Get DirectionsFrom the parking area, go around the gate and continue ahead on a woods road, known as the Northwest Road. In 500 feet, bear left at a fork, following a sign that indicates that it is 0.3 mile to the Appalachian Trail (the actual distance is 0.5 mile). Just beyond, the road crosses a stream on rocks. It descends a little, levels off and crosses another stream on a one-log bridge. The road now...
Hike Description:
From the parking area, go around the gate and continue ahead on a woods road, known as the Northwest Road. In 500 feet, bear left at a fork, following a sign that indicates that it is 0.3 mile to the Appalachian Trail (the actual distance is 0.5 mile). Just beyond, the road crosses a stream on rocks. It descends a little, levels off and crosses another stream on a one-log bridge. The road now narrows to a footpath and continues ahead on a relatively level route.
At 0.6 mile from the parking area, the Northwest Road ends at a junction with the white-blazed Appalachian Trail (A.T.). Turn right onto the A.T., which begins to climb Bear Mountain. The climb soon steepens as the trail proceeds through mountain laurel thickets, with rock steps provided for some of the steeper sections. One section of the climb is particularly steep; you will need to use both your hands and your feet to negotiate this section. As you climb, the mountains to the north come into view.
As you approach the top of the climb, pitch pines begin to line the route of the trail. Soon, you’ll reach the summit of Bear Mountain, marked by the remains of a stone monument erected in 1885. When built, the monument was 22 feet high, but it collapsed about 60 years ago, and a pile of rubble about ten feet high is all that remains. A plaque facing the trail states that the monument “marks the highest ground in Connecticut, 2354 feet above the sea.” In fact, though, while Bear Mountain (its actual elevation is 2,323 feet) is the highest summit in the State of Connecticut, the highest ground in Connecticut is on the shoulder of Mount Frissell (2,680 feet), the summit of which is in Massachusetts!
Climb the pile of rubble (be careful, as some of the rocks are loose) for a panoramic view to the north and east. The east-facing view looks over the Housatonic Valley, with the Twin Lakes (Washinee and Washining) visible to the right. To the north, you can see Mount Race and Mount Everett. You’ll want to spend some time here to rest from the strenuous climb and enjoy the views.
When you’re ready to continue, head south on the A.T., which descends gradually along the summit ridge through pitch pine and scrub oak, with an understory of blueberries. As you descend, views open up over Brace Mountain and South Brace Mountain to the west. The best views are from an open rock ledge along the trail. The entire descent is gradual and is much easier than the steep climb from the north.
After descending through mountain laurel thickets, you’ll reach a junction with the Bear Mountain Road (marked by a sign). Turn right and follow this “road,” which is actually a narrow footpath, through dense mountain laurel thickets, as it descends very gently. Bear Mountain Road ends in 0.8 mile at the dirt Mount Washington Road. Turn right onto Mount Washington Road and follow it for 0.2 mile back to the parking area where the hike began.
Publication: Submitted by Daniel Chazin on 08/26/2024
This loop hike climbs to the summit of Bear Mountain, with panoramic views
42.04944, -73.466863
Litchfield Co., CT
3 mi
2.5 hrs
Buy Map: *NEW* South Taconic Trails Map
Hike Checklist:
Whether you are going for a day hike or backpacking overnight, it is good practice to carry what we call The Hiking Essentials. These essentials will help you enjoy your outing more and will provide basic safety gear if needed. There may also be more essentials, depending on the season and your needs.
The Essentials
Hiking Shoes or Boots
Water - Two quarts per person is recommended in every season. Keep in mind that fluid loss is heightened in winter as well as summer. Don't put yourself in the position of having to end your hike early because you have run out of water.
Map - Know where you are and where you are going. Many of our hiking areas feature interconnecting network of trails. Use a waterproof/tear-resistant Tyvek Trail Conference map if available or enclose your map in a Ziplock plastic bag. If you have a mobile device, download Avenza’s free PDF Maps app and grab some GPS-enhanced Trail Conference maps (a backup Tyvek or paper version of the map is good to have just in case your batteries die or you don't have service). Check out some map-reading basics here.
Food - Snacks/lunch will keep you going as you burn energy walking or climbing. Nuts, seeds, and chocolate are favorites on the trail.
Sunscreen and insect repellent
Rain Gear and Extra Clothing - Rain happens. So does cold. Be prepared for changing weather. Avoid cotton--it traps water against your skin and is slow to dry. If you are wearing wet cotton and must return to your starting point, you risk getting chills that may lead to a dangerous hypothermia. Choose synthetic shirts, sweaters and/or vests and dress in layers for easy on and off.
Compass - A simple compass is all you need to orient you and your map to magnetic north.
Light - A flashlight or small, lightweight headlamp will be welcome gear if you find yourself still on the trail when darkness falls. Check the batteries before you start out and have extras in your pack.
First Aid Kit - Keep it simple, compact, and weatherproof. Know how to use the basic components.
