Hike: Bearfence Mountain, SNP, VA

$36. Long hike: 11½ miles, 2600 ft. elevation gain. Moderate hike: 8½ mi., 1700 ft. elevation gain.

Today's hike goes over Bearfence Mountain, which involves a rock scramble that offers wonderful views at the summit. There is an option of bypassing the rocks if desired. All hikers will begin with the AT from the Pocosin Fire Road intersection. Moderate hikers stay on the AT the entire distance, crossing Bearfence Mountain with its spectacular 360 degree views. (Hikers can choose to scramble over Bear Fence’s huge boulders or take a trail around the scramble.) Continuing north on the AT, they ascend Hazel Mountain and end the hike at Milam Gap. Long hikers follow the route of the moderate hikers past Bearfence Mountain, then take a loop Laurel Prong, Cat Knob, Jones Mountain, and Fork Mountain Trails to Camp Rapidan. From there they return to Milam Gap on the AT via the Mill Prong Trail.