LOCATION: Graves Mill, VA
TRAIL DISTANCE: 7.5 Miles
TRAIL HEAD/ DIRECTIONS: PARKING IS AT THE END OF VA662​.
TRAIL TYPE:  In & Out
TRAIL GRADE:  STRENUOUS (4) 
TRAIL PARKING: 10 Spots or less
KEY WORDS: Summit views

More Central VA & SNP hikes

Trail info
What’s to like about the trail:  Lesser known trail that takes you through picturesque old forest,  by pristine streams and rivers on your way up the mountain to a perfect view.
Why go for a hike on this trail: Solitude and Summit! You like a summit that makes you shout! This trail is well maintained and marked, it has steep portions that will bust your quads but in the end its worth it. Enjoy the view!
Best time to go for a hike on this trail:  Dry days, summer and early fall.

Summary 
This hike has it all. It has solitude, it has old forest, it has mountain laurel, it has rivers, small waterfalls and a great summit. Need more? The hike is an in and out, all told about 7.5 miles. The trail head is at the end of a gravel road (VA662) and starts with Graves Mill Trail. The trail itself is a blend of a few different trails and names, remember to aim yourself towards Bear Church Rock. Things to know about this trail, it starts nice and flat, edging a few streams and creeks but once it goes uphill… it goes up hill. Be ready for a strenuous uphill hike along a well maintained single-track trail. As you start to climb, the trail will incur more and more rocks until it comes up sharply to the rock outcrop summit. The summit offers a perfect view of the valley, a sunny spot for lunch and an opportunity to play on the rocks. Retrace your steps back to the parking.

Check out Bootens Gap Trail for alternate access to bear church. 

HIKE ON!

GEAR RECOMMENDATIONS

• 2 water bottle
• lunch or heavy snack
• hike shoes or trail runners

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