Round Hill via School Mountain Road (Fahnestock State Park)

Round Hill via School Mountain Road (Fahnestock State Park)

Hike Type: Lollipop Loop

Distance: 4.61 miles

Elevation: 712 feet

My Time: 1 hour, 39 minutes

Book Time: 2 hours, 39 minutes

Parking: Plenty roadside parking at School Mountain Trail trailhead.
Hiking Challenges: 52 Hike Challenge 2026, Downstate 28er

The Hike 

I was in New Jersey/PA for the weekend to celebrate my cousin's wedding and I wanted to find a stopping point on the way home to break up the drive. I could have done a Catskill High Peak, but I didn't want to go that far out of the way on a Sunday, and then I remembered the Downstate 28er list (which appears to be by the same folks who made the Taconic 12er!). I looked at the hikes that were furthest from Mom's house and landed on two in Fahnestock State Park. The plan was do to hike Round Hill and Candlewood Hill before launching myself back to Boston. I had a nice drive, a little over an hour long from our breakfast spot in Towaco to the School Mountain Road trailhead, which was a long dirt road with plenty of pull-offs and a parking lot (with a porta potty!) a bit further down. It was a humid, sunny 82 degrees when I arrived. I put on my new hiking clothes from Target (underwear that I feared was too short for my thighs, new 7" inseam shorts that I feared would be too soft and absorbent, and a new "active" shirt that I feared would be too heavy and absorbent. Starting off strong!

I started my hike on School Mountain Road, which was an old gated gravel road that was delightfully flat. I was planning to avoid bug spray for as long as possible, if that would be possible. I was excited to see that the trail markers were the Taconic Region ones, for no reason besides a little teehee. 

A minute or so into the hike, there was a kiosk with a map for the Hubbard Perkins Trail, which partly coincides with this and other trails in the park. There was a wonderful floral smell in this area. I soon caught up to a man and his off-leash dog at a sign that specifically detailed why it is important to leash your dogs... I passed him, gave a "how's it going," and got zero response. Yikes!

The School Mountain Road trail crossed over a couple lovely bridges and then I crossed paths with another duo. They were both friendly, and the one ahead shouted "oh shit John! Hurry! You can see a bass!" which made me giggle. The trail continued into the woods with a very easy gain, passing old stone walls and eventually crossing a larger bridge. Just after the bridge was the turn I would take for the blue-blazed Fahnestock Trail up to Round Hill!

Right around here, specifically at the 0.4 mile mark, 9 minutes into my hike, my camera battery died! I was incredibly displeased with this. I hate doing phone-photo hikes. I also just don't like being on my phone more than I need to on hikes, besides taking notes. And I only like taking notes becuase it helps me relive my hikes with more detail when I journal them, like this! Either way, I continued onto the Fahnestock Trail, turning sharply to follow the stream back toward the meadow and the bridges from before. There were a large number of dragonflies that had a teal/metallic thin body and black wings (a very specific google search looks like they were ebony jewelwings, also known as black winged damselflies).

The bugs started to increase, but I just kept my pace up, really avoiding the Deet. The trail stayed flat for a bit, eventually turning away from the water at another old stone wall. After the turn, the trail began to easily rise around the base of Round Hill.

As the vegetation increased, I eventually gave up and coated myself in bug spray, and it was a good thing I did! The trail became pretty overgrown and generally unpleasant to hike through. After rounding the corner, the trail began to start a moderate climb up the spine of the hill, switchbacking here and there with an overwhelming floral smell (which would have been lovely any other day, but not in the humid huff-and-puff). 

I hiked over what I'm pretty sure was a wild cockroach (?) as I was actively dripping pollen-soaked sweat. The baby blubes were taking shape, at least! There was a slightly overgrown view towards Bear Mountain, which was nice to see! I also passed a neat orchid-looking flower (a Goat's Rue, thank's Seek!). As the grassy climb continued, I found myself feeling less excited about getting in the car to get another hike in, so maybe I'll just extend this one? We'll see.

After rounding the shoulder of the hill, the trail worked through a pretty open-ish area that was ridiculously grassly (a la Harriman State Park's Long Path). I had to bug spray my upper thighs becuase the grass was so high. There were some tree views to the left as the trail crossed another old stone wall, and then I had to fight my way through a few thickets of raspberries (or blackberries, or wineberries... either way, thorns!). The grass got so thick at points that I couldn't even see my feet. I was not emotionally prepped for this hike.

I was quickly losing steam to extend the hike along the ridge, especially if this grass kept up. Naturally, after I had that thought, I crossed another stone wall and the grass became waist high. The trail slightly descended before the final climb up. I wrote: "I rarely actively hate a hike but this is really trying for it."

There was a short steep climb before hitting some more grass. Thankfully, the trail flattened at some blueberry bushes before turning for the final push. There were some obstructed views before a wonderful view, where I encountered my first person in a while, going in the opposite direction. 

The Fahnestock Trail rounded the height of land. I took a spur/herd path to the true summit, which was marked by a fire ring and a makeshift cairn. Back on the main trail, I noticed a view out to a nearby hill with a massive observation tower-looking thing. There was a WONDERFUL breeze here as I entered more and more grasslands. There were at least nice pink flowers (carolina roses, thank you, Seek!). 

The trail descended into a low point and then rose just a few feet to the junction with the green-blazed Round Hill Bypass, which I HAPPILY took. At this point, I was pretty sure I was just going to do this hike as-planned and call it a day. I was NOT in the mood and I was already overheated - I'm not ready for full summer. 

This trail was MUCH more enjoyable. It easily descended with rocky footing into a fern-filled wonderland, and I could see my feet the whole time! Further down, I crossed a stream with an adorable frog swimming about and then hiked over another stone wall.

The trail then entered a really pretty open forest with stone walls in every which direction and a vast carpet of green undergrowth (only a few inches tall, which was so much nicer than the multi-foot tall grasses from before. I could tell this used to be farmland clearly, but curious how long ago? The park was opened about 100 years ago. I was missing my camera - it was so pretty!

The trail then turned and rose above a mossy stream that would be absolutely stunning after a rainfall. There was a parent and child playing in the water. The Round Mountain Bypass trail terminated just a couple minutes later at another nice bridge!

The bridge was designed by the West Point Cadets Civil Engineering Class of 2021. I thought about adding a loop over East Mountain, but the trail looked similarly horribly grassy - no thanks! I was back on School Mountain Road and happily hiking back to the car.

I crossed another bridge, this time designed by the West Point Cadets Civil Engineering Class of 2020. I spooked a snake that I thankfully did not see and continued my romp along the beautiful road. I unfortunately was in a slightly negative headspace, so I was not able to fully enjoy the back end of this hike, but it really was lovely. There were seemingly endless stone walls throughout. 

The next bridge was a longer one with wooden steps to reach it, and it was also designed by the West Point Cadets Civil Engineering, this time the Class of 2019. I passed another sightless snake and enjoyed the tall trees lining this trail. After a bit of walking, I officially closed the lollipop and hiked over the final three bridges (I forgot to check if the design pattern continued, but the styles of the bridges sure did match!).

I soon made it back to my car and started to wipe the sweat (and pollen) off and change my clothes. Comically, I realized my backpack had been open the whole time! I did not have the energy in me to squeeze another possibly unpleasant hike in, so it was now time for a long drive back to Boston, naturally with a stop at Stewarts on the way!

Step-by-Step

- Start hike on School Mountain Road (white).

- At jct., turn sharply right onto Fahnestock Trail (blue).

- At jct., turn left onto Round Hill Bypass (green).

- At terminus, turn left onto School Mountain Road (white).

- Return to car.

Fahnestock State Park Map

Photo Album

Round Mountain, Mt. Frissell, Mt. Brace Loop (Mount Washington State Forest; Taconic State Park; Mount Riga State Park)

Round Mountain, Mt. Frissell, Mt. Brace Loop (Mount Washington State Forest; Taconic State Park; Mount Riga State Park)

Hike Type: Loop w/ Spurs

Distance: 5.78 miles

Elevation: 1,102 feet

Time: 2 hours, 10 minutes

Parking: Parking for 6 cars at the end of East St. (3 on each side of road), more parking on CT side.
Hiking Challenges: Taconic 12er, Operation Alaska Benchmark Challenge

The Hike 

...AND we're right back to it! I had a short stop at my car after my Bear Mountain Loop, and now I was planning an out-and-back over Mt. Frissell to Mt. Brace and back. I saw on AllTrails there was maybe a loop option that's not on the official map from the Round-Frissell col back to the trailhead, so I planned to check that out.

[10:16am - Mt. Frissell Trail]

My hike started on the Mt. Frissell Trail, blazed in red. The trailhead sign said 1.0 miles to Mt. Frissell, 1.5 miles to Ashley Hill Trail jct., and 1.8 to the South Taconic Trail. To no surprise, the hike started on a flat old road an a vast sea of, you guessed it, mountain laurel! At least the trail was wide now, I don't think I could have emotionally handled another leg-drenching narrow trail.

