Bear Mountain Hessian Lake Loop
Bear Mountain State Park,
Rockland/Orange Cos.
New York

Hiking Trails:
Major Welch Trail: Red blaze
Appalachian Trail: White blaze

Total Time: 0:40 hour
Estimated Distance: 1.3 Miles

Pros: Picturesque lake and scenic area
Cons: Built up area with many people

I was off from work for the Christmas Holiday. I had several things scheduled throughout the day, but had a little bit of time at the end of the day for a hike. This is more of a walk than a hike on a paved path, but being the area is mostly along hiking trails and in the mountain area I am including this in the blog.

I parked in the main parking area in Bear Mountain, and walked towards Hessian Lake, and took the path along the western shore of the lake concurrently with the Major Welch Trail. I continued around the loop of the lake, where I joined the Appalachian Trail on the eastern side of the lake. I then continued back to my car for a short and scenic loop around the lake.

Map of the Route

Sign at Hessian Lake at Bear Mountain

A Frozen Bear Mountain, Facing North from the Southern End

Tiny Island on Hessian Lake with Two Trees

Anthony's Nose from Across Hessian Lake

Overlook Above Hessian Lake

Me at the Overlook Above Hessian Lake

Hessian Lake from the Northern Point, Looking South

Bear Mountain and Hessian Lake