5.9km
Total Distance
370m
Elevation Gain

Trail description

A 5.9 km loop from Hessian Lake up Bear Mountain to Perkins Memorial Tower on the summit, climbing about 370 m in Bear Mountain State Park. The Appalachian Trail on this mountain is known for long flights of hand-built stone steps, while the Major Welch Trail is steeper and rockier with bedrock slabs. The tower, a memorial to George W. Perkins, first president of the Palisades Interstate Park Commission, can be climbed for views of the Hudson River.

Route Map

Along the trail

  1. 1
    Viewpoint · 2.7km
  2. 2
    Drinking water · 3.3km
  3. 3
    Viewpoint · 3.4km
  4. 4
    Viewpoint · 5km
Parking
103m from the start
Surface
natural ground
Marked route
Appalachian Trail, Major Welch Trail

Explore more

Hiking in USA

Explore trails, mountains & hikes

All trails in USA

Browse all routes

Mountains in USA

Explore peaks and their trails

Difficulty

3/5 · Moderate