Bear Mountain loop (scenic hike!)

This is a short intermediate and picturesque hiking with breathtaking views on the Bear Mountain park and the Hessian Lake. A dream gate-away from the city!

OVERVIEW
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.

DESCRIPTION
To access this loop, we 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.

We follow this single track 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, we will 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, we will cross Perkins Memorial Drive 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. This is an ideal spot to take pictures of the skyscrapers of Manhattan, a world away!
From here we descend back to the car/train-head via the Appalachian Trail.

DISTANCE: 3.7 miles
DIFFICULTY: Intermediate
ELEVATION: 1,121'

We will hike at an easy pace and will try not to leave people behind. Albeit short, this hike is not a walk in the woods. It fosters some steep terrain, walk on boulders, and elevation. Please make sure you are fit for the hike.

Suggested GEAR: Bring a jacket, hiking shoes or boots, snacks/lunch. One liter of water minimum per person is mandatory!

Public Transportation Meeting Location & Return Time:
We will meet at the trail head (Hessian Lake parking lot) at 10.30am
Location of the parking lot:
3020 Seven Lakes Drive, Tomkins Cove, NY 10986

TRAVELING BY TRAIN:
Metro North Railroad: Take the 8:45 train from Grand Central to Peekskill, arriving 09:52 am. Take a taxi/Uber from there to the Hessian Lake parking lot (~13min). Several trains available on the way back in the afternoon (~every 30 min).

Car Drivers and Riders:
People who are coming by car and are willing to give rides, please write in your RSVP from where and when you are leaving. If you'd like a ride, please contact a driver.

If you join us for this hike, please understand that you are responsible for your own preparedness, well-being and safety and will hold no one else liable in case of injury or mishap. The organizer will only provide a meeting place for hikers who wish to attend. It is your responsibility to research the event, know the area, bring the proper gear and have the skills necessary to return to the staring point safely. You agree not to hold the Organizer, Assistant Organizers, or any other members responsible for any injuries, mishaps, or any other situation that may happen at a planned event. Attendance on a hike signifies that you have read and accept the terms of this liability waiver.