September 17, 2022 – Stony Level, NY
Problem: Straightforward – Average
Size: Roughly 2.7 miles
Max elevation: 1,289 ft. – complete elevation acquire roughly 494 ft.
Route sort: Circuit
Purchase Maps (Paper & Avenza): Harriman-Bear Mountain Trails Map #119
Free Bear Mountain Summit Path Map: Bear Mountain Hikes, NY
Free Bear Mountain Summit Avenza Map: Bear Mountain Hikes, NY
Free Net Map: Bear Mountain State Park Path Map 2019
Free Avenza App Map: Bear Mountain State Park Path Map 2019
Trailhead parking: Perkins Memorial Drive, Stony Level, NY 10980
Paved parking zone – bogs on web site
Park Overview:
The 5,205-acre Bear Mountain State Park is located in rugged mountains rising from the west financial institution of the Hudson River. The Perkins Memorial Tower on the summit of Bear Mountain offers guests spectacular views of the park, the Hudson Highlands and the rolling hills of Harriman State Park. A scenic drive to the highest of the mountain, alongside Perkins Memorial Drive, is a very talked-about vacation spot within the park for vacationers and sightseers. Perkins Memorial Drive and Tower are open from April by way of late November, climate allowing.
The park consists of Bear Mountain in addition to Dunderberg Mountain and West Mountain. Fort Montgomery is adjoining to the north fringe of the park whereas Iona Island Chook Sanctuary is on the jap edge on the Hudson River. Bear Mountain State Park is a separate entity from the adjoining Harriman State Park which runs alongside the western fringe of the park, however are managed as a single unit.
Bear Mountain State Park is 45 miles north of New York Metropolis within the Hudson Highlands. One of the crucial visited parks within the Northeast, Bear Mountain hosts greater than 3 million annual guests. Bear Mountain is accessible by automotive and bus and is a well-liked day use park. It’s typically too widespread; the state sometimes shuts the park down to manage crowds through the hotter months.
Historical past:
Throughout the American Revolution, when management of the Hudson River was seen by the British as important to dominating the American territories, the realm that was to turn out to be the park noticed a number of important navy engagements. In 1777 British troops routed Patriots at Fort Montgomery. Anthony Wayne’s assault of the British fort at Stony Level moved colonial troops to the west of Bear Mountain.
In 1908, the State of New York introduced plans to relocate Sing Sing Jail to Bear Mountain. Work was begun within the space close to Highland Lake (renamed Hessian Lake) and in January 1909, the state bought the 740-acre Bear Mountain tract. Conservationists impressed by the work of the Palisades Interstate Park Fee lobbied efficiently for the creation of the Highlands of the Hudson Forest Protect, stopping the jail from being constructed.
Mary Averell Harriman, whose husband, Union Pacific Railroad president E. H. Harriman died in September of that yr, supplied the state one other 10,000 acres and a million {dollars} towards the creation of a state park. George W. Perkins, with whom she had been working, raised one other $1.5 million from a dozen rich contributors together with John D. Rockefeller and J.P. Morgan.
Bear Mountain-Harriman State Park grew to become a actuality the next yr when the jail was demolished and a dock constructed for steamboat tour site visitors. The park opened in June 1913. Steamboats alone introduced greater than 22,000 passengers to the park that yr. Tenting at Hessian Lake (and later at Lake Stahahe) was immensely widespread; the typical keep was eight days and was a favourite for Boy Scouts. By 1914 it was estimated that greater than one million individuals a yr had been coming to the park.
Within the 1930’s the federal authorities below Franklin D. Roosevelt was growing plans to protect the surroundings as a part of the Melancholy-era public works packages; the Civil Works Administration and the Works Progress Administration spent 5 years on tasks on the park. Pump homes, reservoirs, sewer techniques, trip lodges, bogs, properties for park workers, storage buildings and an administration constructing had been all created by way of these packages. Each the Perkins Memorial Drive and Perkins Memorial Tower had been constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) between 1932 and 1934. The winding, steep drive was dynamited out of Bear Mountain by 1,500 NYS Momentary Reduction Staff. Work started on November 21, 1932 and the drive and tower opened on October 31, 1934. President and Mrs. Roosevelt had been among the many first guests.
Perkins Memorial Drive 1933 – Palisades Parks Conservancy
Perkins Memorial Tower was constructed with funds supplied by the Perkins household. The tower is 65 ft excessive and 30’x30′ on the base. It was constructed of native stone from a quarry on the base of Bear Mountain.
Perkins Memorial Tower – Bear Mountain
Appalachian Path~
It was in Bear Mountain State Park again in 1923 when the very first part of the Appalachian Path was constructed and blazed. It formally opened on October 7, 1923 and served as a sample for the opposite sections of the path developed independently by native and regional organizations and later by the federal authorities. The Appalachian Path has been re-routed quite a few occasions on Bear Mountain since its founding in 1923 attributable to erosion triggered from 100,000+ hikers a yr.
