Page 30 - January Banner 2018_Neat

Page 30 January 2018 The Catoctin Banner Newspaper www.TheCatoctinBanner.com Published by www.EPlusPromotes.com

A Trip Worth Taking It’s the dead of winter. The last thing you want to do is to leave the cozy

warmth of home and venture out into the “bleak midwinter.” But on days when
Adventures the sun gains some momentum, the wind stills, and the sky glows with an
intense blue. “Maybe,” you think, “I could bundle up and go outside for a walk.”
from a Lucky you, for winter hiking abounds in our northernmost Blue Ridge Mountain
Traveler’s region! Nearby parks offer trails and roads just perfect for hiking, cross country
Notebook skiing, and snowshoeing. All that is needed for winter walks is a sturdy pair
of hiking boots; temperature appropriate garments to layer and remove, if
by Lisa C needed; insulated and waterproof socks and gloves; a light daypack for water
Cantwell and snacks; and a hiking staff for balance. Cross-country skis and snowshoes are
not commonly rented, so plan to purchase this fun equipment in-store from an
outfitter. They can be ordered; however, for adjustment purposes, it’s preferable
to be fitted in the store. So, if you’re game to wonder the bare woods of January,
here are a couple of destinations in our region that offer such pleasing vistas,
you may just forget it’s a bit chilly outside!

Bear’ s Den, Bluemont, V A

Perched high above the Shenandoah Valley, on a ridge
where the Appalachian Trail (AT) earns the nickname, “The
Rollercoaster,” is a historic lodge that serves as a hostel to
hikers. Bear’s Den, as it is known, is about an hour drive
from Thurmont and is near the Virginia quaint towns of
Purcellville, Upperville, and Berryville. In addition to the
AT, there are six trails that offer short hikes, no more than
two thirds of a mile in length, with spectacular views. My
favorite trail is the overlook on the AT (pictured), that offers
a sunset panoramic view of Winchester, VA, Front Royal,
VA and Charlestown, WV. The fascinating lodge was built
in 1933 by a Washington doctor and his wife, who was an
opera singer. They traveled to Europe and designed their
summer retreat to resemble a medieval castle, complete
with a turret, tower, and a grand room. The lodge has
The “castle” at Bear’s Den. View from the AT, overlooking the Shenandoah Valley, with
rooms available for overnight stays this time of year, as AT Massanutten mountain in the distance.
through-hikers are rare until spring. The Appalachian Trail
Conservancy (ATC) owns Bear’s Den, while the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club (PATC) manages it. In addition to the lodge, a rustic cottage can be rented and there
is a primitive campground for the more adventurous of winter wanderers. Of course, day-use only explorers can wander the grounds until the parking lot closes at
9:00 p.m. A $3.00 fee is charged for parking lot. Should you decide to stay overnight, linens and bedding are provided in the main lodge and a kitchen is available
for your use. Frozen pizzas, snacks, beverages, and pancake mix is stocked, should you choose not to bring groceries. When we visited and sought a bacon and egg
breakfast, we found several friendly cafes to choose from in nearby Berryville, VA. The lodge has an extensive library, as hikers have left their favorite books behind
for fellow off-the-beaten-trackers to relish. Consider an overnight reservation so you can put your feet up in the grand room after a few hours of hiking. I read by the
crackling fire in the stone hearth there, while my husband chatted with other guests. Bear’s Den is an informal and welcoming place, but party animals beware, as
strictly enforced “quiet time” begins at 9:00 p.m. Keep in mind that this is a hostel and unless you specify a private room, another guest could climb into the overhead
bunk. There’s little privacy during the summer, as the lodge is often full of weary hikers. Lastly, Harper’s Ferry is a mere 20.5 miles away via the AT. A shuttle is
available to return to Bear’s Den, but that is a challenge best reserved for warmer weather, at least for this hiker. This beautiful spot is approximately 60 miles from
Thurmont and is indeed, a trip worth taking! For more information about day use and lodging rates, visit the website at bearsdencenter.org or call 540-554-8708.
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