I hiked past the loop trail in question that I saw on AllTrails and it was clearly closed and in the process of being taken back over by vegetation - that option was out! The trail turned at this phantom junction and began to easily rise with tree views toward Round Mountain. I could hear people ahead of me, but I did not see them. I came up to a little scrambly section that was steep but fun! I wasn't thrilled that I'd have to come down this, but it was nowhere near as bad as Bear Mountain's scrambles.

There was a brief reprive followed by another steep scramble, which kind of kept steeply climbing until the top. I started to catch up to the voices ahead and could see some nearby peaks from the top of a few of the scrambles. There were some COLD wind gusts that I wasn't ready for!

[10:34am - Mt. Frissell Trail/Round Mountain Summit]

I was almost caught up to the group ahead of me, which was seven-ish people strong, at the top of Round Mountain, which had very nice views to Mt. Frissell on one side and Bear Mountain on the other. This area reminded me a lot of the Wyanokies in New Jersey. There was a brief open plateau walk on Round Mountain before it descended to the col. I caught up to the big group here, and it took me at least 6 "hey mind if I squeeze past you?" to finally get past all of them. At least one guy complimented my hot dog shirt?

Naturally, once I got past all of them I rolled my ankle pretty painfully, but nothing too bad. I saw a little pond off-trail on the right in the Round-Frissell Col and I could hear a grouse thumping while I answered nature's call. The climb up Frissell was similarly steep, but now slabby too, and my watch was being rude about my heart rate (telling me I was at 100bpm when I was closer to 170bpm, ridiculous!). I pushed to the top and hit a very very short spur to the true summit!

[10:49am - Mt. Frissell Trail/Mt. Frissell Summit]

The summit was marked by a busted cairn (I think) and a Summit Reigster. I didn't open it because it was (to no surprise) misting again), but yay! One more peak to go! I was still lamenting about coming down the slabs and scrambles, but we do what we have to do.

The Mt. Frissell Trail descended with rocky footing on sharp rocks, similar to the Kittatinnies in New Jersey, soon opening to what I'm sure would be a wonderful view out into the Hudson Valley and the Catskills, but today it was just more clouds! After a few minutes, I made it to the MA/CT state line!

[10:55am - Mt. Frissell Trail/CT State High Point]

The State Line also doubled as Connecticut's High Point. Writing this now, I do find it fun that I hiked both Connecticut's highest peak (Bear Mountain) and Connecticuts highest point in teh same day. The area was marked by a survey disc with a comically tall pole sticking out of the middle and what looked like another register box (it should also be noted that the Mt. Frissell Trail goes between MA and CT before this point). 

After this point, the trail narrowed and became scratchier and began to descend again over a few tricky wet slabs, bringing me back into the land of mountain laurel. 

[11:03am - Mt. Frissell Trail/Tri-State Monument]

I then came to the Tri-State Monument, which interestingly enough marks the point where MA, NY, and CT meet, but only says MA and NY (the same style monument as at the MA/CT line at the trailhead parking. There was an older piece of broken marble, maybe that used to say CT? A mystery! I ran into the first human in a while just afterwards, and then I was at the other end of the Ashley Hill Trail!

[11:06am - Mt. Frissell Trail/Ashley Hill Trail]

It was fun to see both ends of this trail, it felt like my hike up Alander Mountain was forever ago! The Mt. Frissell Trail continued ahead, the Ashley Hill Trail continued right, and an unblazed herd path to presumably nowhere traveled left, which was labeled "other way ->" in pencil.

Again, the trail narrowed and began to easily rise. I was finding this hike to be mentally a lot longer than it actually was, probably because I was approaching 10 miles in the day, even though this hike was still under two miles. The Mt. Frissell Trail turned a corner, passed a pond on the right, and then came to the South Taconic Trail.

[11:15am - South Taconic Trail (North)]

[11:19am - South Taconic Trail (South)]

There were finally good views! The South Taconic Trail/Mt. Frissell Trail junction had a wonderful view down to the farmland below with a glimpse at a few Catskill slopes beneath the clouds. I was curious about the pond, so I followed the South Taconic Trail northbound to see if I could get a better view. Turns out 1) I was not on the South Taconic Trail, just an old road that parallels it, and 2) there was now view of the pond. I came to the spot where the South Taconic Trail turned off of the road bed and turned around there, now actually following the blazes and enjoying the beautiful views.

[11:24am - South Taconic Trail/Mt. Frissell Trail]

[11:27am - South Taconic Trail/Mt. Brace Trail]

I was mentally gearing up for the climb up Mt. Brace, which looked not-too-far but not-too-close. I could see some flag and structure up top, which felt exciting! My hip belt continued to keep popping off, which was very frustrating, but thankfully the hike up Mt. Brace was pretty gentle. I came to an unmarked junction with the unblazed Mt. Brace Trail. Naturally, my brain started thinking about turning it into a loop hike, but that would add at least a mile and I was nervous not knowing how that trail would be. Later problem!

[11:30am - South Taconic Trail Mt. Brace Summit]

I crossed paths with a duo just before the summit, which appeared before I even knew it! The climb was actually delightfully easy, and the top was neat! The structure was a massive rock cairn with a wind catcher on a flag pole. The summit was motly meadowed with flagging tape all about (curious about that). I loved seeing Bear Mountain, Mt. Frissell, and even Alander Mountain! It was chilly and I was tired, so I of course didn't stay long. I think I might go for the loop?

[11:35am - Mt. Brace Trail]

I descended off the summit, and decided to do it! The grade looked easy the whole way, and time-wise it would probably be the same because I'd have to go slow over the scrambles down Frissell and Round. I also didn't want to see the group of seven again... Here goes nothing!

I did see the humor in that by making this a loop, and turning Bear Mountain into a loop, I effectively added mileage to my day and was essentially doing the originally planned hike, but I didn't care! The air was starting to warm up as the skies CONTINUED to drizzle. The trail was one big long old road with loose rocks and occasional streams. The wet part of the upper trail eventually drained into and crossed a real stream, and was better afterwards with wonderful flat dirt.

I then saw a red eft, took a bunch of photos, and offically killed my phone battery. Tragic! I started hiking even faster, just grateful that I knew where I was going. I also dropped my phone immeaditely after it died, scratching the screen protector.

I caught up to a trio in a very wet, flat spot, as they were admiring frog eggs. The trail continued to descend, getting progressively wetter and wetter, which kind of sucked. It reached a low point, crossed a bridge, and climbed up through more wet trail. Eventually, it flattened out and dried out, which led to the gate onto Mt. Washington Road!

[12:06pm - Mt. Washington Road]

[12:22pm - Mt. Washington Road/Bear Mtn. Road]

There were a bunch of signs for the Mt. Riga Corp. Inc. on Mt. Washington Road, basically saying "stay off of our land." It also made it seem like some people may reside on land owned by the corporation? It's very hard to find info on it online. Thankfully, the road was in great shape and I was able to truly cruise! The walk to the Bear Mtn. Road junction was longer than I thought, but the Bear Mtn. Road junction to the car was significantly and wonderfully shorter than I thought!

[12:28pm - End of Hike]

Naturally, I ended my hike with blue skies and a shining sun. Either way, it was a fun day of exploring this little corner of Massachusetts. It was fun to hit the CT high point, and hike in three states in a day! I've also now finished the Taconic 12er peaks outside of Vermont - yay! I had a nice long drive home, and then off to the Belknaps with Christien tomorrow!

One fun thing that happened on my drive home - a Mercedes SUV from New Jersey was weaving in and out of lanes on I-90 (there were people on the road, but all driving at highway speeds) WITHOUT using a blinker. Five minutes later, I saw that same car pulled over getting a ticket. Karma!

Step-by-Step

- Start hike on Mt. Frissell Trail.

- Near summit, turn right onto summit spur.

- At summit, turn around.

- At jct., turn right onto Mt. Frissell Trail.

- At jct. with Ashley Hill Trail, continue straight on Mt. Frissell Trail.

- At terminus, do a quick loop northbound on the South Taconic Trail, then hike south towards Mt. Brace.

- At summit of Mt. Brace, turn around.

- At jct., turn right onto Mt. Brace Trail.

- At terminus, turn left onto Mt. Washington Road.

- Follow Mt. Washington Road to car.

Map of Mount Washington State Forest

Photo Album

Skiing Catamount Mountain (Day 38/Indy Day 30)

Skiing Catamount Mountain

Sunday, March 29th, 2026

Runs: 13

Distance: 11.27 miles

Elevation: 12,034 feet

Max Speed: 36.8 mph

Avg. Speed: 16.6 mph

Moving Time: 40 minutes, 42 seconds

Total Time: 2 hours, 38 minutes, 29 seconds

I had a wonderful hit-and-run trip to New Jersey, got my haircut, and was back on the road around 9:00am! I was between skiing Catamount and Berkshire East, and ultimately decided I'd ski Catamount since it would save over an hour of driving and I had more opportunites to possibly hike afterwards. I had no idea what the conditions would be like, but I saw at least one of their double blacks was open (I'd never skied any of them), so I made my choice! I made my Indy reservation before leaving, and I was off! 