Within the fall of 2018, the New York-New Jersey Path Convention accomplished the Bear Mountain Trails Mission, probably the most formidable rehabilitation of the Appalachian Path (AT) ever carried out. Of your entire 2,200 miles of the AT, the part that runs by way of Bear Mountain State Park is the oldest and most closely used. Over 90 years in the past, it was Path Convention volunteers who blazed this authentic portion of the AT and opened it to the general public. By 2004, the Bear Mountain path had turn out to be an eroded, 10-foot-wide scar.
Work on the path included hardening the tread with 1,300 granite steps, every of which weighed between 500 and 800 kilos and wanted to be moved from the underside of Bear Mountain to the summit. The challenge additionally included establishing the primary ADA-compliant part of the AT.
The primary part of the Appalachian Path relocation was opened on June fifth, 2010 (Nationwide Trails Day) and consisted of roughly 700 steps. A second part together with an A.T. loop and almost 1/2 mile of absolutely accessible path on the highest of Bear Mountain was formally opened on June sixth, 2011 (Nationwide Trails Day).
Trails Overview:
There are over 50 official trails protecting over 235 miles, that includes a variety of difficulties and elevation adjustments.
The Appalachian Path passes by way of old-growth forest on its approach to Perkins Memorial Tower atop Bear Mountain, with scenic overlooks and spectacular views of the Hudson River and Dunderberg, Bald, and West mountains alongside the way in which. The tower can be reached by automotive, and a portion of the trail on the summit is wheelchair accessible.
Bear Mountain Summit Trails
Hike Overview:
I’ve been on the summit of Bear Mountain extra occasions than I can rely. I’ve at all times pushed to the highest to benefit from the views from Perkins Tower and the point of view simply off the parking zone the place the crowds appear to assemble. I had by no means bothered to discover the paths across the summit till final yr. Coping with some well being points, I wished to get open air and luxuriate in some Hudson Valley views with out the bodily exertion required on a hike. Strolling round on the summit led me to the western aspect of the mountain the place the AT passes by way of in addition to a few blue connector trails. I’ve since returned a number of occasions to discover somewhat extra and determined to do a brief loop hike using the AT and the deserted part of Perkins Memorial Drive to hyperlink it collectively.
This hike descends stone steps right down to an deserted part of Perkins Memorial Drive then climbs extra stone steps because it regains the elevation misplaced on the way in which down. Alongside the way in which there are quite a few views and little foot site visitors. This hike is ideal for the informal hiker or these not in search of a deep woods expertise. Relying on the time of day or season, you’ll encounter hordes of individuals across the neighborhood of Perkins Tower. The farther you progress away from that space, the much less individuals you’ll encounter. We arrived on the summit round 8:30am on a Saturday Morning in late September and there have been a number of automobiles already there. By the point we returned to the parking space, round 11:15am, there have been many automobiles, bikes, bikes and other people milling round having fun with the surroundings. My recommendation is to get there early earlier than the crowds.
Bear Mountain Summit Loop
elevation profile – Bear Mountain Summit Loop
The Hike:
Throughout the paved loop street, with Perkins Memorial Tower in your left, there’s a kiosk with a map and data on the northwest aspect of the summit. Simply to the appropriate of the kiosk is a fork. The best fork, blazed with the two″x6″ white blazes of the Appalachian Path (AT) and the red-ring-on-white blazes of the Main Welch Path, shall be your return route, however for now, proceed forward by way of the parking zone and if the tower is open, you might wish to go inside to test it out.
kiosk – Bear Mountain summit
A.T. Trailhead – Bear Mountain summit
Bear Mountain summit
Bear Mountain summit
Located 1,305 ft above the Hudson River, the 360 diploma panoramic views from Perkins Tower are spectacular. On a transparent day, 4 states and the Manhattan skyline could be seen from the tower. The remark ground has interpretive shows that describe the distant surroundings. Perkins Memorial Tower was constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) between 1932 and 1934. The tower was closed once we arrived at roughly 8:30am on a Saturday in September.
Perkins Memorial Tower – Bear Mountain State Park
The tower was constructed to honor the reminiscence of George W. Perkins (1862-1920), the primary President of the Palisades Interstate Park Fee. The tower served as a fireplace lookout station till the 1950’s. It’s now open to the general public.
Perkins Memorial Tower – Bear Mountain State Park
Proceed previous the tower and proceed forward to a broad south-facing viewpoint, with Dunderberg Mountain jutting into the Hudson River to the left. Rustic benches have been positioned on this space for guests to relaxation and benefit from the views. Notice the Manhattan skyline seen within the distance.
rustic bench – Bear Mountain summit
NYC skyline – Bear Mountain summit
Trying south over the Hudson River from Bear Mountain at 8:30am.
