Bear Mountain State Park
Orange Co.,
New York
Hiking Trails:
Brooks Lake Trail: Red blaze
1777 / 1779 Trail: White blaze
Timp-Torne Trail: Blue blaze
Twin Forts Trail: Blue blaze
Total Time: 1:30 minutes
Estimated Distance: 2.6 Mile
Pros: Scenic lake, scenic bridges
Cons: Views of houses
Hike Type: Reverse lollipop loop
Level of Difficulty: Easy (Difficult in snow)
Google Maps of Parking:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/srSReXqkgThda1o4A
The weather was bitter cold with a fresh layer of snow on the ground and strong winds. I debated on hiking based on the poor weather conditions, but the strong sun enticed me and I bundled up and did a hike I could bail out of easily in case it was too cold. In the end it was fine and all my layers kept me warm, so I did the longer route.
I parked at Brooks Lake park in Fort Montgomery, and took the Brooks Lake Loop Trail to the north around the lake. There were some signs about storm damage on the trail, but it looks like all was cleaned up and the trail was fully passable. At the inlet of Brooks Lake I took the combined 1777 / 1779 and Timp-Torne Trails underneath Route 9W at the Popolopen Bridge, and then to Fort Montgomery Historic site at the visitor center (which was closed for the season.)
I then took the Twin Forts Trail down to the foot suspension bridge crossing Popolopen for some amazing views of the Hudson River and the Bear Mountain Bridge, and then turned around and went back up the Twin Forts Trail and back to the combined 1777 / 1779 and Timp-Torne Trails. I crossed over Mine Road and took the eastern part of the Brooks Lake Trail back to my car.
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| Map of the Route |
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| Frozen Brooks Lake |
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| Sign about Storm Damage |
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| Bear Mountain from Brooks Lake |
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| View from the West Side of Brooks Lake |
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| Bridge at the Inlet of Brooks Lake |
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| Trail Intersection |
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| Route 9W Popolopen Bridge |
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| View of Bear Mountain Bridge |
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| 1777 & 1779 Trails Historical Plaque |
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| Fort Montgomery Visitor Center |
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| Anthony's Nose and Bear Mountain Bridge |
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| Suspension Bridge |
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| Ducks and Swans at Frozen Popolopen |
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| Popolopen Bridge |
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| Pedestrian Suspension Bridge |
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| Bear Mountain Bridge |
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| Popolopen Bridge |
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| Back at Brooks Lake |
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