Bear Church Rock out and back from Graves Mill

This 8-mile out-and-back hike makes use of three trails to reach the Bear Church Rock viewpoint. Starting from the parking lot at the trailhead of the Graves Mill Trail at the edge of Shenandoah National Park, the first 0.5 miles along the Rapidan River is the easy warm-up portion. Turn left at the post on the Staunton River Trail, which begins going uphill in an earnest, although still moderate fashion. Follow the trail for 2.3 miles, enjoying the several water features along the way. Several side tributaries are easily crossed, often dry or muddy, but possibly with one or two rock hops during the wet season. Arriving at the post, turn left on the Jones Mountain Trail, being sure to stop for a water break. To this point I would not rate the difficulty higher than Intermediate. However, the final 1.2 miles to reach Bear Church Rock are much more difficult than the rest of the hike, following a steep uphill singletrack. Along this 1.2 mile stretch, turn left at the first post and bear right at the second post to stay on Jones Mountain Trail (go left at the second post to reach Jones Mountain Cabin). A short access path forks off to the right at 1.2 miles to the rocky viewpoint. The actual summit is 0.2 miles further, but there is no big view there, only a few more rocks.Enjoy your snack and return the way you came. Allow 4-7 hours for this hike, depending on your uphill pace and fitness, and take plenty of water.