Bear Mountain Southern Flank

Bear Mountain State Park,
Orange Co.,
New York

Hiking Trails:
1777 W Trail: Red blaze
Appalachian Trail: White blaze

Total Time: 0:40 hour
Estimated Distance: 1 Mile

Pros: Good views for short hike
Cons: Parking lot trailhead fills up quickly on weekend
Hike Type: Up and Down

Hiking Partner:
Joseph Friedman

Google Maps of Parking:
https://goo.gl/maps/hjGtLPZYP5kZHM1T7

This was a rainy morning, and we found a short break in the rain for a quick hike. We parked at the trailhead parking on Seven Lakes Drive, and took the 1777 W Trail for a very short distance to the Appalachian Trail. We took the Appalachian Trail north for a short distance up the southern flank of Bear Mountain. 

We climbed up the newly rerouted Appalachian Trail up some of the freshly carved steps, to the view at the southern flank of Bear Mountain, facing West Mountain immediately ahead of us. We continued a short distant further, and then turned around, walking along the same route back, but walking on Seven Lakes Drive for a small part to the trailhead.

Map of the Route

Sign at the Intersection of the 1777 W and Appalachian Trail

Appalachian Trail Through a Staircase in the Rock

Me Ascending on the Appalachian Trail

At the Appalachian Trail South Flank View

View from the Appalachian Trail Southern Flank to West Mountain

View on the Appalachian Trail Looking at the North Part of West Mountain

Appalachian Trail Ascending on Bear Mountain

A Rainy West Mountain from Bear Mountain. Love the Colors.

Me at the Bear Mountain Southern Flank View

Fallen Trees from Tropical Storm Isaias on the Appalachian Trail

Appalachian Trail Sign on Seven Lakes Drive

Another View of the Appalachian Trail on Seven Lakes Drive