Bear Mountain

"Nice ~50-minute (one way) up-and-back to the summit from the Dunderberg Turnpike trailhead via the Appalachian Trail / Whiteblazes. Using this route to train for the Catskill 3500s :D This route was a great little challenge in the hotter weather and direct sun, but the entire Harriman state park is pretty accessible for all abilities; I will definitely be bringing friends who consider themselves novices on this route to hype them up for some bigger peaks!" — cmck23 • Sep 28, 2025

"Since all the trails from Seven Lakes Dr. to the summit, were still closed from the July rains, I drove up the reopened Perkins Memorial Dr. to the summit area. The sign at the start said the Observatory Tower was open but when I arrived, it was closed for the day. It was a short 1/10 mi. walk along the A.T. to the summit rock where I found the former fire tower footings and USGS marker. The mountain was basically in a rain cloud on this late afternoon although I could see most of the Hudson River Valley from the lookouts." — SteveM_StickMan • Nov 26, 2023

"An April Fools day hike with Ed from Long Island. We didn’t feel like driving up to the Catskills due to the damp forecast so we did a couple of easy peaks in the Hudson Valley instead. First ascent on both peaks for Ed so he had his phone out quite often snapping pics at various view spots. On top of Bear we were rewarded with a grand view of the NYC skyline and the tower was open so that called for another ascent to view the surrounding area. Relocated the car over on Rt 9D and headed up to the Nose just as a rain squall was blowing in rather dramatically. We were a bit wet as we reached the open view which was reduced considerably with the low cloud cover. Didn’t linger long as the wind quickly provided a chilling affect. Popped up to the true summit, with a county bench mark, before heading down and of course on cue the sky quickly cleared as we descended on the AT." — Nimblefoot • Apr 1, 2022

"Carried my 2 month old little bear up the Major Welch trail and down the stairs.. she really enjoyed being naked at the top of a mountain (diaper change and wet clothing switch since I was sweating all over her)" — jakethompson • Sep 12, 2021

"Traverse of the Suffern-Bear Mountain Trail that spans the eastern side of Harriman State Park, plus some bonus miles and elevation with an out-and-back of Bear Mountain along the Appalachian Trail to finish up the trek. Marathon of a day- 26.3 miles and 5,160 feet of gain in 9.5 hours of solid hiking. Caught the sunrise atop Nordkop Mountain, had beautiful bluebird skies all day, and was able to make it home in time for dinner!" — wacbravo • Feb 10, 2019

"Getting North Beacon and Bear mtns for the month of December. What started off as a sunny blue sky day has now turned into more overcast. Trails much more drier on Bear compared to the sloppiness on North Beacon. Despite the cloudending of the sky the view down the Hudson River was still decent. A number of cyclists were taking advantage of the nice weather and Perkins drive being snow free so getting in more hill climbs to the summit of Bear mtn." — Nimblefoot • Dec 1, 2018

"Out hiking some local peaks and searching for bench marks. The fourth and final peak of the day that started off nice with blue sky and sunshine then quickly became overcast and breezy. On top near the tower I find a small bus and many seniors wandering about taking selfies with the view and each other. They were surprised to see me wearing shorts on such a cool day....hey it's not winter yet! Checked out the three bench marks on the rock outcropping, two have arrows pointing toward the third the highest." — Nimblefoot • Nov 7, 2017

"Tom, Steve and I spent the day with two friends who are thru-hiking the Appalachian trail. Today Cathy and Kate are slackpacking a section from South Highlands road in Fahnestock SP to Bear mountain. After rendezvousing with Anna a second time, now on Rt 9D next the Hudson River, the ladies get to cross the Bear Mountain bridge and interact with the variety of animals in the zoo before reaching the Bear Mountain Inn. On the bridge they meet up with 82 year old Grey Beard, a fellow flip-flopper, who is in the process of setting a new record for oldest thru-hiker by a few months." — Nimblefoot • Oct 4, 2017

"Finally a Fall-like cool morning after a week of warm humid days. Out bagging three peaks for my Hudson Valley grid on the last nice day of September. My first time hiking up Bear via the AT from the Bear Mtn Inn in quite some time even though it is only 15 minutes from my house. I got to see all the fine rock steps and staircases the volunteers have built over the last couple of years. A fantastic improvement over the old trail but sadly blemished by lazy individuals who must leave behind tissues, bottles and cans and other general garbage. Once on top I had the open tower to myself despite a crowd down at the view point." — Nimblefoot • Sep 29, 2017

"Humid, overcast day. Major Welch Trail was closed for maintenance, which was disappointing, so I took the Appalachian Trail up and back. Views from the top were pretty good, but would probably have been better from the other side." — RSperling • Sep 28, 2015