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.
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| Map of the Route |
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| View from the Bear Mountain Tower |
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| Bear Mountain Tower |
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| "All Persons Trail" |
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| Summit Rock of Bear Mountain |
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| Forest Fire Area Atop Bear Mountain |
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| Northern-Facing View with the Hudson River & Ft. Montgomery |
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| South Facing View of Bear Mountain |
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| Lower View on the Southern Flank of Bear Mountain |
