Lodging · Shenandoah National Park
A restored log cabin with a strenuous 3.8-mile hike-in.
Overview
Map
Plan your stop
The highest, rockiest slopes around here are a summer buffet for grizzly bears.
Shenandoah Tour Guide
Parkwolf is a GPS audio tour guide for Shenandoah National Park. As you drive, it chimes in with what’s ahead: hidden gems, upcoming stops, history, geology, and wildlife, right through your car’s speakers.
See the Shenandoah audio tourRecorded for this area
Graves Mill: River Walk or Bear Church Rock“You're nearing Graves Mill trailhead, where the Bear Church Rock hike follows rivers and cascades before climbing to a broad forested view.”
Plays on the road 1.6 mi from Jones Mountain Cabin in the Parkwolf Shenandoah Tour Guide.
More stories near here in the app
“Fantastic app with many points of information… It’s great to just turn on while you’re driving and it gives you an audio tour of the national Park. We love it!!!!”
Guide
Jones Mountain Cabin is a primitive chestnut-log rental in Shenandoah National Park’s Central District, reserved for overnight stays. It is locked rather than an open shelter. The strenuous hike in from Graves Mill at the park boundary is 3.8 miles with 1,400 feet of climbing, and you have to hike back out afterward. This is a stay for experienced backpackers, not a quick stop.
The main floor has two bunks, an eating area and counter; the loft fits up to seven mattresses, and the listed capacity is 10. A large covered porch gives you room to sit outside. Mattresses, blankets and cookware are supplied, with a pit toilet and spring nearby. Carry food and a backpacking stove for cooking, and treat spring water before drinking. Reserve in advance and check the equipment details before your hike. Nearby Jones Mountain Trail leads to the view at Bear Church Rock.
Harvey Nichols, described as a moonshiner, built this chestnut-log cabin in 1918. He left in 1937, and it stood abandoned until the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club restored it in 1969–71, rebuilding much of it on the original foundation. A major 2018 rehabilitation replaced the roof, rebuilt the porch and frame, repaired log timbers, and stabilized the hearth.
Wildlife
325 sightingsBlack BearMost seen around 6 AMSighting map
21 sightingsBald EagleMost seen around 10 AMSighting map
1,036 sightingsWhite-tailed DeerMost seen around 7 PMSighting map
167 sightingsWild TurkeyMost seen around 7 AMSighting map
93 sightingsTimber RattlesnakeMost seen around 6 PMSighting map
24 sightingsCoyoteMost seen around 6 AMSighting mapSighting maps show where each species has been reported across Shenandoah. Wildlife moves, so no sighting is guaranteed.
Keep exploring
ChallengingBear Church Rock via Graves Mill7.8 mi · 5 hr · 1.6 mi awayRiver bends, cascades, and a sharp climb end at a rocky view.
ChallengingJones Mountain and Staunton River Loop14.7 mi · 11 hr · 1.6 mi awayA 14.7-mile loop joins a cascade, open ridge, and old mill sites.
EasyGraves Mill Trail4.2 mi · 2 hr · 1.6 mi awayGentle river miles with swimming holes and a flexible turnaround.
ChallengingGraves Mill - Rapidan - Jones Mountain Loop18.6 mi · 12.5 hr · 1.6 mi awayA two-night backpack pairs Hoover history with a remote mountain cabin.
ModerateStaunton River Trail8.6 mi · 5.5 hr · 1.6 mi awayPools and cascades reward a steady climb up the wooded gorge.
ChallengingJones Mountain to South River Circuit34.9 mi · 1.3 days · 1.6 mi awayFive days of ridgeline walking, an 83-foot waterfall, and mission ruins.
ModerateUpper Dark Hollow Trail4.2 mi · 2.8 hr · 3.2 mi awayA 4.2-mile out-and-back with a steady 1,000-foot climb.
ChallengingBear Church Rock via Bootens Gap9.7 mi · 5.5 hr · 3.9 mi awayLong forest miles end at a rock ledge above the Rapidan Valley.
Sight · 0.4 mi awayBear Church Rock OverlookA broad ridge view earned by a long, rocky hike.
Sight · 3.2 mi awayRapidan CampA creekside Hoover retreat with history worth the uphill return.
Sight · 4 mi awayThe Point OverlookA short, steep path opens onto sunset views across the Blue Ridge.
Scenic pullout · 4.1 mi awayHazeltop Ridge OverlookBeldore Hollow opens a clear-day look toward distant southern peaks.
Sight · 4.2 mi awayBearfence MountainA short summit scramble opens a full-circle Blue Ridge panorama.
Scenic pullout · 4.4 mi awayNaked Creek OverlookA west-facing sunset stop over wooded ridges and Elkton.
Sight · 4.9 mi awayDark Hollow FallsA brief, steep stream walk to a 70-foot cascade.
Picnic area · 5 mi awayLewis Mountain Picnic GroundsA quiet picnic stop with a history worth knowing.Parkwolf’s Shenandoah ranking
The audio tour guide for the drive, plus offline maps, trails, and wildlife heatmaps for when the signal drops.
