Bear Mountain Easy Trail How Many Miles
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. 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. While not technically rock climbing, you'll get more exposure than a typical hike and the use of hands will be required in some spots. The top flattens out as you join the Appalachian Trail and finish at the Perkins Memorial Tower on top of Bear Mountain, where the view opens up to the south towards New York City. To access this loop, start at the Carousel in the main Bear Mountain parking lot and hike north along the asphalt start of the Major Welch Trail around the west shore of Hessian Lake. Pass the lake on the right, and go to almost the other end of the lake, where you'll find a trail leaving the pavement up to the left. Follow this singletrack section of the Major Welch Trail as it gently curves to the left and suddenly begins to ascend more directly. After passing through some rough trail and some newly installed steps, you'll emerge at the first of a series of exposed rock faces. Your shoes should just barely allow you to climb up these faces without the use of hands in dry weather, but maintain three points of contact to be safe! Each ledge offers a better and better view, first of Popolopen Torne across Popolopen Gorge and Route 6, then the town of Fort Montgomery, then the Bear Mountain Bridge, and north to West Point. Finally, you'll cross Perkins Memorial Drive (watch out for cyclists and motor vehicles!) and reach the summit plateau, where the trail turns right to contour around under the summit through a mythical-looking pine forest strewn with house-sized boulders, eventually ending at the summit parking lot. Take pictures of the skyscrapers of Manhattan a world away, and descend back to the car via the Appalachian Trail. Overview
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Zander Göpfert
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May 25, 2020
Roxy M
4.1mi — 2h 56m
May 24, 2020
Joseph Bender
Beautiful hike on a beautiful day! The Major Welch trail wasn't too crowded. 3.7mi — 3h 00m
Nov 30, 2019
Thomas T
with Krista and Sara — 2h 30m
May 27, 2019
Avid Hiker
9:16 AM to 11:12 AM - Major Welch to Perkins Tower 12:19 PM to 1:13 PM- Appalachian Trail to start 3.7mi — 2h 50m
May 18, 2019
Dean Casalena
Some steep fun rocks. Roads near the top. Lake paved around with pedal-boats and manicured fields. 3.7mi — 10h 00m
Apr 14, 2019
Jordan Lee
Fun easy hike outside the city, busy on weekends but nice views. 3.7mi — 2h 30m
Nov 11, 2018
Andrea Alimonta
Me and my wife did this hike the other way around. Much better hike going up the stairs smooth and easy. Coming down it's more rocky and rough.
Oct 5, 2018
Ben Sagerman
Great quick hike that surprises you with its difficulty, but rewards you with great views and a nice walk back down the mountain.
Jun 25, 2018
Robert Gall
Really great hike for a more challenging hike, great place for pictures and heavily trafficked. 4.2mi
Apr 21, 2018
Jared O'Connor
Afternoon hike with Ashton and Leo to celebrate Leo's 8th birthday. ~60 years old in human years and he's still got it. 4.9mi
Jan 27, 2018
Ed Bezursik
Relatively warm day in January, about 45 degrees at start. 3.9mi — 2h 09m
Oct 21, 2017
Cody Burke
Assent fun, top and descent crowded
Oct 3, 2017
Arzi Rachman
Major Welch and Appalachian Trail Loop 4.3mi
Aug 13, 2017
Allison Kadanoff
Went off trail for a bit. Very difficult. Pay attention at water tank. At least the way down was easy. Vending machine with water bottles at the top. 4.5mi
Aug 7, 2017
Emma Tuz
First hike in upstate NY!! Feel empowered and invigorated with colsies!!
Apr 2, 2017
Stephanie Hartner
Go up major Welch and come down Appalachian. Appalachian is all stairs. 3.9mi
Dec 26, 2016
Dylan Kemelor
We hiked when the trail was covered in ice. Very slippery and difficult. I slipped several times, resulting in some cuts and bruises. Excellent trail! 3.9mi
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Source: https://www.hikingproject.com/trail/7023693/bear-mountain-loop
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