Trails Closed Due To Bear Activity Near Big Run Overlook
The park service at the Shenandoah National Park have had to make some trail closures recently due to dangerous bear activity that took place several days ago. Trails were closed on July 2, 2016 for the Big Run Portal Trail as well as the Big Run Loop located in the South District of the SNP. The trails will remain closed until further notice by the park service. Big Run Loop Trail is closed at Big Run Overlook. It is also closed at the intersection with Rockytop off of the Appalachian Trail. The Big Run Portal Trail is closed at the Patterson Ridge Trail intersection. Big Run Overlook and nearby trails are located at Mile Marker 80 and 81 on Skyline Drive near Loft Mountain.

Bear Activity Closed Trails in SNP

Reports of a black bear bluff charging a hiker is the reason for the trail closures. There have also been other reports of seeing bears in this area recently. This area has a lot of berry bushes and bears like to eat the ripe juicy berries this time of year. Some bear safety tips include: stay atleast 50 yards away from bears, back away slowly, do not turn your back on the bear and run away, do not feed bears, hike in pairs and never alone.

Video of a black bear bluff charging…