Bear Pen Gap Trail

Enjoy this “off the beaten path” trail with rewarding views

The Bear Pen Gap Trail is located along the Blue Ridge Parkway at mile marker 427.6 at the Bear Pen Gap Overlook. This trail isn’t too steep and offers a 2.5-mile there-and-back trail with a scenic bald at the end, along with a connection with the Mountains to Sea Trail (MST). Beginning from the parking lot, you’ll see the trailhead on the leftmost side of the parking lot. Most of the hike in is downhill (until it’s time to turn around). Once you see a couple of old gate posts about .75 miles in, take a left and continue until you see the scenic meadow at the end. It will be located right at the fork at approximately 1.33 miles in. This meadow is adorned with 3-season wildflowers and the beautiful chirping of the many birds that call it home. To enjoy the view at the end, continue through the meadow to the furthest southern point where you’ll find a clearing with views of the surrounding mountains.