I had a great, easy drive up, and the parking lot wasn't even half full when I arrived just before 11:30am. I first ran into the bathroom and got my pass for the day and then booted up at the car - it was so wonderfully quiet on the mountain, and coverage still looked decent (for snowmaking trails, that is). Classic spring - white ribbons bordered with brown woods.

Conditions Outlook

Sunday, March 29th

21 Open Trails Serviced by 2 Lifts (Ridge Quad & Meadows Triple) and 1 Carpet.

Mostly cloudy skies in the morning today before sun comes out in the afternoon; temperatures will increase throughout the day, starting in the 30s and getting up to close to 50s. Plenty of well-groomed trails are still open across the mountain. 

Our mountain ops crews are working hard to keep the conditions strong. 
Don't miss out on some of the last skiing of the sesaon!

Runs 1-5

Run 1: Ridge Quad - Upper Sidewinder - Upper Alley Cat - Lower Sidewinder

[1.08 mi; 4:05; 1,004 ft; 28.9 mph max; 15.8 mph avg]

Run 2: Ridge Quad - Upper Sidewinder - Upper Alley Cat - Shawenon

[0.86 mi; 3:13; 981 ft; 32.8 mph max; 16.0 mph avg]

Run 3: Ridge Quad - Upper Sidewinder - Upper Alley Cat - Chute - Lower Alley Cat - On-Stage

[0.72 mi; 2:34; 978 ft; 26.8 mph max; 16.8 mph avg]

Run 4: Ridge Quad - Upper Sidewinder - Upper Alley Cat - Chute - On-Stage

[0.77 mi; 2:38; 1,001 ft; 30.4 mph max; 17.6 mph avg]

Run 5: Ridge Quad - Upper Sidewinder - Upper Alley Cat - Upper Glade - Lower Glade - On-Stage

[0.74 mi; 2:46; 1,001 ft; 31.0 mph max; 16.2 mph avg]

I decided I'd mostly ski looker's right to left and just see what was open! It looked like more trails were open than the online report said, which was exciting! I rode up the Ridge Quad almost exclusively, and only had to share it once out of my 13 runs. Run #1 was down Upper Sidewinder, which had a mixture of spring corn and uncarvable ice, down onto Upper Alley Cat, which was short, steep and fun, and then I cut-through to Lower Sidewinder, which was super fun and had some rollers that made me go "whee!'

Run #2 started the same and then went onto Shawenon, where I vividly remember going WAY too fast on my first season on the Indy Pass. This snow was delightfully fun and springy with just a few narrow spots to navigate. Run #3 followed Chute to Lower Alley Cat to On-Stage and some of my favorite snow of the day. #4 was Chute all the way to On-Stage, and #5 was Upper and Lower Glades to On-Stage. Really all of these runs were super fun to ski with that lovely spring snow - my only wish was that the upper bit on Upper Alley Cat was a little softer!

Runs 6-9

Run 6: Ridge Quad - Ridge Run - Catapult - On-Stage

[0.69 mi; 2:42; 945 ft; 26.8 mph max; 15.3 mph avg]

Run 7: Ridge Quad - Ridge Run - Christopher's Leap - Holiday

[0.90 i; 3:07; 925 ft; 33.9 mph max; 17.3 mph avg]

Run 8: Ridge Quad - Ridge Run - Mountain View - Upper Colonel's Caper - Ali's Alley - Holiday

[1.28 mi; 3:48; 1,122 ft; 31.4 mph max; 20.2 mph avg]

Run 9: Ridge Quad - Ridge Run - Upper Promenade - Lower Promenade

[1.35 mi; 4:29; 942 ft; 31.7 mph max; 18.0 mph avg]

Now I'd be turning left off of the Ridge Quad for some runs, starting with the double-black Catapult! This one was always super daunting to me due to it's pitch and closeness to the quad, but I really went in with no fear and just had a wonderful run down! Skier's right had more corn with a few cookies, while skier's left started harder but ended up buttery and wonderful. It didn't feel that steep in the grand scheme of things, either.

Run #7 brought me down the other open double-black, Christopher's Leap, which was objectively super steep. What didn't help was that it was also hard as a rock - one of those runs where you turn just for the bit. I basically scraped right on down this one, which was simply unpleasant. It would be fun with spring bumps, though! Holiday skied wonderfully and I got enough speed to get right back to the Ridge.

#8 was more of a leisure run. I followed Ridge Run to Mountain View, both were soft and lovely, and then onto Upper Colonel's Caper and Ali's Alley, which were barely-touched corn havens. I giggled! Holiday brought me right back to the quad.

Run #9 was the big winding one, down Ridge Run and both Promenades. I wanted to ski back to the Ridge Quad, but springtime left it's mark and the only way back would be a slight uphill through the beginner carpet area, which was running! Instead, I finished up at the Meadows Triple and hopped on there for a few more runs.

Runs 10-11

Run 10: Meadows Triple - Walter's Way - Lower Promenade

[0.63 mi; 2:11; 551 ft; 35.4 mph max; 17.2 mph avg]

Run 11: Meadows Triple - Mountain View - Holiday

[0.62 mi; 2:18; 584 ft; 30.3 mph max; 16.3 mph avg]

My first run up the Meadows Triple was down Walter's Way to Lower Promenade - Walter's is always a favorite of mine! Run #11 went back up the Meadows and down Mountain View to Holiday and back to the Ridge for a couple last runs. Also fun moment - the mid-station on the Meadows was BLASTING 2012-era music that echoed throughout the birch woods, a beautiful dichotomy. There were a few more trails I needed to ski everything in the Meadows area, but I was satisfied skipping them.

Runs 12-13

Run 12: Ridge Quad - Upper Sidewinder - Upper Alley Cat - Shawenon

[0.85 mi; 3:01; 991 ft; 33.2 mph max; 16.9 mph avg]

Run 13: Ridge Quad - Ridge Run - Catapult - On-Stage

[0.79 mi; 3:50; 1,007 ft; 31.4 mph max; 12.3 mph avg]

My final two runs were just joyful repeats! Run #12 was aimed at Lower Sidewinder, but a bunch of teens went down that way so I hit Shawenon instead (and almost barreled over someone side slipping down the narrow headwall... oops... she didn't notice I almost killed her though, and told me to go around in a lovely French accent). My final run was another lap down Catapult, which was just a fun time! I was thinking about hiking on the lift, and saw that a few peaks on the new Taconic 12er Challenge were less than 10 miles away, so I set my sights onto Mt. Everett! I debooted, used the bathroom again, had a quick snack of lackluster energy gummies that had been sitting in my hiking bag for who knows how long, and was off for adventure #2!

Map of Catamount Mountain

Beebe Hill Fire Tower (2x) (Beebe Hill State Forest)

Beebe Hill Fire Tower (2x) (Beebe Hill State Forest)

Hike Type: Loopty Loop

Distance: 4.69 miles

Elevation: 814 feet

Time: 1 hour, 43 minutes
Hiking Challenges: Taconic 12er

The Hike 

The drive from Ludlow to Beebe Hill was nice and simple, and featured a stop at the lovely Loves truck stop right off of I-90 once in New York. There were 10-15 more minues of driving once off the highway, and it was lovely! I drove past a different trailhead for Beebe Hill State Forest, which confused me, but I trusted my GPS and it was correct. The driveway to my trailhead was pretty rutted, but thankfully short. It was a chillier 19 degrees now. The AllTrails route I had was a short hike, less than two miles, so I figured I'd start there and extend it if I was feeling good. The start of my hike did get slightly delayed, because there was a super old cemetary right next to the trailhead (which is apparently known as Fog Hill Cemetary and/or Frenchman Cemetary, but I couldn't find out any more information on it). There were some graves from the 1800s!

From the trailhead, I followed blue blazes over a bridge and trampling needle ice, which soon leads to a register box. The blue blazes stop here, and red blazes go both left and right - I went right to climb up Beebe Hill. I crossed another little bridge in beautiful woods and wiggled around some blowdowns after the bridge. There was a comical amount of needle ice on the trail - it almost felt like a gravel trail. There were a few short steep sections before crossing a stone wall and a few woodpeckers.

I was looking around, enjoying the open forest views, and feeling grateful to actually enjoy stick season (but to be clear, I'm excited for leaves again, too). The trail continues to climb and eventually levels out for a while, which was lovely. The trail crossed a spur to a shelter, that gave off spooky vibes on which I truly cannot elaborate.

After the shelter, the trail crosses a bridge over wetlands and what I assume to be a vernal pond, and there were raccoon tracks frozen to the bridge (actually, looking at the photos again, I think they were beaver tracks! - WAIT NO just kidding definitely raccoon). Anyway, the trail continued, easily climbing, past a privy in the woods, and soon entered the summit clearing!