Hudson River view – Bear Mountain summit
Hudson River view – Bear Mountain summit
rustic bench – Bear Mountain summit
After having fun with the view, head again in direction of the tower, however bear proper at a fork within the path. Instantly forward, on a rock, you’ll discover a plaque positioned to commemorate the service of Joseph Bartha as Trails Chairman of the New York-New Jersey Path Convention from 1940 to 1955.
Joseph Bartha Plaque – Bear Mountain Summit
Bear proper on the plaque and descend alongside the white-blazed Appalachian Path. You now are following a spectacular path part, opened in phases between 2010 and 2018, that was constructed over a 13-year interval by skilled path builders and AmeriCorps path crews, together with Path Convention volunteers.
Appalachian Path – Bear Mountain Summit
Appalachian Path – Bear Mountain Summit
Appalachian Path – Bear Mountain Summit
In about half a mile, after having descended almost 400 stone steps, you’ll attain a viewpoint on the appropriate over Dunderberg Mountain to the southeast. Right here, the path bears left and ranges off. It then climbs somewhat and crosses a stream channeled between two rock slabs.
Appalachian Path – Bear Mountain Summit
Appalachian Path – Bear Mountain Summit
The height on the left, rising simply above the leaves is Bald Mountain. The height simply left of the notch (left of middle) is The Timp and West Mountain is the lengthy ridge on the appropriate.
view south – Appalachian Path
view south – Appalachian Path
Appalachian Path – Bear Mountain
A brief distance past, the path descends a number of lengthy flights of stone steps and crosses an deserted part of the Perkins Memorial Drive. Right here it is best to flip proper, leaving the Appalachian Path and head in a westerly route alongside the asphalt street. Chances are you’ll discover some blue blazes alongside the way in which. This part of paved street connects two completely different sections of the AT.
Appalachian Path – Bear Mountain
Flip proper on the junction
deserted Perkins Drive – Bear Mountain
The street passes under the tall cliffs that you just had been simply on moments earlier, then runs alongside a stone retaining wall. In about 0.3-mile, the paved street reaches a junction with the opposite aspect of the Appalachian Path. Flip proper on the junction because the AT climbs steeply up the mountain on stone steps.
deserted Perkins Drive – Bear Mountain
deserted Perkins Drive – Bear Mountain
Appalachian Path – Bear Mountain
Comply with the white blazes as they climb the stone steps alongside the southwest slope of Bear Mountain. This part of path is kind of spectacular. The way in which the stone steps snake their approach up the mountain is nothing wanting spectacular. The employees that constructed this part had been craftsmen and artists.
Appalachian Path – Bear Mountain
Appalachian Path – Bear Mountain
Appalachian Path – Bear Mountain
Appalachian Path – Bear Mountain
Appalachian Path – Bear Mountain
Appalachian Path – Bear Mountain
Appalachian Path – Bear Mountain
Because the path climbs the southwestern slope of Bear Mountain, it passes a number of rock ledges with open views to the southwest over the rolling hills of Harriman State Park.
Appalachian Path – Bear Mountain
Appalachian Path – Bear Mountain
Appalachian Path – Bear Mountain
Appalachian Path – Bear Mountain
Appalachian Path – Bear Mountain
Appalachian Path – Bear Mountain
Appalachian Path – Bear Mountain
The AT climbs extra stone steps and passes large boulders that type a rock wall.
Appalachian Path – Bear Mountain
Appalachian Path – Bear Mountain
Appalachian Path – Bear Mountain
Appalachian Path – Bear Mountain
Appalachian Path – Bear Mountain
Appalachian Path – Bear Mountain
The AT descends stone steps, passes by way of an open space and shortly reaches the western summit of Bear Mountain with wide-ranging views. A brief distance later the A.T. emerges on a flat pockmarked rock floor with a country bench proper within the middle.
Appalachian Path – Bear Mountain
Appalachian Path – Bear Mountain
Appalachian Path – Bear Mountain
Appalachian Path – Bear Mountain
Appalachian Path – Bear Mountain
Appalachian Path – Bear Mountain
Appalachian Path – Bear Mountain
Appalachian Path – Bear Mountain
Appalachian Path – Bear Mountain
This makes for a wonderful place to take a break and benefit from the view. The majority of the elevation acquire for this hike is completed when you attain this spot.
Appalachian Path – Bear Mountain
When you’re able to proceed, just some ft from the bench is the beginning of one other blue-blazed path at a south-facing viewpoint over West Mountain. Comply with the blue blazes alongside this brief, however picturesque spur path. You’ll return again to the bench if you find yourself achieved.
