Raise the Roof at Bears Den

Come join the Loudoun Appalachian Trail Association on December 6th for an afternoon of food, drinks and music as the community comes together to support the renovation of the historic Bears Den Trail Center lodge and honor the magnificent section of the Appalachian Trail that runs by this special place. (This event is a rain or shine event, held inside the lodge!)

A Lodge with History
Perched on 66 acres above the Shenandoah Valley and Blue Ridge Mountains, Bears Den began life in 1933 as a summer retreat for Dr. Huron Lawson and his opera-singer wife Francesca Kaspari. The lodge was designed in the style of a medieval castle and constructed with local stone. After passing through several hands, it eventually became part of the trail landscape when the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club (PATC) acquired the 66-acre lodge parcel. Now owned by the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, PATC manages the site, providing hostel accommodations, group rentals, camping and a gateway to the nearby Appalachian Trail.

“The Roller Coaster”
Just 150 yards from the lodge lies a section of the Appalachian Trail known for its rugged terrain and sweeping views. This portion of the trail, often called the “Roller Coaster,” consists of 13.5 miles of steep ups and downs and rocky ridges—a challenging yet rewarding section for day hikers and thru hikers alike. From the overlook at Bears Den Rocks (~1,350 ft elevation) ,visitors enjoy a sweeping, west‐facing panorama of the valley.

The Role of PATC
Founded in 1927, PATC is a volunteer-driven, nonprofit organization whose mission is to acquire, maintain and protect the Trail and lands of the Appalachian Trail and related facilities in the Mid-Atlantic region. Today, PATC cares for roughly 240 miles of the AT, owns and manages cabins and shelters—and mobilizes thousands of volunteer hours each year. PATC’s stewardship at Bears Den keeps this historic lodge and its surrounding 66 acres open to the public.

Why We’re Celebrating
The Bears Den lodge needs repairs and renovations to ensure that it continues to serve hikers, nature lovers and the community for years to come. “Raise the Roof at Bears Den” is more than a fundraiser—it’s a gathering to honor the legacy of the lodge, the rugged beauty of the trail and the volunteers who make it all possible.

Event Details
• When: Saturday, December 6 | 2 – 5 pm
• Where: Bears Den Trail Center Lodge, 18393 Blueridge Mountain Rd, Bluemont, VA
• What: Live music by Karma Creek / Food and drinks / Displays / Trail talks / Auction and raffle
• Suggested donation: $20 and up! All proceeds go toward renovation of Bears Den Lodge — helping preserve the building and enhance its services for hikers and guests. Donations of $100+ will be recognized as sponsors.
• RSVP/tickets: EventBrite

Meet with fellow Trail enthusiasts at this special afternoon of celebration and stewardship. If you can’t join us on December 6th, you can still donate to Bears Den’s future. And when you step into the lodge or gaze out over the valley from the trail next time, you’ll know you are helping to write Bears Den's next chapter. 

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