There was a cabin that appeared to be mid-refurbishment, and to the right down the road was the fire tower, which also looked recently refurbished. I climbed up the shockingly not-sketchy fire tower (recently painted, not wobbly, and EXCELLENT traction). The stairs did get skinny near the top, but the cabin had all of it's windows and just wonderful views! The best views were towards the Catskills.

I climbed back down, lamented about not finding a disc, and continued my hike. I hiked down the fire tower road, turning left onto what seemed like an older road. At the next junction, I turned left again onto a blue-blazed trail, the Upper Horse Trail Loop, that had a "Caballero" sign further down. I noticed a spur to the shelter partway down the trail - noted! The blue trail undulated for a bit before descending, past a confusing area, through an area of new growth, and then down toward the big pond which abuts the trailhead. 

Here, I took off my fleece and turned right onto an unblazed old road (the same old road I turned onto from the fire tower road). There was a lot of logging evidence down here and lots of birds singing to each other! I followed the road for a short while and then turned left onto the yellow-blazed Lower Horse Trail Loop, parked with normal NYDEC plackards and also older yellow ones with horse heads!

I caught my first spiderweb of the year while descending on the yellow trail. I noticed most of the NYDEC blazes looked brand new. I continued to descend for longer than anticipated, eventually hitting a low spot with an easy creek-hop crossing. From the low point, the trail easily climbs up switchbacks. It climbed just enough to keep me warm, which was welcome especially now because there was a cold breeze. 

The yellow trail meandered around a few stone walls (or one big one?), joining, leaving, and joining another old road later on, eventually terminating at the tower road! The walk up the tower road was nice and easy, and it felt much chillier now that the clouds had rolled in. I checked out the cabin and fire tower again, hoping to find a disc, but I was unsuccessful.

To mix things up, I follwed the red trail down, turning to check out the shelter and following the spur down to the blue trail (I did get a little off-trail, but AllTrails got me back on). I turned right on blue, and then left onto the old road, whic I was able to follow all the way back to the car. I enjoyed some nice views of the pond with the world's loudest geese near the end. There was a trail that looped the pond, but I needed to get to New Jersey! This was such a lovely way to start my weekend!

Step-by-Step

- Park at Beebe Hill State Forest Parking off of CR-5 (Barrett Pond).

- Start hike following blue markers. 

- At trail register, continue right, now following red markers.

- At terminus, turn right onto road.

- Climb fire tower, turn around.

- Follow road toward next jct.

- At jct., turn left.

- At jct., turn right onto old road.

- At jct., turn left onto yellow.

- At terminus, turn right onto road.

- At summit, turn around.

- At jct., turn left.

- At jct., continue right.

- At terminus, turn left onto old road.

- Follow old road to car.

Beebe Hill State Park Map

Photo Album

Bear & West Mtns. via AT, Timp-Torne, & Suffern-Bear Mtn. Trails (Bear Mountain State Park)

Bear & West Mtns. via AT, Timp-Torne, & Suffern-Bear Mtn. Trails (Bear Mountain State Park)

Hike Type: Loop w/ Spur

Distance: 10.58 miles

Elevation: 2,293 feet

Time: 4 hours, 32 minutes (4 hours, 15 minutes moving)
Hiking Challenges: Bear Mountain Trail Challenge, Operation Alaska Benchmark Challenge, New York Appalachian Trail

The Hike

I had an open morning, so I decided I'd head up to Bear Mountain State Park and work on my (actual) summer hiking goal - make some progress is connecting the dots with the New York Appalachian Trail (my goal has seem to shifted to getting/maintaining my local legend status at the Tourne, but I still want to make SOME progress). I figured it would be a busy day, so I was up and out at 6:20am, getting breakfast at Wawa at 6:25am, eventually getting to the main Bear Mountain State Park area around 7:15am. The area was a bit confusing to navigate as a first-timer, but I eventually landed out of the way in Lot 2. I didn't have to pay the parking fee due to getting there early (the toll booth said "TOLL BOTH CLOSED," which was a nice surprise. It was in the mid 70s with clouds and ample humidity. There were a group of trail runners also getting ready nearby and one shouted "ALL I REALLY WANNA DO IS GO TO THE ZOO," which made me laugh and also emphasize. 

[7:30am - Start of Hike]

I was soon starting my journey by walking across the state park area - Lot 1 would have made more sense for me, but it was nice to be out of the way. My neck and shoulders were a bit crispy from my solo beach day yesterday, but overall I was feeling good! The Bear Mountain Inn was a really cool building, and I soon landed at the three-way trailhead for the Suffern-Bear Mountain Trail, Appalachian Trail, and Major Welch Trail.

[7:37am - Appalachian Trail]

This area was well-signed for naviation and for information. I was initially taking photos of the informational signs to transcribe below, but I soon realized that there were simply too many - I ultimately just got the ones that detailed the Appalachian Trail and Bear Mountain State Park:

"WELCOME TO THE APPALACHIAN TRAIL

You are standing on the Appalachian National Scenic Trail, the most famous hiking trail in the United States - maybe in the world! In 1921, Benton MacKaye, a Massachusetts forester and regional planner, hatched a big idea: a footpath from Maine to Georgia. The Appalachian Trail, he said, would be "a sort of backbone, linking wilderness areas to dwellers in urban areas along the Atlantic Seabord." Today, the Trail runs nearly 2,200 miles along the East Coast range known as the Appalchian Mountains.

BUILT AND MAINTAINED BY VOLUNTEERS

Inspired by MacKaye's vision, hikers and wilderness lovers soon began planning and building the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) with the assistance of the Palisades Interstate Park Commission. In 1921, New York-New Jersey Trail Conference volunteers completed the very first piece of the A.T. here at Bear Mountain. The A.T. is a unit of the National Park System, and is maintained primarily by volunteers who continue to keep the Trail open, safe, and enjoyable for all.

PATHWAY TO BEAUTY

Whether you walk just a short section or hike all the way from Maine to Georgia, the Appalchian Trail connects communities and offers people access to scenic beauty, quiet forests, and wildlife habitat along its entire length. The A.T. also links up with thousands of miles of connecting trails. Here in Bear Mountain and Harriman State Parks, you can explore more than 225 miles of trails." from trailside kiosk.

"PRESERVING A NATIONAL LANDMARK

CARING FOR A 2,200-MILE FOOTPATH

Managing a hiking trail that passes through 14 states and an even greater number of communities and parks along its 2,200-mile length is a complex responsibility shared by numerous, regional, and local agencies, as well as volunteer-based non-profit organizations. At the national level, the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) is the responsibility of the National Park Service, which oversees and safeguards more than 400 natural and historic places for the public, in partnership with the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, a private, not-for-profit organization dedicated exclusively to the preservation and management of the A.T.

APPALACHIAN TRAIL CONSERVANCY

The Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) strives to ensure that the Appalachian Trail's "vast natural beauty and priceless cultural heritage can be shared and enjoyed today, tomorrow, and for centuries to come." ATC, founded in 1925, works with federal, state, and local agencies and 31 "maintaining clubs," such as the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference, to cooperatively manage the Appalachian Trail. ATC provides education, resources, and inspiration for hikers and trail volunteers from around the world.

BUILDING SUSTAINABLE TRAILS

In 2006, the Bear Mountain Trails Project was established to make Bear Mountain State Park's trails more sustainable for the high level of use they receive. This initiative has been made possible through a cooperative agreement between the National Park Service, Appalachian Trail Conservancy, New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation, Palisades Interstate Park Commission, and New York-New Jersey Trail Conference." from trailside kioks.

"BEAR MOUNTAIN STATE PARK: A LEGACY OF CONSERVATION

BUILDING NATURE PARKS FOR PEOPLE

Parks preserve and celebreate nature, but they are not entirely natural. Hundreds of workers - led by Major William A. Welch, the first general manager of Harriman-Bear Mountain - built roads, lakes, youth camps, and recreation facilities throughout these two parks. In 1913, the Palisades Interstate Park Commission (PIPC) formalized a group camp program - the first in teh nation - that introduced thousands of urban children to nature. In 1915, the Bear Mountain Inn opened and served over 100,000 guests in its first year. Bear Mountain and Harriman State Parks were a huge success, with hundreds of thousands of visitors arriving year after year, first by steamship from Manhattan and Yonkers, and later by bus and car. Today, 3.5 million people annually visit these parks, which are still managed by PIPC and the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation.

BEAR MOUNTAIN: RESCUED JUST IN TIME

The fate of Bear Mountain could have been very different if not for the work of early conservationiists. In 1909, New York State purchased 740 acres on the mountain for the purpose of relocating Sing Sing Prison. The project outraged the environmentally concerned citizens who had helped form the Palisades Interstate Park Commission (PIPC), created to preserve land and provide opportunities for outdoor recreation, just years earlier. Mary W. Harriman, widow of railroad magnate Edward H. Harriman, offered the state a deal: She would donate $1 million and 10,000 acres of her private estate to PIPC if the state would discontinue work on the prison and provide money for further park expansion. Her parcel became Harriman State Park, while the state land became Bear Mountain State Park, inspiring a parks movement nationally - one where nature would be protected and people of all walks of life would be welcomed." from trailside kiosk.

"BUILDING A PARK FOR GENERATIONS TO ENJOY

CONNECTING PEOPLE TO THE BACKCOUNTRY

The Palisades Interstate Park system is a lasting monument to the conservation movement of the early 20th century. Hiking trails that offer public access to the backcountry of these parks are the work of generations of dedicated volunteers. This public-private trail-building partnership was conceived by Major William A. Welch, the first general manager and chief landscape engineer of the Palisades Interstate Park Commission (PIPC). In 1920, he encouraged volunteers from New York City hiking clubs to cooperatively form the Palisades Interstate Park Trail Conference, now known as the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference. Together, they built 100 miles of trails in seven years, including the historic first 20-mile section of the Appalachian Trail, across Bear Mountain and Harriman State Parks. In partnership with PIPC, New York-New Jersey Trail Conference volunteers today maintian more than 2,100 miles of hiking trails, including those in Bear Mountain and Harriman.

WHEN A MOUNTAIN IS LOVED TOO MUCH

Early trails tended to go straight up mountains, inviting erosion caused by rain and the impact of thousands of feet. Today, trails are designed to resist these destructive effects and to respect and preserve the environment through which they pass. Protecting our native habitats against foreign plants and insects unknowingly brought in by hikers is another challenge facing conservationists. New collaborations focused on controlling these damaging invasive species and protecting our natural resources continue to the legacy of successful public-private partnerships that have preserved precious wildlife habitats and built and maintained trails for people." from trailside kiosk.

I followed the signature white blazes of the Appalachian Trail into the woods on a ridiculously well-manicured and constructed trail, complete with stone steps, log railings, and cobblestone walkways. The trail was lined in wildflowers and seemingly endless wineberries. I put bug spray on 10ish minutes in (fresh can, too!). The trail began to gain elevation still on the maticulously built path through some nice rocks - the pathway made sense for a very busy park - I was wondering how old this edition of the trail was.

I passed an under-construction junction with a blue-blazed trail as I continued to climb what was now a stairmaster, soon passing a family trio that was not having a great time. The trail alternated climbing with walking breaks, hugging the mountainside. Overall, it was an enjoyable walk, but it just didn't have much of a "woodsy" feeling. I crossed paths with some trail runners coming down the mountain and one pointed at this buddy and told me joking to "get a picture of this guy falling," which was funny. 

I passed a nice overlook toward the Hudson where there was a guy picking up some garbage, and it was at this point where I decided I wouldn't keep counting the people I saw, since it was already over a dozen. 

The Appalachian Trail traversed a neat storm-damaged area - I was wondering if this area was ravaged by the storms that shut the park down a couple summers ago? After the storm-damaged area, there was another nice walking break that led to a nice, open area that continued on a crushed gravel pathway with some tree views. Soon, the Appalachian Trail crossed power lines and something that looked like an access or a service road that connected to Perkins Memorial Drive. 

I saw some standing views over to the Timp and some blueberry bushes that were SO CLOSE to being ripe, or so I thought... Just a few more feet down the trail I got my first handful of wild blueberries! I was genuinely so happy! I truly only eat blueberries when they're free in the woods. I enjoyed another obstructed standing view to the Hudson while gobbling up the berries, also noticing what I assume is remnants of the old path from time to time. 

Once near the top, I enjoyed some different wildflowers and could soon see the Perkins Memorial Tower through the trees, and soon enough, I had summited Bear Mountain!

[8:21am - Bear Mountain Summit]

I was very grateful to be at the summit before the road opened. There were plenty of ledges with views overlooking West/Dunderberg Mountains - I wandered about for a bit looking for a benchmark disc with no luck, oh well. There was fog rolling in over the Hudson now and I could notice lots of drill holes and what looked like old tower footings on these ledges. I circled the closed tower and eventually took a quick snack, water, and wring-out-the-shirt break where the Appalachian Trail reenters the woods.

[8:31am - Appalachian Trail]

From here, the Appalachian Trail continued back into the woods on an accessible trail (which could be bypassed by a shortcut trail). The accessible trail was on a wide crushed gravel path and went right past a large bouder that had some more old fire tower footings and TWO USGS discs! I was thrilled in the nerdiest way!

I continued along, crossing another (or the same) access/service road and traversing what appeared to be a burned area. The Major Welch Trail continued on the right while the Appalachian Trail turned left and soon landed at a foggy overlook with a concrete-and-stone chimney-like footing. The accessible path ended here, and I saw some reptilian or amphibious creature with a shiny blue trail run under a rock? (EDIT: I have discovered through the power of Google that it was a five-lined skink!). 

Now on a narrower, grassier footpath, I could hear some blasting off in the woods - I'm guessing a gun range or a sportsmen's club or something along those lines. Thankfully, I did not encounter any riffraff. The trailbed continued to be well-maintained, but far less manicured than what I had been on all day today (this was not a bad thing). There were some lovely, twisting mountain laurel lining the trails (but not suffocating the trails) and I caught a deer who was only ~30ish feet from the trail!

[8:50am - Appalachian Trail/AT Shortcut lower end]

The Appalachian Trail circled a massive rock and soon came to the lower end of the AT Shortcut; the trail that bypassed the accessible trail.

[8:53am - Major Welch Spur]

Not much further down the trail was a really cool ledge that had a ton of little poles eroded into it. I said "good morning" to a presumable AT thru-hikers sitting on a bench as I turned to follow the faded blue blazes of what I guess is an distant extension of the Major Welch Trail (at least according to the NYSDEC map). The trail rambled over ledges with just a couple small scrambles, eventually terminating at an inconsequential ledge with a nice view over to West Mountain and Jackie Jones Mountain. I wouldn't necessarily recommend this side trip, but I guess it was nice for a solitude. I used this time to wring out my shirt again and fuel myself before easily returning to the pothole ledge, as I decided to call it. I did see a black squirrel, though!

[9:04am - Appalachian Trail]

From the better view back on the Appalachian Trail, I could identify Jackie Jones Mountain, which is always fun to see. The trail traversed an unfortunately overgrown stretch, but that was the only bummer (for now...). I crossed paths with a large but very friendly group of folks, felt some hip pain, and ate some more blueberries!

The AT descended on MANY stone steps, eventually steeply and narrowly winding down between some large boulders. The trail bottomed out on the old access road that I passed while ascending a while ago.

Following the  deteiroating-but-paved access road, there was a steep drop off on the left and some really impressive stone work on the right, which I think serves the purpose of preventing further erosion/sliding on the ledges above - I wonder if this is CCC work? The pavement eventually ends with pleasant views into the woods below, and soon crosses Perkins Memorial Drive.

[9:22am - Appalachian Trail/Perkins Memorial Drive]

After crossing the road, the Appalachian Trail entered the classic open, grassy "Harriman Woods" - as I've begun to call it. The trail rose over a hump and continued to meander as I crossed paths with some more thru hikers - one notable duo was a southern couple who just seemed like the happiest folks in all the land! I crossed paths with another who was picking blueberries, descended on some more tight stairs, past some more thru hikers, and the trail flattened out before crossing the Seven Lakes Drive.

[9:36am - Appalachian Trail/Seven Lakes Drive]

[9:37am - Appalachian Trail/1777W]

After crossing Seven Lakes Drive, the Appalachian Trail continues a few feet before joing the 1777W trail. The two coincide for a few minutes - I was excited to had been here before! The trail wiggled through a mountain laurel tunnel for a bit before the Appalchain Trail turned left, leaving 1777W.

[9:40am - Appalachian Trail]

Back on a new-to-me stretch of trail, a continued along and was soon scared by a guy who camped on the side of the trail and was sitting up in his tent. I had been feeling some hip pain for the past mile-ish, but I noticed if I just don't take MASSIVE steps, I'd be fine. I came across a guy with a Poland Spring water bottle and over-the-ear headphones. We exchanged nods, went our seperate ways, but then he turned around and asked where the parking lot was. I asked him which one, and he had no idea. I told him the nearest one was the 1777W one and directed him there... hopefully that's where he wanted to go and not to Anthony Wayne... I never heard or saw any missing persons report, so I guess he made it back!

[9:48am - Appalachian Trail/Fawn Trail]

Just after my... encounter I landed at the Fawn Trail junction and the Appalachian Trail began to climb, soon entering an area of young birches. I was officially dripping in sweat again! I did a short snack-and-sit at a fantastic viewpoint of Bear Mountain. It was especially fun to see the ledges I was traversing not too long ago. I crossed paths with another hiker here who was playing motivational speeches on his phone...

I continued along, climbing more steadily, questioning my life choices, but soon made it to the junction with the Timp-Torne Trail.

