Saturday, July 27th Hike, Bear Church Rock, Shenandoah NP

The mileage in the hiking book was a bit off--instead of 8.8 miles the hike was over 10 miles!  And the difficulty was a bit higher than the book's rating.  Other than that the 5 hour hike turned out to be a 8 hour hike.  I always bring extra water and snacks so I was set but others were not so well planned although the guidance for 2 liters of water and plenty of snacks was advised in the trip description.

The hiking trails were very beautiful with rolling hills, ferns, narrow trails with mountain laurels as our buffers, and unfortunately, in places stinging nettles in several places to provide a bit of a nuisance in an otherwise, long but beautiful hike.

Head North on the AT from Bootens Gap and come to a trail junction at 0.4 mile.  Turn RIGHT onto Laurel Prong Trail, descending past several springs on the rocky trail. The trail drops sharply just before Laurel Gap and trail junction at Mile 1.4

Continue on Cat Knob Trail. The trail winds uphill, twisting and turning among boulders. Enter the Rapidan Wildlife Management area at Mile 1.8.  At Mile 2.1 we'll come upon Jones Mountain Trail.

The little-used trail descends making and unexpected right turn at Mile 2.6.  Reenter Shenandoah NP at Mile 2.9 in amongst an oak woodland.  Begin an extensive stretch that descends that is amongst the park's finest.  At Mile 3.5 the trail turns left and heads downward towards Bear Church.  At Mile 4.4 the trail zig-zags very steeply down through brush and laurel.  Watch for a side trail on your left within 0.1 miles for a great viewing ledge.

Bring 2 liters of water, snacks, lunch, hiking boots, and a rain poncho just in case.