Bear Wallow-Massanutten Trail Loop

Dogs Unknown

Features Birding · River/Creek · Spring · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

A great but rocky route with nice camping, awesome views, and tasty spring-fed water.

Spring at mile 9 and a few creeks near the start of the trail.

Mountain bikers also use the first part of the hike.

The first 4-5 miles are uphill and actually not bad in terms of difficulty. There are creeks both at the beginning and end of the hike for water. Near the end of the hike is a spring right off the trail. It is a "developed" spring with a PVC pipe. Easy to fill water bladders, but use a filter. The water was cool and didn't taste of iron or sulfur.

Along this hike, you'll pass several backcountry camp sites suitable for 3-4 tents. They are also very nicely setup for hammock camping. Each site has a fire ring. There were at least ten we passed along the way.

Prepare for a handful of good views out over the valley mostly on the back half of the trail. In all, this is a nice route. However, beware that it is extremely rocky on the back half. In addition, the back half is also getting a bit overgrown with vegetation and the trail is quite narrow in spots.

Watch for poison ivy on Meneka Peak Trail. Berry bushes were all picked clean already.

Plentiful birds. Saw some lizards but no snakes (though the terrain is perfect for them - so look where you step).