[10:06am - Timp-Torne Trail]

I initially got confused at this junction, because the AT was turning right, but I was pretty sure I had to turn left. I had completely forgotten that I was leaving the AT! I turned left onto the Timp-Torne Trail to start a long stretch of familiar hiking. I passed some nice views down to Anthony Wayne as the sounds of cars on the Palisades Interstate Parkway ushered me along as I waved to Jackie Jones Mountain again!

My shoes were yet again soaked from my sweat as I passed a junction with an orange-blazed trail. I didn't get a photo/timestamp because a group of men were chilling there - at least they told me "you probably want to go left" (they were right!). 

[10:27am - Timp-Torne Trail/Suffern-Bear Mountain Trail]

A few minutes after, the Suffern-Bear Mountain Trail joined the Timp-Torne Trail as the trail rambled around a rocky-slabby stretch. The trail(s) eventually came up to a confusing cairn that made it look like one of the two trails turned, but no, both trails continued straight. I felt validated by an older man at the same cairn who was also confused. I was rewarded by the world's weakest and shorest breeze that added a solid five minutes back to my life!

[10:35am - Suffern-Bear Mountain Trail]

The trailbed started to get a little grassy near the split of the Suffern-Bear Mountain Trail and the Timp-Torne Trail. I was nervous, because I remembered being a little miserable in this upcoming stretch when I hiked it in the spring. Thankfully, I didn't expect any lingering winter conditions. To my absolute dismay, I was about to hike on the most overgrown trail I'd ever been on. 

The grass was so grown-in that I couldn't even see the rocks beneath my feet, which made for some slow hiking and interesting footing challenges. A dislodged rock eventually hit my shin, BUT there were plentiful blueberries, so I guess that's a win? I was nervous about ticks, but I was so sweaty that I'm pretty sure they'd drown upon first bite. 

The Suffern-Bear Mountain Trail turned into a more shaded area and the trail conditions improved... for about a minute before getting bad again. It steeply descended on an eroded footbed before climbing over a knob and getting even grassier. The trail continued to ramble about with another pathetic breeze that still felt good, alternating between steep/eroded and flat/grassy. 

A longer, steeper, awfully eroded pitch tragically felt amazing after pushing through the grass for a while, but not to worry, I was soon back in the grass again! I reminded myself to be grateful because I'd had great conditions all day...

The Suffern-Bear Mountain Trail joined a stream in a familiar area, crossed the stream, and then continued through a grass-free eroded area. I remember this area had a lot of running streams in the spring, but it was mostly dry this time of year. 

After leaving the dried wet area, the trail becomes only slightly grassy again and begins to follow an old road grade, which it left at the Fawn Trail junction to climb up and over a pud. The trail descended to cross a couple of mossy streams and then began to rise again with rough footing to the junction with 1777W - finally!

[11:18am - Suffern-Bear Mountain Trail/1777W]

I took a water and snack break at this junction while wondering if I actually even liked hiking anymore. Just as I got moving again, I almost stepped on a black snack that sent my 6 feet into the air! My camera lens was fogged up due to the thicker humidity in this area, and I was solidly cranky at this point.

I passed a sign for the "Doodletown Walking Tour" along the trail, which I'm sure has an interesting history. 

"WALKING TOUR. Follow this map to the homesteads of the long-gone hamlet of Doodletown. Homes are numbered as they existed in 1957. Those circled in red have a sign-post on the trail with a photo of the house. A book, Doodletown: Hiking Through History in a Vanished Hamlet on the Hudson, by former resident, Elizabeth "Perk" Stalter, is available at the Park Visitor Center on the Palisades Parkway." from trailside sign.

There was a slight breeze and dash of sunlight, attempting to keep me alive. The Suffern-Bear Mountain Trail began to climb again, mostly easily but slowly due to tired legs, past some mid-stage spotted lantern flies (DEATH TO THEM!), past a couple of deer, and soon to Seven Lakes Drive - progress!

[11:36am - Suffern-Bear Mountain Trail/Seven Lakes Drive]

I was OFFICIALLY in the home stretch now! The Suffern-Bear Mountain Trail crossed Seven Lakes Drive onto an access that road that may or may not have connected to the one from before. The sun was HOT at this point in the day, and abundant now that the access road began to follow a power cut. I could hear a comical amount of motorcycles blasting "Low Rider" from the road down below as I climbed up the height-of-land, my final climb of the day!

At the height-of-land, the Suffern-Bear Mountain Trail veered right off of the power cut for the final descent, which closely paralleled the power cut with decent footing. I caught a small peek-a-view to the Bear Mountain Bridge from this area, and I could soon hear people down below at the state park!

I began to emotionally prepare for my reentry to society as the trail began to zig-zag down, crossing the power cut many more times. I came across a lone turkey, that was soon joined by another turkey and a BUNCH of babies, which was super fun to watch! I caught a glimpse of another five-lined skink before landing on another access road, where the trail turned left.

According to the lack of track on AllTrails, it looked like that stretch of trail was a relatively recent reroute. I veered right at a split and passed some overgrown stairs before finally exiting the woods and making my way to the trail's official terminus back at the junction with the Appalchain Trail and Major Welch Trail!

[11:57am - End of Trail at Bear Mountain State Park]

All that was left was my final walk through the state park, which was BUSTLING with people, cookouts, and overall energy. I was sweaty, tired, and stinky, which was in stark contrast to the 99% of people who were all around. The main parking lot was completely full, but the lot I parked in was only half full. My sausage fingers were full present, and I made it back to my car at the same time as the trail runners who I started the morning with!

[12:02pm - End of Hike]

There was a long line of cars trying to enter the parking lot at the toll booth, which was collecting payments now. Overall, this was a nice hike, and with a bit of trail maintenance, the whole trip would have been a blast!

Step-by-Step

- Park at Bear Mountain State Park.

- Start hike on Appalachian Trail.

- Follow Appalachian Trail to summit of Bear Mountain.

- Descend Bear Mountain on Appalachian Trail.

- At jct., hike out-and-back on blue-blazed Major Welch Trail to view.

- Continue to descend Bear Mountain on Appalachian Trail.

- Cross Seven Lakes Drive.

- Continue to follow Appalachian Trail.

- At jct., turn left onto blue-blazed Timp-Torne Trail.

- Suffern-Bear Mountain Trail joins on right.

- At split, turn left onto yellow-blazed Suffern-Bear Mountain Trail.

- Cross Seven Lakes Drive.

- Follow Suffern-Bear Mountain Trail back to car.

Map of Bear Mountain State Park (NYSDEC)

Photo Album

Twin & Indian Head Mountains via Jimmy Dolan Notch Trail & Devil's Path (Catskill Park)

Twin & Indian Head Mountains via Jimmy Dolan Notch Trail & Devil's Path (Catskill Park)

Hike Type: Lollipop Loop w/ Spur

Distance: 8.80 miles

Elevation: 2,382 feet

Time: 4 hours, 22 minutes (3 hours, 56 minutes moving)
Hiking Challenges: Catskill 3500 Club

The Hike

Time for adventure du jour #2! I noticed Twin Mountain and Indian Head Mountain from the road leading to the trailhead and truly they didn't look too horrible (especially compared to Sugarloaf), so I was feeling confident! I had a sandwich and a Celsius and I was feeling MUCH better. My feet were a little sore, but I was not overly worried about that. The access road had a comical (but understandable) amount of "NO PARKING" signs once the pavement ended, and the actual parking area had ample parking (and two porta potties!). I made use of one before getting suited up. I also noticed a blue car that I saw at the Plateau trailhead - how fun! I was dreaming of doing the out-and-back to Twin and then the loop over Indian Head, but was willing to accept just a full out-and-back to both, or even just to Twin - goal was to listen to my body and reasonably push myself.

[9:25am - Devil's Path]

I signed the trail register right at the trailhead and overhead a couple hiking parties talking about doing the full Devil's Path (they're crazy). The beginning of the trail started similar to Tuckerman Ravine - wide, rocky, but completely easy. There was a gently trickling creek, I crossed paths with my first person of the day, and soon came to the junction with the Jimmy Dolan Notch Trail!

[9:32am - Jimmy Dolan Notch Trail]

The Jimmy Dolan Notch Trail immediately and easily crossed a creek before beginning a long, easy rise through what felt like a rerouted trail. It was warmer out at 68 degrees, but it tragically felt warmer with the humidity in the air. Naturally, I got another bug in the exact same eye as the trail crossed a multitude of dried out drainages. Somewhere around 0.8 miles, the trail exhibited some impressive cobblestone-like stonework that continued for an impressive amount of time. 

I continued along the luxurious sidewalk as I realized I simply was not gaining much elevation... at all. The bugs were enjoying the airspace around my ears as I neared the 2500ft contour, which is where the trail began to climb more moderately with a few zig-zags.  

After, the trail briefly flattened and then began to CLIMB. It was only about 400 feet of elevation, but it happened quickly and steeply with loose, wobbly footing. I went from wonderfully walking to dreadfully slogging past a nettle grove (I was so tempted to touch one just to see how bad it actually hurt but my survival instincts prevented that, thankfully). 