Appalachian Path – Bear Mountain
Blue Spur Path – Bear Mountain
Flip proper and observe the blue-blazed aspect path, which quickly emerges on one other rock outcrop, with glorious views to the west (Queensboro Lake could also be seen under). This aspect path follows a former route of the Main Welch Path and was blazed by volunteers as a aspect path to the A.T. to protect the magnificent views.
Blue Spur Path – Bear Mountain
Blue Spur Path – Bear Mountain
Blue Spur Path – Bear Mountain
Blue Spur Path – Bear Mountain
Blue Spur Path – Bear Mountain
Blue Spur Path – Bear Mountain
Blue Spur Path – Bear Mountain
Blue Spur Path – Bear Mountain
In 500 ft, the aspect path ends at a triple blaze. It appears to be like like you possibly can go somewhat farther, however we didn’t go a lot farther previous the tip of the path.
Blue Spur Path – Bear Mountain
Blue Spur Path – Bear Mountain
Blue Spur Path – Bear Mountain
Retrace your steps to the A.T., then flip left and proceed alongside the A.T. because it heads northeast on a comparatively degree grade. When the AT reaches a junction with yet one more blue-blazed path, proceed forward following the white blazes. The Blue Path can be utilized as a bailout possibility if one chooses. It ends on the parking space the place the hike started. It is usually a good looking part of path.
Blue Spur Path – Bear Mountain
Appalachian Path – Bear Mountain
Appalachian Path – Bear Mountain
Appalachian Path – Bear Mountain
Appalachian Path – Bear Mountain
Appalachian Path – Bear Mountain
This part of the A.T. options extra stone steps, most of which had been formed on-site from native rock. Quickly, you’ll go two big boulders to the appropriate, with stone steps curving down from the tip of the primary boulder.
Appalachian Path – Bear Mountain
Appalachian Path – Bear Mountain
Appalachian Path – Bear Mountain
Appalachian Path – Bear Mountain
Appalachian Path – Bear Mountain
Appalachian Path – Bear Mountain
Appalachian Path – Bear Mountain
Because the path reaches the northernmost part of the summit, you’ll be able to see the harm from a brush hearth that occurred in mid August of 2022.
Appalachian Path – Bear Mountain
Appalachian Path – Bear Mountain
After ascending stone steps, you’ll attain a spectacular north-facing viewpoint over the Hudson River and the hills of the West Level Navy Reservation, with Brooks Lake seen instantly under. Forward, you will note a stone pillar that after marked the boundary between the park and West Level.
Appalachian Path – Bear Mountain
Appalachian Path – Bear Mountain
After ascending extra stone steps, there’s a bench and a viewing platform. This makes for a pleasant spot to take a break.
Appalachian Path – Bear Mountain
Appalachian Path – Bear Mountain
Appalachian Path – Bear Mountain
The final third of a mile has been designed to be ADA compliant, thus allowing all customers to take pleasure in a good looking part of the A.T. Even this path part has been skillfully designed to mix in with the environment.
Appalachian Path – Bear Mountain
ADA Compliant Appalachian Path – Bear Mountain
Proceed following the white blazes alongside the well-graded gravel path which quickly runs collectively with the Main Welch Path, which is available in from the left. In a brief distance, you’ll cross a gravel service street and go a large boulder on the left. Atop the boulder are the concrete foundations of a former hearth tower (changed in 1934 by the Perkins Memorial Tower).
ADA Compliant Appalachian Path – Bear Mountain
ADA Compliant Appalachian Path – Bear Mountain
ADA Compliant Appalachian Path – Bear Mountain
ADA Compliant Appalachian Path – Bear Mountain
ADA Compliant Appalachian Path – Bear Mountain
Simply past, the Appalachian Path reaches the paved loop street across the summit, close to Perkins Memorial Tower, the place the hike started.
ADA Compliant Appalachian Path – Bear Mountain
ADA Compliant Appalachian Path – Bear Mountain
Evaluation:
A splendid hike, brief however very candy. I extremely suggest this hike. It has a lot to supply. Views galore, large boulders and erratics, and the stone steps are a masterpiece. My recommendation is to get there early earlier than the crowds come. By 11:15am once we had been achieved, there have been fairly a number of individuals within the space round Perkins Tower. Not as many as I’ve seen in days previous, however sufficient that we didn’t keep too lengthy after the hike. Nonetheless, a extremely scenic hike that’s doable by most.
Professionals:
Views galore, Appalachian Path, properly marked trails, scenic panorama, full and transportable restrooms, paved parking zone.
Cons:
The realm round Perkins Memorial Tower can get actually crowded on good days.
Take a hike!
Bear Mountain Summit Loop
Sources:
