Also, you can save 2 miles but just parking at Hussain Lake. Too many people on a Saturday afternoon to enjoy. Hike itself was great and challenging but I couldn’t walk 1 foot without running into a tourist from the city or child. First half of this route is a pretty moderate fun climb with steps all the way. But don't let it fool you. Both the distance and terrain make this a challenging loop. This section of the Twin Forts trail begins at the Fort Montgomery parking lot (free) and crosses over the new, beautiful Popolopen foot bridge (blue marker). Took us 2.5 hours keeping a steady pace and resting at the top to take in the views. Just heavily trafficked in the uphill part, hard to keep social distancing. This was our first hiking trail not involving anyone from NYC. A lovely loop in Bear Mountain State Park that makes for a great weekend afternoon hike. There is no way to stay 6 feet away from other hikers for sections. Bear right, following the white blazes of the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) as it leaves the paved path toward a stone building known as Explore. Highlights include grand views of the Hudson River, neighboring mountains, historical points of interest, and a view of the NY City skyline on high visibility days (see photos). The loop begins along the south side of the lake, just north of the ice rink. Hikers then join the rugged and steep Major Welsh trail on the descent (red dot). I really was hoping to like this trail but from start to finish there wasn’t much to like. Outdoors. Read Big Bear Mountain Resort’s Health + Safety Guidelines in place at our twin properties – Bear Mountain and Snow Summit – for winter 20/21. The bus runs on weekends and takes a while but is worth it if you are car-less. Ferries to Bear Mountain Resort. To provide the best experience possible while accounting for the wellbeing of our guests, employees, and community, several new policies will be in place for the 20/21 season. The view at the tower at the top was beautiful but there are many other trails that are nicer to hike on in order to get there. The view at the tower at the top was beautiful but there are many other trails that are nicer to hike on in order to get there. About; Westin hotel, Nicklaus design golf courses, tennis, cycling and so much more. Do you live in NYC or NJ but haven’t made your mind yet trying out Bear Mountain Loop? Bear Mountain State Park Appalachian Trail and Suffern-Bear Mountain Trail Junction near Hessian Lake Bear Mountain, NY 10911. At the trail's end, hikers follow the paved path around Hessian Lake back to the blue trail. Trailhead on west side of Hessian Lake, parking at mountain lodges lot. Hikers then join the rugged and steep Major Welsh trail on the descent (red dot). The trail is primarily used for hiking, running, nature trips, and bird watching and is accessible year-round. As stated in other reviews, I was happy to be descending the stairs for the last leg as the thought of climbing up them wasn’t fun. Took us 2.5 hours keeping a steady pace and resting at the top to take in the views. Medicine Mountain Road is 3.3 miles north of Custer, and about 11 miles south of Hill City. Wonderful trail with some steep inclines and drops as well as part of the trail was closed off and had to take alternate path at the beginning, Walkable and nice views from fort Montgomery. Interesting ride over and alongside the Hudson River south on Route US6/202. Arrival points include the Inner Harbour (via Victoria Clipper), the Town of Sidney and the Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal (30 minutes from downtown Victoria, near Sidney). I’ve played hockey up here my entire life and never hiked the trail. Twin Forts Trail: Blue blaze Total Time: 0:45 hour Estimated Distance: 1.0 Miles Pros: Scenic area with nice bridges Cons: Parking area and Bear Mountain Park close early, walking on side of road This hike involved three bridges. Traveling the road on Anthony's Nose. AllTrails was right. Amazing! An ideal first stage of a Bear Mountain Loop, the Major Welch Trail is "spicier" than the Appalachian Trail approach, as well as more scenic and more challenging. Bear Mountain’s trail routes are normally accessed from Highway 385, by way of Medicine Mountain Road and County Road 299 (Bobcat Road). From the parking area, proceed west (towards the mountain) on a paved path that runs along the south side of the Bear Mountain Inn. This trail features beautiful rock steps. Completed counterclockwise; it is a decently steady uphill climb to the top, with multiple lookouts/pit stops on the way that provide views of the Bear Mountain Bridge & The Hudson River. Of interest, some "loop hikers" will choose to rock scramble up Major Welsh, and then walk down the staircase (reverse loop). Better than I expected, but man that had some really crazy trails that killed my feet. Our issues with the trail come from our lack of experience and appropriate equipment (or the right footwear). Pretty! Empire Passholders can get in for free. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. Nicely marked trail. Highly recommend this trail. This loop starts and ends on the parking by Bear Mountain. The Bear Mountain Trail crosses a couple of small bridges while climbing in elevation, before reaching the Bear Mountain Lean To at 0.7 miles. (I drove by Bear Mountain on the Fourth of July, 2017, and it was a madhouse. The trail started off nice until we ran into a closure and had to detour on the main road to get into bear mountain. There is a fee of $10 per vehicle. We encountered another hiker on his way up and was thankful he saw us because he thought for sure he was going the wrong way. The entire way to the top was all stairs. Fees are collected on weekdays between 6/22-9/2. You pay no additional fees when you make a purchase, but it allows Bear In The Mountains to earn a commission. Good trail to get the blood pumping!! Great day for it. I have! Bear Mountain Loop via Major Welch Trail and Appalachian Trail. Bear Mountain Trail, Mission: See 5 reviews, articles, and 4 photos of Bear Mountain Trail, ranked No.9 on Tripadvisor among 17 attractions in Mission. Luckily the AllTrails app gps was working or else we never would’ve found the road. Expect a little longer of time to finish it because you’re gonna be catching you’re breathe a lot. The way up was great with lots of good rock scrambling (definitely moderate/hard). The way up was great with lots of good rock scrambling (definitely moderate/hard). Hike itself was great and challenging but I couldn’t walk 1 foot without running into a tourist from the city or child. This is a good trail for exercise and views. It’s easy to go off trail at certain spots, so just make sure to follow your GPS. Otherwise would’ve been enjoyable. The trail down was very easy and so crowded. Show more photos. Countries; Regions; Cities; Parks; Trails; Maps. © 2020 AllTrails, Inc. Tous droits réservés. Highly recommend this trail. Once at Bear Mountain, the entrance to the trailhead is located around the lake. This hike is one of strenuous hike at Bear Mountain State Park in New York that has little bit of rock climbing. The trail is primarily used for hiking, running, nature trips, and bird watching and is accessible year-round. Empire Passholders can get in for free. Leave plenty of time for the second half as it’s much more difficult. Get the App. View the map from B.C. This is a good trail for exercise and views. The view is always nice at the top but I would choice another more enjoyable way to get there. Great hike, bear mountain side is all stairs so it’s always more fun for me to to do the stairs on the way down. Bear Mountain Loop via Twin Forts est un sentier en boucle de 5.7 miles très fréquenté situé près de Fort Montgomery, État de New York. We didn’t have a lot of time, so we did the easier and shorter part of the loop trail. easy/moderate https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/new-york/bear-mountain-loop-trail This trail unites with the well known Bear Mountain Loop via a lesser known route at the base of the Hudson River. Les chiens sont les bienvenus sur ce sentier mais seulement en laisse. Crampons are essential after snowfall. The Perkins Memorial Tower atop Bear Mountain affords spectacular views of the park, the Hudson Highlands and Harriman State Park. Had views of the mountains with the city looming in the background as well as beautiful views of the Hudson. It is an in-out challenging scramble. BMT007. Bear Mountain Loop via Twin Forts is a 5.7 mile heavily trafficked loop trail located near Fort Montgomery, New York that features a lake and is rated as moderate. The variety of trails looping across the rugged landscape, draped upon the Highlands, is a major part of the appeal of Harriman-Bear Mountain Parks. Bear Mountain's summit plateau comprises around a square mile in area, and there are two distinct summits on the plateau. This section of the Twin Forts trail begins at the Fort Montgomery parking lot (free) and crosses over the new, beautiful Popolopen foot bridge (blue marker). Bear Mountain Tourism: Tripadvisor has 2,316 reviews of Bear Mountain Hotels, Attractions, and Restaurants making it your best Bear Mountain resource. From the parking area, proceed across the lawn to the southwest corner of the Bear Mountain Inn and continue west (toward the mountain) on a paved path. Great hike, bear mountain side is all stairs so it’s always more fun for me to to do the stairs on the way down. Went counter clockwise , some fun steeper rock faces going up that way, the way down was very easy well maintained trail with steps going down a majority of it. This staircase ascends to the top of Bear Mountain and to Perkins Memorial viewing tower. We took the trail counter clockwise. The trail proceeds under the Bear Mountain bridge, through the grounds of the nature center, to the main visitors center, and then to the massive Appalachian Trail staircase (white). Fantastic views of the Hudson River Valley, with the great enclosed Perkins lookout tower on top. Harriman-Bear Mountain Parks Click here to see Trail Alerts for Bear Mountain-Harriman Parks. Caution: Watch for ratlesnakes . The trail started off nice until we ran into a closure and had to detour on the main road to get into bear mountain. At this point you can retrace your route or continue down the other side to Jimmy Dolan Notch. Pics overlooking the bridge and valley were perfect on a clear sunny day. Expect a little longer of time to finish it because you’re gonna be catching you’re breathe a lot. At the notch you can turn back to the parking area or climb Twin Mountain. 's S … We docked our hike from the parking lot and it was about 7 miles. The Bear Mountain trail ends at an overlook on the very southwestern edge of the massif. But BIG SOCIAL DISTANCE CAUTION for the way down. Too many people on a Saturday afternoon to enjoy. Stroll past scenic Hessian Lake on a flat grade, then ascend through woodland, breaking out on to a series of rock slabs that will give you an ever-improving view of the Hudson River valley. BearInTheMountains.com is a participant in the Avantlink Affiliate Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to a range of approved online retailers. Better than I expected, but man that had some really crazy trails that killed my feet. Once at Bear Mountain, the entrance to the trailhead is located around the lake. › Bear Mountain Loop via Twin Forts › Photos Photos of Bear Mountain Loop via Twin Forts Bear Mountain Loop via Twin Forts. The trail down was very easy and so crowded. There are a few shortcuts to get back to the parking area in case you don't want to do the entire loop. AllTrails said it would rain, weather channel said it would not. Wasn’t that crowded and well worth it. Read Guide Definitely something to attempt again soon. You hike thought the woods, up and down hills, over stony terrain, on narrow trails. At the trail's end, hikers follow the paved path around Hessian Lake back to the blue trail. Bear Mountain State Park is situated in rugged mountains rising from the west bank of the Hudson River. About 400 feet beyond the Inn, you'll reach a junction of paved paths, marked by a trail sign. 80 Reviews. Nice! AllTrails was right. There is a fee of $10 per vehicle. I'm an aggressive hiker and pounded this baby out most recently in 2:26 on a cool March morning between rain showers. Leave plenty of time for the second half as it’s much more difficult. Le sentier offre plusieurs activités et est accessible toute l'année. We took off from Bear Mountain … Bear Mountain Loop via Twin Forts is a 5.7 mile heavily trafficked loop trail located near Fort Montgomery, New York that features a lake and is rated as moderate. This was our first hiking trail not involving anyone from NYC. Was well worth it, recommend. But BIG SOCIAL DISTANCE CAUTION for the way down. My Maps; Create Map; Print Maps; Route Converter; Company. Description To get to Bear Mountain State Park from NYC with mass transport, you can take the Short Line bus right to the trailhead. The Bear Mountain Loop trail has a moderate difficulty and can be busy during the peak hiking season.The trailhead is at Sunrise Mountain Road and signs lead you through the rest of the Bear Mountain loop.The trail starts off with expansive fields of colorful wildflowers and small mountain creeks. I Agree with others go counter clockwise for moderate/Hard and clockwise for About 400 feet beyond the Inn, you’ll reach a junction of paved paths, marked by a trail sign. 's E shoulder heading N; pass Paradise Lane Group Camping Area; keep N, crossing CT/MA state line twice. Definitely something to attempt again soon. Went counter clockwise , some fun steeper rock faces going up that way, the way down was very easy well maintained trail with steps going down a majority of it. 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