Firestarter and Matches - In an emergency, you may need to keep yourself or someone else warm until help arrives. A firestarter (this could be as simple as leftover birthday candles that are kept inside a waterproof container) and matches (again, make sure to keep them in a waterproof container) could save a life.
Knife or Multi-tool - You may need to cut a piece of moleskin to put over a blister, repair a piece of broken equipment, or solve some other unexpected problem.
Emergency Numbers - Know the emergency numbers for the area you're going to and realize that in many locations--especially mountainous ones, your phone will not get reception.
Common Sense - Pay attention to your environment, your energy, and the condition of your companions. Has the weather turned rainy? Is daylight fading? Did you drink all your water? Did your companion fail to bring rain gear? Are you getting tired? Keep in mind that until you turn around you are (typically) only half-way to completing your hike--you must still get back to where you started from! (Exceptions are loop hikes.)
Check the weather forecast before you head out. Know the rules and regulations of the area.
The Leave No Trace Seven Principles
Plan Ahead and Prepare
- Know the regulations and special concerns for the area you'll visit.
- Prepare for extreme weather, hazards, and emergencies.
- Schedule your trip to avoid times of high use.
- Visit in small groups when possible. Consider splitting larger groups into smaller groups.
- Repackage food to minimize waste.
- Use a map and compass to eliminate the use of marking paint, rock cairns or flagging.
Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
- Durable surfaces include established trails and campsites, rock, gravel, dry grasses or snow.
- Protect riparian areas by camping at least 200 feet from lakes and streams.
- Good campsites are found, not made. Altering a site is not necessary.
- In popular areas:
- Concentrate use on existing trails and campsites.
- Walk single file in the middle of the trail, even when wet or muddy.
- Keep campsites small. Focus activity in areas where vegetation is absent.
- In pristine areas:
- Disperse use to prevent the creation of campsites and trails.
- Avoid places where impacts are just beginning.
- Pack it in, pack it out. Inspect your campsite and rest areas for trash or spilled foods. Pack out all trash, leftover food and litter.
- Deposit solid human waste in catholes dug 6 to 8 inches deep, at least 200 feet from water, camp and trails. Cover and disguise the cathole when finished.
- Pack out toilet paper and hygiene products.
- To wash yourself or your dishes, carry water 200 feet away from streams or lakes and use small amounts of biodegradable soap. Scatter strained dishwater.
- Preserve the past: examine, but do not touch cultural or historic structures and artifacts.
- Leave rocks, plants and other natural objects as you find them.
- Avoid introducing or transporting non-native species.
- Do not build structures, furniture, or dig trenches.
- Campfires can cause lasting impacts to the backcountry. Use a lightweight stove for cooking and enjoy a candle lantern for light.
- Where fires are permitted, use established fire rings, fire pans, or mound fires.
- Keep fires small. Only use sticks from the ground that can be broken by hand.
- Burn all wood and coals to ash, put out campfires completely, then scatter cool ashes.
- Observe wildlife from a distance. Do not follow or approach them.
- Never feed animals. Feeding wildlife damages their health, alters natural behaviors, and exposes them to predators and other dangers.
- Protect wildlife and your food by storing rations and trash securely.
- Control pets at all times, or leave them at home.
- Avoid wildlife during sensitive times: mating, nesting, raising young, or winter.
Be Considerate of Other Visitors
- Respect other visitors and protect the quality of their experience.
- Be courteous. Yield to other users on the trail.
- Step to the downhill side of the trail when encountering pack stock.
- Take breaks and camp away from trails and other visitors.
- Let nature's sounds prevail. Avoid loud voices and noises.
The Trail Conference is a 2015 Leave No Trace partner.
(c) Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics: www.LNT.org.
Directions to Trailhead
Public TransportationDirections to Trailhead :
From the George Washington Bridge, proceed north on the Henry Hudson Parkway, which becomes the Saw Mill River Parkway. Take Exit 4 and continue on the Cross County Parkway, then bear left to follow the northbound Hutchinson River Parkway. In eight miles, bear left and continue on I-684, which becomes N.Y. 22. Follow Route 22 for about 53 miles to N.Y. 344 in Copake Falls. Turn right onto Route 344 and proceed east, entering Massachusetts (where the road becomes Falls Road). In 3.3 miles, turn right onto West Street. In about one mile (at an intersection with Cross Road), bear right to continue on West Street, which now becomes a gravel road. In another mile, bear right at a fork and continue on East Street, another gravel road. Follow East Street for 2.7 miles to the Massachusetts-Connecticut boundary (marked by a stone monument on the left side of the road. About 0.1 mile south of the boundary, turn left into a six-car parking area (marked by a small sign "AMC Northwest Parking"). If the parking area is full, you can park along the road north of the parking area. GPS coordinates for parking area: 42.049440, -73.466863.
TRAIN TRANSPORT :
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