|
|
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
         
 Reporter |
Summary: The Appalachian Trail, which goes over the summit of Bear Mtn is a very well traveled route. For a more scenic and secluded trek, I followed Major Welch Trail from the Bear Mtn Inn along Hessian Lake. It goes around the mtn to the north side and assaults it fiercely, climbing 900 feet in less than 1 mile. The views along the way were breath taking. The Hudson River stretched endlessly to the north and nothing but green surrounded it. By contrast, if you followed the AT you could see the NYC skyline in the distance. The MW reaches the summit and Perkin's Tower, and heads over the other side. It eventually meets, and ends at the AT. I followed it off the mth and across Seven Lakes Drive. This lead me to the Suffern Bear Mtn Trail, which bisects the entice 52,000 park. I followed the SBM over the shoulder of Bear Mtn. Here are incredible views of the Bear Mtn Inn and Anthony's Nose, the mtn across the Hudson. The SBM eventually led back to the inn. Trailhead: Took the Shortline Bus from the Port Authority Bus Terminal in NYC to the Bear Mtn Inn. Roundtrip ticket is $25.00 but the first bus out is 8 am and the last back is 5 pm (Lat:41.21629 Lon:-73.59058) Trail Guides for Major Welch Trail: Harriman Trails: A Guide & History by William J Myles (NY/NJ Trail Confrence) Best Seasons: Fall, Spring, Summer, User Groups: Hikers, Dogs, Ranger Contact: Park Police - 845-786-2781 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Brian Walter, who has posted 10 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Page 1 of 3 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Aditya Datey on 8/2/2010 Hiked the previous saturday. Took Major welch trail (red circle on white) to Perkins tower at top. Steep climb, but we reached the top in an hour. Took white trail back down to the lake/parking lot. Pros: well marked, great climb & workout, great views from lookout points and top. Cons: $8 car parking, you never lose the crowd/car noise, not secluded. 
Reviewed by Larry B. on 7/31/2010 Great workout and great views. I'll be back again. The trail was well maintained and well marked. It was also well populated on this 80 degree clear Saturday.
Reviewed by Mike W. on 4/13/2010 Stayed at Overlook Lodge, walked out before breakfast and did the climb, came back, did the Sunday brunch, rested for an hour and a half, climbed the Welch again and spent some time in the tower and saw Manhattan skyline in the haze, quite a thrill. A difficult trail, and not for the novice hiker, but it can be completed up and back in less than two hours if you're in good shape. Good sneakers with soft soles to grip the large slabs of rock are a good idea, but you could climb it in Tevas if you had to. Marvelous views! There is a saddle, well below the summit, about 75 feet below where the trail crosses Perkins Drive, which has an absolutely breathtaking view over the Bear Mtn bridge and the Hudson. I'll be back. 
Reviewed by Angelo on 9/24/2009 Very Steep incline and awesome views but very easy to get lost if your new. Loops run into each other and drive you nuts to find a simple way back without backtracking. It was intense yet complex.
Reviewed by Francesca on 9/6/2009 I have hiked this trail at least 40 times over the past 10 years. It always calls me back. Heart pounding and invigorating. Be proud if you can make it to the top.
Reviewed by Tacti21 on 4/6/2009 Hiked on 4/5/09..60 Degrees & Not a cloud in the sky. WELL MARKED TRAIL. Slightly strenuous & steep at points. There are 2 great points at which to break on the way up. -Gil
Reviewed by Greg B on 3/20/2009 Hiked it last week. Blazings were clearly visible everywhere and all ice/snow gone. Great workout/hike love the views!
Reviewed by KimM-M on 2/20/2009 Tried this last week. It's still winter, and even though it didn't snow for a while, there was still snow in the mountain. The tricky part was that there was ice on the trails. making it dangerous because of the huge smooth slabs of rock that is your other option. We made it out to the Perkins Drive but then stuck to the road because it was pretty scary. I've done this hike in summer and it's a really good workout, but winter is tricky Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: New York Hiking, New York Trails, New York Hikes, Orange County Hiking, Orange County Trails, Orange County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
