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Please see Bluemont for other available Bluemont hostels and accommodations.
Please see Bluemont for other available Bluemont hostels and accommodations.
Bear's Den Hostel Details
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Location/Contact| Address | 18393 Blueridge Mountain Road (VA HW 60), Bluemont, Virginia, USA |
| Website | www.bearsdencenter.org |
| Telephone | +1 (540) 554-8708 |
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Hostelz.com Guest Reviews
Thru-hiker 2008 I was finishing up a 2008 N.B. hike Ga.- Harpers Ferry. I thru-hiked the A.T.in 1999 but passed on the Bears Den that year however other hikers said it was great. This year (mid Nov.) I was experiencing a freak cold snap with daytime temps in the upper 20's to low 30's snow flurries & evening temps. in the teens. Since I was hiking with only my rainfly I decided to stop in to warmup & make a couple phone calls. I was greeted kindly given a tour (no other thru-hikers were present) and was encouraged to stay. I wouldnt have spent the $27 dollars since all I wanted a hot shower and bunk. I was told I could get both and something to eat for $10 with no work for stay. Instead I decided to push because the place was so cool I was afraid had I stayed I would pulled a triple zero day. I cannot comment on other peoples experiences, nor can I say the $10 treatment I was offered should be an expected courtesy available for every hiker. As every thru-hiker knows situations on the A.T.can vary. I can say the place rules and if Thru-hiking or hiking in general you owe it to yourself to check out this semi-Gothic looking Hostel. Lastly, the treatment one receives from a hostel often reflects those who previously stayed there and if you cannot follow the rules of any hostel/hotel, keep moving. — Rockfish & turtle , USA (2010-05-05) This place is the best I've stayed at the "Bear's Den" many times. The staff are friendly and helpful. I've been there as a hiker and by motorcycle with no problem. If anybody gets reprimanded for anything it's probably because they deserved it. You have to remember that people stay here with their children sometimes. No alcohol, no smoking, and no foul language. This place is clean, peaceful, and inexpensive. I love it. — David Swartz , USA (2010-01-15) Great! Charming rustic lodge on Appalachian Trail. Hikers' room has TV, free computer/internet, and long distance phone. Staff couldn't have been nicer. Hikers very friendly and interesting. Several theme trails on the grounds.
Clean and quiet! — anonymous , usa (2007-09-22) Stayed here overnight with some friends who were hiking through. Did the Roller Coaster with them and arrived after 9 when they close up for the night. Not only were we well received, but there was genuine interest in our well-being and lives. If there's a Christian emphasis here, I prob would have picked up on it, but instead I saw hospitality. I'm sure there are always hang-ups when attempting to make logistics work for transportation, but I have faith. They have your best intentions in mind. — Jeremy , United States (2007-05-04) Help? What's that? There was no assistance forthcoming. When I looked for someone to give me a thought about where to get a meal, or how to get a shuttle, or canoeing, or directions to Harper's Ferry -- or even to the North Ridge at Sky Meadows -- no help. The chastising lodge mistress is a bear and has no business reprimanding grown adults who are paying for a night's rest -- I have a mother thanks. Also, the deal really isn't. essentially for $10 more you get a pint of Ben andJerry ice cream and a Tombstone pizza that would cost you half that in the nearby town. Beverages are extra. I moved on quickly and you should too! — James (2006-10-23) This is a beautiful place in a beautiful setting with friendly staff; but be aware that, as the staff will tell you when you check in, it is no longer a "hostel." This is now a "trail center" and caters to those coming in off the trail. Also know that the manager considers her service there a Christian mission; prayers and occasional mild chastisement come with the package. — Jane (2005-07-21) A beautiful location and a great place for thru-hikers. There are lots of trails and a beautiful overlook to see the sunset. They didn't seem to take too well to us as people who drove in to visit the area, though. It's very much in the middle of nowhere, so I wouldn't recommend it if anyone in your group gets scared easily. (It kind of looks like the setting for a scary movie.) — Anonymous (2005-05-24) Outstanding hostel. I have stayed here during past thru-hikes. This is the place where, after "surviving" the "Roller Coaster," you stop in for some of their Ben & Jerry's ice cream.
It is well worth an overnight stay. There is an excellent food preparation area in the kitchen and a really nice "Great Room" with fireplace, books, etc.
The folks who run the place are really nice. They bent over backwards to help me out. — Jaws (2004-11-22) This hostel is very beautiful and nice. If you are staying here the service was great (as I saw when a fellow backpacker came in for the evening), but as a passer-through who had injuries and asked for help getting to Harper's Ferry they were not very helpful to me. The staff did however give me a few numbers to call, but made sure that I had a calling card to call these places. Thank God I did! Then when I was unable to get any answers to my shuttle needs (due to the holiday weekend) their best suggestion was to hitchhike. Now picture this: me, a person with a sprained ankle having to walk down a back road uphill to possibly get a ride into Harper's Ferry. Praise Jesus for the kindness of a good Samaritan who gave me a ride to my destination. (For anyone curious to why I feel that he should have helped me, refer to the Bible, particularly Luke 10:31-37.) God bless you all in your journeys through life. — The Injured Backpacker (2004-10-10) Great hostel! We had a great time there. — Anonymous (2004-07-06)