The trail pivoted from unstable, wobbly rocks to larger, stable rock, which I guess was an improvement? Thankfully, I soon landed in Jimmy Dolan Notch, marked by the Devil's Path/Jimmy Dolan Notch trail junction!

[10:19am - Devil's Path/Jimmy Dolan Notch]

From here, I dropped my pack and followed a herd path straight past the Devil's Path sign and through the rugged and wild Jimmy Dolan Notch (AllTrails had a trail mapped to an overlook). There really wasn't much of a view, BUT the geology was magnificent!

Back at the trail signs, I was living in the land of 1,000 flies and chugged some water (water water this time, not Nuun, and it was glorious). The trail sign listed Twin Mountain as being 1.1 miles away - off I go!

The flies continued to be abundant, but thankfully they were neither swarming nor biting. The trail was initially a little grown-in, but was soon completely fine. Staying on-theme, the trail soon became wildly rugged but geologically magnificent. There was a small breeze (thank goodness) that ushered me along while I admored the flowering clovers (I never realized that clovers flowered until this year). 

There was a small scramble past, around, and through some more cool rocks and I passed humans #2 and #3, both of which were in good spirits (a good sign!). The Devil's Path passed a couple of rock caves and shelters and I caught a tree view toward Indian Head from scramble #3. After rounding a shoulder, the terrain and temperature both cooled off in some denser woods, soon passing a grown-in ledge view to Indian Head.

[10:45am - Devil's Path/Twin Mountain South Peak]

After the grown-in view, the Devil's Path rounded the south peak of Twin Mountain and a short spur path led to a rock that provides views of... trees. It was kind of a neat spot, just being immersed in trees, though! The sun was HOT. 

After the south peak, the trail became wonderful! There was soon a fantastic view to Sugarloaf and a shoulder of Plateau Mountain plus many more distant peaks. It was a shame that it was so hazy out, but that's really just a hazard of hiking in the summertime.

The sun was BAKING me, so I didn't stay to enjoy the view. I passed some blueberry bushes that weren't quite ready for snacking, and then the Devil's Path began to tragically, but easily descend. The descent felt like a long time, but I'm sure it truly wasn't that bad. 

The col was covered in beautiful trees and moss and then the Devil's Path began to steeply climb again (at least the rocks were still really cool...). Thankfully, the climb was short and sweet (even though I thought I was going to die from exhaustion) and soon passed a "no camping" area and then the somehow even more-inconsquential-than-Plateau summit, which had "TWIN" etched into a trail marker.

[11:13am] - Twin Mountain Summit

Right after the boring summit was a nice viewpoint, simialr to the one off of the south summit, but lesser. I enjoyed some pistachios and water (water had truly never tasted so good), wrung the liters of sweat out of my sshirt, and soon began me trip back to Jimmy Dolan Notch.

I passed over the height-of-land and what I think was a summit rock ~5ish feet off trail and then scrambled down back to the col. I dilly-dallied a little too long taking photos, and the flies unfortunately discovered my hair (which I can't imagine smelled very good, but to each their own, I guess...). The re-ascent was moderate at worst with mostly good footing - truly fine. I enjoyed the view from the south peak's ledge with a wonderful, short-lived breeze. I scrambled down the three scrambles, soon landing back in the notch.

[11:38am - Devil's Path/Jimmy Dolan Notch]

Now it was decision time. I had three options: 1) go back to the car from here, 2) go up Indian Head, descend back here, and return to the car, or 3) do the full loop from here. My emotional heart wanted to do the loop, but I was worried about the heat, exhaustion, and my lack-of-abundance of water. I puhed off the decision until later, again. I shoved some more pistachios into my mouth, popped an Advil for my aching shoulder (thanks, Plateau), and started climbing again just as an unhappy couple arrived from the Jimmy Dolan Notch Trail.

I was upset when I realized that I hadn't seen a 3500' Feet sign ONCE on these hikes - maybe they're only for the taller peaks... The Devil's Path was steep, but not as bad as the climb up Twin or even to the notch. I was going slow, but I was glad it was easier. I nearly stepped on a tiny frog, but thankfully saved his life. 

Continuing to climb, I laughed at how soaked my soaks and even shoes now were. I made the decision that I would do the loop as long as my heart rate went back down after my climbing was done. There were tree views behind back to Twin Mountain, and soon the Devil's Path rounded a corner and the shoulder, arriving at a wonderful plateau walk.

[12:00pm - Indian Head Mountain Summit (approx.)]

Somewhere along this ridge walk was the summit of Indian Head Mountain! I had hoped to see a sign, cairn, or etched trail marker, but I truly saw nothing. There was one moment of a grown-in viewpoint, which might have been near the summit. I was also borderline delerious, so I may have missed something. Soon enough, I started descending, past a guy I saw in the parking lot who asked me "is the summit far?" - I just said "uh I don't think so?"

I came to an overgrown ledge view where there was a nice breeze - I took a moment here to wring out my shirt (again). I traversed an unproblematic mud put, which was home to dozens of dragonflies. I was actively trying to hike slow to keep my heart rate low and to hopefully cool my sweating. I caught a baby view over to Overlook Mountain and then descended along the bottom of the cliff wall which was truly more impressive than the view.

I crossed paths with a few folks and then kicked another rock with the same foot I used to painfully kick a rock on Plateau, which was a solid bummer. There was a steep descent to a "no camping" area, where I "enjoyed" feeling a squelch with every step due to my soaked shoes from my sweat. 

[12:21pm - Devil's Path/Overlook]

I descended to a nice overlook that had a view to a knob that I was going to have to hike over (I think). There was a small poster of a "Gone, Not Forogtten!" memorial just before. On a lighter note, from the view I heard a woman go "what the f**k"? and made the mistake of looking down at a near-vertical climb that I would have to soon descent.

The woman and her daughter slowly made thier way up the scramble and then I CAREFULLY made my way down. I passed a BUNCH of grouses in the col - presumably a mom and her babies. Mom grouse went left and babies went right, so a lot bird whining ensued afterward. I passed another grown-in view and climbed up and over the knob (or climbed the knob and passed the view - unsure of the sequence of events) and began to daydream about all the liquids I was going to drink after my hike. 

[12:39pm - Devil's Path/Sherman's Overlook]

I passed a peek-a-view to Plattekill Mountain and then descended along (more) cool rocks, passing another view to Plattekill Mountain and then a very nice view to Kaaterskill High Peak and its surroundings. I shoveled the rest of pistachios, killed my water, and took my first sit of the day (besides in my car) in the shade to mentally prep for my final three miles. I later learned that this viewpoint is "Sherman's Overlook."

I continued to descned along MORE cool rocks (I really appreciated how all the cliffs were like... layered. The trail was shale-y but had mostly stable footing, which was welcomed, as it descended back into a deciduous forest. There was now a constant breeze which kept me alive (and the flies away). I began to pass some more... comical looking hikers, starting with a group of four who looked like they have never hiked a day in their lives before, followed by a man in long-sleeved religious clothing hiking up with only a Poland Spring water bottle and a misting battery-powered fan. 

I received a few bug bits at this point and traversed another unproblematic muddy spot (the soft ground actually felt great), and eventually passed people #2 and #3 that I saw forever ago on my ascent up Twin's south peak. I began to regain strength here as the trail began to flatten out and I picked up my speed. 

[1:13pm - Devil's Path/Overlook Trail]

Now, I'm unsure of specific trail names because NYSDEC doesn't actually post trail names on their signs, but the Devil's Path eventually turned left onto a road grade that is either the Long Path, Overlook Trail, or Overlook Primitive Bicycle Corridor, or likely some combination of all three. This was a short stretch, though, as the Devil's Path turned left again off of the road grade soon after.

[1:15pm - Devil's Path/Overlook Trail]

This final bit of new trail REALLY tested me. The flies were more active than they had been and I was exhausted. I did hit a few flies (hard), which felt GOOD. The trail undulated and crossed many dry stream beds, eventually crossing a really well-built mostly-dry brook. Naturally, I soon stubbed the same toe for a third time, but after planning my own funeral, I could see the trail sign for the Devil's Path/Jimmy Dolan Notch Junction! I could have cried! The trail sign said 0.5 to the car, which was more than I wanted, but I was just happy to be almost done.

[1:41pm - Devil's Path/Jimmy Dolan Notch Trail]

Thankfully, it was only 0.25 miles back to the parking lot. I signed out, and soon, I was done! I was fericuously thirsty, but all I had in the car was old Gatorade Zero Fruit Punch Packets, which I immediately chugged ang gave myself a tummy ache... Make it work! It was now a hot 82 degrees, and I decided I was more than allowed to be bonked. Between the two hikes, I hiked 15.6 miles and 4,419 feet, with my longest break being the 30 mintues between hikes. Well earned!

