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 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 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Mohit Suley on 5/25/2008 A wonderful, steep, strenuous, traveled, maintained trail which needs a lot of enthusiasm and sure feet. I am not a regular hiker, so this trail was pretty tough on me. However, once you reach the summit, and especially the south face beyond Perkin Towers, you will be rewarded with breathtaking views; took the AT on our return which was not so difficult and thus made the overall experience very nice. Took me about 2.5 hours to reach the summit; but that the novice me.
Reviewed by WM13Don on 4/10/2008 Wonderful trail! Surefooters with stamina, consider this hike for best views: Start at AT parking area off 7 Lakes Dr (foot of Bear & West Mountains). AT North to Perkins Tower. If you dare, and conditions permitting, descend north face of Bear via Maj. Welch Trl. Follow to end at AT, near Bear Mtn Inn. Take AT South (uphill) to top, turn left on Major Welch, follow to end, turn left on Perk. Mem. and return to your car via AT south. If you know the old road off P.M. Dr, you can make another loop with the AT North, the yellow S-BM South and the 1777 Trail and visit Doodletown. But that's for the truly insane. 
Reviewed by JANE on 10/22/2007 the climb was almost torturous! poorly marked, feeling dangerous at points. Very rewarding to complete it. 
Reviewed by Bernadette on 9/14/2007 The trail is quite open, but steep going up. The views are incredible though. I think they recently added markers (painted white boxes on trees and rocks), so it was easy to follow. I didn't think it was poorly maintained.
Reviewed by Steve on 8/11/2006 Excellent hike. Great scrambling on the MW about four-fifths the way up. One problem, at one point the blazes vanish and I ended up on a deer-path, but was very fun. The trip down on the AT was very relaxing with many fantastic views. Quite a lot of wildlife for such a crowded trail - saw deer both times I've done this hike. Also, a great view of the Manhattan skyline from the top of Bear Mtn.
Reviewed by Maryli on 7/30/2005 We went with 2 dogs - Dixie Dingos. Even though they are healthy and a pariah breed, this hike was tough on their pads. We did the Major Welch up - WHEW! On the way down the trail is so rough full of sharp, loose stones - it was tough on the dogs paws. Bring plenty of water or at least single dollar bills for the vending machines at the summit by Perkins tower.
Reviewed by Hope on 4/11/2005 I loved this hike, not so much for the view at the top (which was lovely), but for the intensity of the hike. The steep climb up smooth rock flats was very challenging. Be sure to have a good pair of boots, as most of the terrain is rocky and unkempt. If you circle the top, there are numerous viewpoints, my favorite was a secluded southern viewpoint that looks out over much of Harriman State Park.
Reviewed by Sean M on 3/7/2005 when looking for a trail i wanted a scenic and much less travled trail when i found out about the major welch trail. It is a stenous trail by starting off on pavement and turning onto a dirt trail. You then will go up 900 ft in 1 mile on a rock shelf where i passed many hikers who had to stop. SO BRING WATER. When u reach the summit u can take the SBM down but i chosse a more direct route the At marked by white markers which offered views of the NYC skyline the At will lead u down the back side of a mt. It will lead you back to the inn for the kids theres a carossal 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 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||