Brooks Lake Loop

Bear Mountain State Park
Orange Co.,
New York

Hiking Trail:
Brooks Lake Trail: Red blaze

Total Time: 0:45 hour
Estimated Distance: 1.1 Miles

Pros: Scenic lake
Cons: None

Brooks Lake is a very scenic lake on the northern fringes of Bear Mountain State Park. Visible from the top of Bear Mountain, at the northern view, Brooks Lake has a loop trail around it.

The weather had been interesting, with the day starting off with snow and then turning into a cold rain. The snow had not melted from the rain, and it has just slowed down by the time I started this hike. Because of the poor weather conditions, I chose to do a short and easy hike, and dressed for the occasion. It was drizzling and very foggy with poor visibility during the hike.

I parked at the Brooks Lake parking area, and took the trail south, to the outlet, where I crossed the bridge and intersected the other park trails. I then walked along the the west side and then the north side of the lake, and then back to my car.

Map of the Route

Brooks Lake at the Beginning of the Hike

Looking South from the Beginning of the Hike

Information Map at the Beginning of the Brooks Lake Trail

Snowy Lake Scene

Evergreens and Snow Contrast

Looking North from the Woods at Brooks Lake

Abandoned Structure near the Brooks Lake Outlet

My Most Monotone Picture Ever Taken

Trail Markers at the Outlet Bridge at Brooks Lake

Snowy Ice-Covered Brooks Lake from the Outlet

Another View of the Outlet

Brooks Lake from the Western Side

Brooks Lake and Anthony's Nose in the Distance

From the North Side of Brooks Lake, Facing South Towards Bear Mountain

Brooks Lake Outlet and Bear Mountain in the Distance

Bear Mountain from Brooks Lake