Sam Moore Shelter

The Appalachian Trail: The Roller Coaster is a challenging hike that truly earns its name, presenting a continuous series of steep, short climbs and descents. You will navigate rocky paths through a dense forested tunnel, with rewarding views emerging at spots like Bears Den Overlook and Buzzard Hill viewpoint, especially vibrant during fall foliage. This difficult route covers 14.1 miles (22.7 km) with a significant elevation gain of 3166 feet (965 metres), typically taking around 7 hours and 19 minutes to complete.

When planning your visit, be prepared for the trail's demanding elevation changes. Parking is generally available at the trailheads located near Route 7 (Snickers Gap) and Route 50 (Ashby Gap), providing convenient access points. Along the way, you will find the Sam Moore Shelter, which offers a potential resting spot if you need a break from the relentless ups and downs.

This section of the Appalachian Trail is renowned for its unique topography, which gives it the distinctive character to the entire experience. Beyond the challenging terrain, you might also encounter small cascading waterfalls, adding to the natural beauty of the journey. The constant undulations make it a memorable and physically demanding adventure for those seeking a true test of endurance on the AT.

Hike the challenging 4.2-mile Appalachian Trail from Bear's Den Park to Sam Moore Shelter, featuring rocky 'roller coaster' terrain and pano

Hike the Appalachian Trail from Bears Den to Buzzard Hill, a moderate 8.9-mile route with rewarding views and challenging ups and downs.