the return trip this will be a breath catching climb!
- Mile 4.1 – Climb Bear Den Mountain reaching the first set of Communication Towers. There is a good view to the east about 0.1 miles beyond the Towers.
- Mile 4.4 – Reach the second set Communication Towers. In front of the Towers is another great view.
- Mile 4.7 – Look for short spur trail on the right. Be sure to head in about 30 yards for great views.
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Mile 5.3 – Return to the AT and head down to Beagle Gap Parking Area (N38.0733, W78.7932)
Note: This can be an alternate parking area to do 2 short hikes if not enough time to do this as a backpack,- Go through fence, heading north on the AT to Little Calf Mountain, about 1.0 mile.
- Cross Skyline Drive, heading south on the AT to Bear Den Mountain, about 1.0 miles.
- Mile 6.1 – Go through fence and head north on the new (8/2012) re-route of the AT to the beautiful meadow on Little Calf Mountain.
- Mile 6.2 – Reach Intersection of the old AT coming in from the right.
- Mile 7.2 – Continue hiking on Calf Mountain reaching the blue blazed Spur Trail to the Calf Mountain Shelter. Bear left onto the Spur Trail.
- Mile 7.5 – Spring on left before reaching the shelter.
- Mile 7.6 – Calf Mountain Shelter, has built in bunk platforms to sleep about 10 versus the normal 6 in most AT shelter. There are also about 6 obvious tent sites scattered around the shelter.
Note: For return trip retrace your steps, heading south on the AT. Our distance going back was a little shorter (about 7.6 miles) due to it raining and taking no side trips.
