Best Hiking Trails in Bears Den Park

Overview

There is no "Bear's Den Park". This property is called "Bear's Den" and it's owned by the Appalachian Trail Conservancy but currently run by the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club, who pays one caretaker to take care of the hostel & property. There is no park service contributing to the upkeep of this property; it's entirely private. The property line you have shown is correct. You can learn more about the property at its website: <www.bearsdencenter.org.> There are several trails on the property, a primitive camping area [requires reservations] with 2 privies/outhouses, a hostel for hikers and groups, and a cabin [requires reservations at <www.patc.net>].

Getting Started

There is a parking area, which you show in the wrong spot, that costs $3 per car per day [there's a pay pole with envelopes in the lot]. When you come in the driveway, park in the circular lot with a bit Sycamore tree in its center; do not follow the fire road to the house. Please park 'head in' and close together, so there's room for everybody - it can get quite busy. Do NOT park anywhere along the fire road! If the parking lot is filled, you can park in the county-owned parking area at Rt.7.

NOTE: the only bathrooms are "privies", aka outhouses - 2 in the primitive campground near the parking lot, 1 near the garden up by the hostel. You are expected to pack out all garbage following "Leave No Trace" principles.

When to Go

The driveway gate is open 8am - 9pm year round. The hostel is open 5pm - 9pm daily.

Permits

Camping requires reservations. Visit <www.bearsdencenter.org> for more information.

Dog Info

Leashed dogs only! You are expected to pack out all garbage following "Leave No Trace" principles. Do NOT leave poop bags laying around the property! This is not only littering but also gross and rude.