Double Bear Rocks Hike
With such diverse scenery, it's surprising the Pass Mountain Trail is one of the least used in the central Shenandoah National Park. With a pleasant forest walk along the ridge, and nice views of Mary's Rock, the trail ends at the Pass Mountain Shelter. From there it's a short walk along the AT over the summit of Pass Mountain down to Double Bear Rocks with beautiful views westward of New Market Gap, Luray, and Strickler Knob. Double Bear Rocks is another hidden SNP vista not many visit.- Mile 0.0 - From the parking area on VA211 CARFULLY cross the road and start the hike at the Pass Mountain Trail marker from the hairpin turn on VA211. The blue blazed trail heads uphill and gradually becomes steeper and making 2 hard switch backs before arriving at the ridge and old trail post for the now abandoned fire road trail in 0.9 miles.
- Mile 0.9 - Stay left continuing on the blue blazed Pass Mountain Trail as it follows the ridge. There are several good views of Mary's Rock on the other side of Thornton River through the trees. At 1.9 miles the trail turns left and levels out for 0.7 miles, turns right, then climbs to the Pass Mountain Shelter.
- Mile 2.8 - The Pass Mountain Shelter has both a high and low bunk with 2 outhouses. Several years ago a nuisance bear in the area had to be transported to another section of the SNP and after that incident steel bear boxes have been installed. There are 2 side trails on the right of the shelter, one leads to a spring, and the other to a tent camp area. From the shelter an access road splits to the left, stay right uphill on the blue connector trail then in 0.25 arrive at the intersection of the Appalachian Trail (AT).
- Mile 3.05 - Turn right on the AT and shortly pass through a stand of medium sized pine. Continue at a slightly steeper grade and crest the summit of Pass Mountain. There are no views here.
- Mile 3.72 - Descend the summit of Pass Mountain and follow the AT for another 0.53 miles to Double Bear Rocks overlook. There is no signage marking the overlook, look for a side trial on the left of the AT that leads 25 yards down to Double Bear Rocks.
- Mile 4.25 - At Double Bear Rocks there are expansive views west of the Luray Valley, New Market Gap, and Massanutten Range, with Strickler Knob and Kennedy Peak visible on a clear day. Retrace your route back to the parking area.
- Mile 8.2 - Arrive back at the parking area on VA211.