[1:46pm - End of Hike]

I soon made my way to Stewarts in Haine's Falls where I shopped like a madman. I got water, Gatorade, Stewart's brand lemonade, a Recee's Big Cup, a double cheeseburger, and a slice of pizza. I got my first and only muscle cramp of the day back at the car, which was more than fine, as it was time to refuel! The only dud of my haul was the lemonade - it was way too sour for me - everything else was magnificent.

There were a wild amount of people walking on NY-23A, I guess looking to picnic along Kaaterskill Creek? My adventure drive was not over yet, though! To my horror, I-87 had a solid amount of traffic. I guess I was not the only person going back to the tri-state area on the Sunday after the 4th of July... I was VERY tired at this point, and the slow traffic was NOT helping. I decided I deserved a treat, so I found a Dairy Queen near Poughkeepsie that I was going to visit. I woke up for the next 20 minutes, but to my HORROR, the Dairy Queen was not only closed and boarded up, but it was also graffitied. As a Plan B, I went to McDonalds, but the line for that was around the corner. Plan C was going to Walmart for a walking break and a box of cereal... It wasn't fun, but it got me home safe and sound.

Step-by-Step

- Park at Devil's Path trailhead.

- Start hike on Devil's Path (red).

- At jct., turn right onto Jimmy Dolan Notch Trail (blue).

- At terminus, turn right onto Devil's Path (red).

- At Twin Mountain summit, turn around.

- At jct. with Jimmy Dolan Notch Trail (blue), continue straight on Devil's Path (red).

- Follow Devil's Path up and over Indian Head Mountain and back to car.

Map of Indian Head Wilderness (NYSDEC)

Photo Album

Plateau Mountain via Devil's Tombstone Campground (Catskill Park)

Plateau Mountain via Devil's Tombstone Campground (Catskill Park)

Hike Type: Out-and-Back

Distance: 6.80 miles

Elevation: 2,037 feet

Time: 3 hours, 12 minutes (2 hours, 53 minutes moving)
Hiking Challenges: 52 Hike Challenge 2025, Catskill 3500 Club

The Hike

After finishing up the "kinda Bachelorette party but really just wedding planning" weekend, I had a fully open Sunday for some hiking before making my grand return to New Jersey. I had hoped to climb Plateau Mountain in the Catskills on the way up a couple days ago, but thunderstorms prevented me from achieving that. After looking at the stats, I decided I'd do Plateau today and if I had energy left, which I should, I cal also hike the mountians I had planned for today afterwards (Twin & Indian Head). I had a SILLY wake up at 1:45am and was out the door at 2:00am (I giggled setting the alarm because it was so silly). I was shockingly awake for the drive and even saw a shooting star near Worcester! I stopped for food and fuel at the Lee rest area. I started to see early daylight around 4:00am once I was on I-87, and then I had a wonderful drive through the Catskills, passing Hunter Mountain just before the trailhead. There were a few other cars at the trailhead including one van, and it was just a little too dark for me to start without a headlamp, so I got to have a little power nap.

After my nap, I explored the parking area, which had a lovely pond, picnic spots, and some water spigots. My stomach was NOT happy, which was a solid bummer, and I was mentally preparing to take care of a code brown once in the woods. I got suited up a little after 5:30am and crossed the road to start my hike. It was a humid 61 degrees, and it was time to climb!

[5:41am - Devil's Path]

The Devil's Path climbed up some stairs to enter the woods and passed the trail register (I was good and signed it!). I took about 10 spider webs in the first 5 feet of the hike, but thankfully that was the bulk of it. The trail began on a wide footbed through some warm, humid air, and then began to zig zag and steepen up many rock steps, soon switching to a more rugged uphill climb. 

I realized I didn't lock my car which was a solid bummer, but I had already done too much work to turn around. The trail was a calf steep which had my legs on fire! I knew this would be a steep climb, but I don't think I fully comprehended how steep it was going to be. I climbed through a loose, wobbly stretch as the footbed narrowed around 0.5 miles. There was an occasional lukewarm breeze that was the only thing keeping me alive!

There were some obstructed tree views as I ascended another loose graveley stretch steeply. I continued to remind myself that the name Plateau Mountain implies I will have a nice, long walking break, because I needed it! The trail slightly leveled out at an unpleasant grassy patch followed by a talus-y area. The trail then turned and steepened, but thankfully the worst was now behind me (at least the worst in terms of steepness...). 

I passed some fun, white, poofy flowers and then entered a stretch of overgrowth that was just not fun to swim through. After the dreadful stretch, the Devil's Path meandered through the woods past some really cool rock formations followed by one more stretch of loose, awful footing. 

Thankfully, that awful stretch led to the view! The trail kind of split just beforehand - the official trail turned right and easily hiked up stone steps to the viewpoint ledge, and a worn path on the left led to the steep wall of the ledge that was scramble-able up (I kind of read that the trail used to go this way, but I cannot confirm that). I went left for no good reason, hurting my shoulder in the process, but the view was worth it!

[6:38am - Devil's Path/Overlook]

The overlook was really wonderful in the morning, colorful light. It's fun to be in a mountain range that I'm not overly familar with - the only things I could identify were Hunter Mountain on the right with it's fire tower and Slide Mountain on the left. The drainages looked intricately carved between all the surrounding mountains and hills which was just wonderful!

To my absolute delight, the climbing for the hike was basically over! Turning back into the woods, I hiked along a wonderful, flat ridge that some would dare call a "plateau." The footing was good and soft and soon I came to a somewhat grown-in ledge view towards Kaaterskill High Peak.

Loudly buzzing flies were beginning to wake up, but thankfully they were no bother aside from their symphony of sounds. The trail meandered around some unproblematic ferns, eventually nearing (or entering) someone's heavily posted private land. There was an occasional gentle blaze and a few birds adding to the overhead buzzing, too. There were some webs here and there, but only when the trail was narrower.

There was a gentle small scramble and then the Devil's Path swung around a false summit and easily descended into a dark forest before rising past some really cool rock shelf-like formations (I wish I knew more geological terms), soon landing at the junction with the Warner Creek Trail.

[7:14am - Devil's Path/Warner Creek Trail]

The trail junction sign mentioned that the Tremper Mountain Fire Tower was 10 miles away, which was fun to see. Only 0.5 miles to the summit, according to the sign! The Devil's Path easily descended again before rising to a left turn off of what looked like an old trail or road corridoor, arriving at the summit shortly after!

[7:26am - Plateau Mtn. Summit]

The summit was simply the height-of-land on the trail, only marked by the word "PLATEAU" sharpie'd onto a faded red trail marker. I likely would have hiked right past it if the trail didn't begin to descend right after! I did a quick break there to grab a beef stick and swap out my Nalgenes, but I didn't stick around 1) because there was nothing to see and 2) the flies were getting a little close for my liking when standstill.

I ate my beef stick on the move (the Fatty brand with cheese in it... I was not a fan of the texture), easily descending and gently rising back to the junction with the Warner Creek Trail in the beautiful woods.

[7:39am - Devil's Path/Warner Creek Trail]

The return trip to the overlook was inconsequential, just wonderful, easy hiking. I found myself admiring all of the old blazes which made me wonder about something and gave me an idea. My wonder was is the plastic really better for the environment than a paint blaze, or does it not make much of a difference? My gut says a slab of paint MUST be better for the trees than a piece of plastic and two nails, but what I do know... My idea was a cool hiking patch challenge where you have to "collect" photos of all the different trail markers that NYSDEC uses (like yellow, blue, and red, and then the different "eras") - I might research this more.

I used the PeakFinder app at the medium grown-in overlook to find out that to the right of Kaaterskill High Peak was Sugarloaf, Twin, and Indian Head - the latter two I planned to hike afterwards!

[8:10am - Devil's Path/Overlook]

I soon came back to the main, wonderful overlook that was paired with a life-altering breeze (thank goodness). The view looked completely different with the sun fully shining and it was just as lovely. I took a quick standing break and mentally prepared for a rough descent.

Right away, a little snake spooked me and then I slid about 4 feet on one foot in the uppermost horribly loose section. I got a bug in my eye and smashed my toe against a shockingly hard rock in the overgrown stretch. The middle loose, gravelley section was still loose and gravelley, as was the lowest, which was just as horrible. It was dreadfully sweaty down low, and I got another bug in the same eye as before. Thankfully, after questioning all of my life choices, I reentered a hardwood forest, descended on stone steps, signed out at the trail registered, and made my way across the road back to the car.

[8:45am - End of Hike]

This hike was more tiring than I originally expected (my fault) and I found myself trying to convince myself to call it a day and skip Twin/Indian Head, but it was only 8:45am, I had a full change of clothes, I was about to eat and hydrate, and I would be really proud of myself if I rallied, so alas, I rallied! I also realized I did not need to take care of a code brown in the woods, so that was a win! I filled up a Nalgene at a water spigot and started my short-and-sweet drive over to the Devil's Path trailhead!

Step-by-Step

- Park at Devil's Tombstone Campground.

- Cross street and hike to Plateau Mountain via Devils' Path (red).

- At summit, turn around and return to car.

Map of Indian Head Wilderness (NYSDEC)

Photo Album