Trail Info

TRAIL DISTANCE: 9.4 Miles
TRAILHEAD/ DIRECTIONS:   BOOTENS GAP LOT
TRAIL TYPE: In & Out
TRAIL GRADE:   VERY STRENUOUS (4) 
TRAIL PARKING: 10 Spaces
DOG FRIENDLY: Yes
FAMILY FRIENDLY: Yes, ages 12+

You will love: Amazing distance hike, serenity and big summit payoff
You need to know:​ 

• This is Shenandoah Park backcountry which means no camp fire, less support and more rugged terrain.
  
• Fee required to access park.

What to pack

• 2 water bottles
• Snack & Lunch
• ​HIKING SHOES OR BOOTS
• Bug spray (warmer months)

Extras

SNP Trail Finder

The Experience

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This is an alternate trail to Bear Church Rock Check out the other trail REVIEW to the very same bear church rock here

This hike will standout. You will be in awe as the trail will give you everything Shenandoah National Park has to offer. The hike kicks off at Bootens Gap parking lot from Skyline Drive (MM 55). From the lot, head left (north) for 0.4 miles to a junction, Here turn right and head for 1.0 mile on the Laurel Prong trail. The Laurel Prong is a fun scamper along the ridge, as it winds through rock ledges, pines with fun twists and turns. Laurel Prong comes to a junction with Cat Knob, now head straight on Cat Knob. Cat Knob is a sweat inducing trail that mixes large rocks, single-track in A lung burning ascent. Use cat knob for just a mile, but a mile which you will feel . Cat Knob comes to a junction with the Jones Mountain trail, here go right and hop on Jones Mountain and enjoy the breather through forest rich with fauna, flowers, white tailed deer and quiet meadows . The Jones Mountain trail will ride for 2.3 miles to a series of two descents, the first descent winds through a patch of mountain laurel, The second comes about a mile later down steep rocky terrain to the summit entrance of Bear Church
(Steep means be cautious) there is leaf material, small loose rocks and a very deliberate descent. After the descent, look for the  summit entrance to the left, walk 50 yards and be ready for your payoff. Bear Church is a outcrop of rocks peering into your own valley, in the distance are friends like Old Rag. There is plenty of space to explore, lunch and sunbath while at Bear Church. To head back to your car, retrace your steps. This trail is not suitable for small children, pets or your quads.
 

HIKE ON!