Fawn Trail And West Mountain

Rockland and Orange Counties,
New York

Hiking Trails:
Anthony Wayne Trail: White blaze
Fawn Trail: Red blaze
Appalachian Trail: White blaze
Timp-Torne Trail: Blue blaze

Total Time: 1:30 hour
Estimated Distance: 2.75 miles
Level of Difficulty: Difficult
Level of Recommendation: Highly Recommended
Points Of Interest: Great climb, amazing views, rock scrambles
Pros: Some of the best scenery and climbing in the area
Cons: None

Google Map of Parking:

View 2013 Hiking Locations in a larger map

The winter season seems to be going well into March. There was another fresh coating of snow of about 1 to 2 inches, and this entirely coated everything and presented me with yet another snow hike. The area of West Mountain provides some of the best hiking in the region, with rugged climbs and excellent views. This hike is particularly pretty in the snow, but does present challenges with ice and is slippery on the rocky climbs.

I parked in the Anthony Wayne Rec Area off the Palisades Parkway, and took the Anthony Wayne Trail for a short period of time to the Fawn Trail. The Fawn Trail climbs up the foot of West Mountain, and then skirts along its northern side. I took the Fawn Trail in its entirety to the Appalachian Trail, which climbs all the way up the mountain. There is an amazing view facing north at the intersection with the Timp-Torne Trail, and then across the ridge on the other side facing west and south. I went the short distance across the ridge to the other view, and then took the Timp-Torne Trail down the mountain along this rocky part which has some very good scrambles. I then took the Fawn Trail back to the Anthony Wayne Trail back to my car.

Map of the Route

Snow Covered Fawn Trail along the Foot of  West Mnt

Ascending West Mountain Along the Snowy Appalachian Trail

View Near the Top Facing East
Towards the Hudson River and Dunderberg Mountain

Bear Mountain from the Eastern View. Looking North.

The Western Slope of Bear Mountain and the Northern Highlands

Another View of  Bear Mountain, Zoomed Out.
Note the Red Color on the Trees as they Attempt to Bloom

View Across the Ridge as the Summit is Reached.
Facing West.

View from the Summit. Facing  East Across the Palisades Parkway

View of the Anthony Wayne Parking  Area from the Summit.

 

View Facing North from the Summit