Bear Mountain Summit and Southern Approach

Bear Mountain State Park
Orange Co, NY

Hiking Trails:
Appalachian Trail: White blaze
1777 Trail: Red blaze

Total Time: 1:45
Estimated Distance: 2.5 Miles

Pros: Great views, scenic area
Cons: None
Hike Type: 2 Car Point to Point
Level of Difficulty: Difficult

Google Maps of Parking:

Car 1:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/8MwUByJk5JdS7PyQ6

Car 2:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/3T2dd33VZx2aRJVk9

Hiking Partner:
Yehudah Koblick

There are three approaches up Bear Mountain: The eastern approach on the Appalachian Trail, the northern approach on the Major Welch Trail, and the southern approach on the Appalachian Trail. The southern approach is the least popular but also the quietest on a summer weekend.

We parked at the top of the mountain on Perkins Drive at the tower, and climbed the tower for some views (although the windows are smudged.) We then came down the town and took the north on the handicap-friendly trail (now called the "all persons trail".) At the north-facing view of Bear Mountain, we looped around on the trail and continued on the Appalachian Trail to the south facing view over the large rock face. 

We then continued on the trail descending down to the old road path, and then crossing Perkins Drive, to the final view on the southern approach, and then took the 1777 Trail after crossing Seven Lakes Drive to our second car.

Map of the Route

View from the Bear Mountain Tower

Bear Mountain Tower

"All Persons Trail"

Summit Rock of Bear Mountain

Forest Fire Area Atop Bear Mountain

Northern-Facing View with the Hudson River & Ft. Montgomery

South Facing View of Bear Mountain

Lower View on the Southern Flank of Bear Mountain

Kennedy Dells Falls

Kennedy Dells County Park
Rockland Co, NY

Total Time: 0:45
Estimated Distance: 1.8 Miles

Pros: Nice trails in suburban area, nice falls
Cons: None
Hike Type: Loop
Level of Difficulty: Very Easy

Google Maps of Parking:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/6TBo37jjLYECWhxRA

This is a nice peaceful walk with a small waterfalls that goes over an old breached dam. I parked at the parking trailhead area at Kennedy Dells, and took the service path to the white-blazed bridle path to the waterfalls area. I went down to the falls, and then took the blue-blazed trail to the service path and back to my car.

Map of the Route

Tree Nursery Sign

Pine Forest

Kennedy Dells Waterfalls

Watkins Glen Gorge Trail

Watkins Glen State Park
Schuyler Co, NY

Hiking Trails:
Glen Trail

Total Time: 1:00
Estimated Distance: 1.5 Miles

Pros: Very scenic natural canyon
Cons: Very busy area
Hike Type: One way hike with Shuttle
Level of Difficulty: Moderate

Google Maps of Parking:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/TbmojcYfm9D2skmb8

I went on a family trip to Watkins Glen, and we camped at the state campground there. Watkins Glen is a beautiful natural formation with a well-engineered path going through the scenic canyon with waterfalls and steep cliffs on both sides. We parked at the upper falls parking area, and took the Gorge Trail down. As it was the peak of summer vacation season in August, the area was extremely busy with hundreds of people along the trail. We continued down the trail past all the scenic areas including Rainbow Falls, Glen Cathedral, and the Cavern Cascade. At the end of the gorge at the village of Watkins Glen, I took the shuttle back to the top back to my car.

Map of the Route

Descending "Jacob's Ladder" at the Beginning of the Trail. Note the Large Crowd.

View of Glen Creek While Descending

Glen Creek

Waterfalls Along the Trail

Behind the Waterfalls

Rainbow Falls

Behind Rainbow Falls

Narrow Waterfall

Cavern Cascade

Descending the Gorge Trail

The New Sentry Bridge

Last Waterfall in the Gorge

Near the End of the Trail

Sentry Bridge and Watefalls