Suffern Bear Mountain Trail Trailhead — Attraction in Town of Stony Point

Been here twice in the past 3 weeks, first was on a weekday and the second was on Memorial Day, parking wasn't too bad, definitely crowded on the holiday but they didn't appear to be turning anyone away. If you're concerned about social distancing its going to be tough, especially on the trails you will have various people adhering to it and wearing masks, and plenty of other folks who don't. The rest room at the parking area is open, however there is no restroom facility up at the tower. The trail itself is definitely a good workout but not difficult, the path closest to the parking area and the playground is the "easier" route since the trail is well maintained and there are steps (a lot of steps) taking you to the top, if you go the other route (Major Welch Trail), walking along the left side of the lake, you will pass a wooden chair made out of a tree stump and a metal park sign on your right, that is the entrance to the trail (white with a red circle). This route will also take you to the top although its a bit more rugged, some scrambling, and less "stairs". Definitely less crowded and had a more adventurous feel. Only downside is some of the trail markers were not so visible. Helpful to have the alltrail app on your phone, don't need to subscribe to it, as long as you have cell service. Bring a snack or lunch with you and enjoy the view. The "easier" route/steps, definitely had more scenic views along the...

This is the first time for me in Bear Mountain 🐻 state park and it was exactly the kind of hike I was looking for.

I wanted the loop trail, but got confused as there were no clear marking of the loop trail starting point. so if you are new to this trail and want to do the loop , take my advise and don't start the Appalachian Scenic Trail right away, which has clear start point and mostly targetted towards beginner level.

Keep walking along the road next to the lake. you will find board saying the Major Welch trail. This is moderate to hard, depending on Snowy condition you are facing. I found lot of ice and snow, so spikes are must, atleast throughout the winter.

Keep hiking along the red circle mark till the mountain top when you reach tower. Take a breather and enjoy the moment before you take the downhill of Appalachian trail to inn.

Attention: Bring lot of water and some food, microspikes, and hiking pole, ensure to have a map on your phone, since sometimes there is no clear indication of the red circle, I found that two three times during the hike, and steered away, but follow the map. There will be steep Rocky incline. It might look impossible to ascend, then look for a chain. There is one. Use to rappel up.

Shared some pics...

I am giving this place 5 stars because of the views, the park is huge the creeks & brooks are gorgeous, there are soo many trails (Harriman State Park right by there has 200 miles in hiking trails alone). My boyfriend and I just hiked Bald Mountain via Cornel Mine Trail Loop. It was beautiful, w a few really cool suprises. Loved it, BUT I should be giving it a 3 because the trail marks (thank God for all trails or we'd still be trying to find the last half of the trail 🤣) are all a mess, DO NOT follow you WILL get lost so double check always. And people could be better about taking out trash there are trash bins 🗑 EVERYWHERE near the parking lot & restrooms there is NO excuse. My bf and I carried a bag out of trash that we found along the trail closest to the parking lot meaning people are hanging out there and not hiking or using the trails which I'm glad cause 75% of the trail was spotless and now 90% is cause we just cleaned it lol so let's keep this gorgeous park the way it is and protect the ever endangered wildlife there whose homes we are entering by the way.

Def reccomend and we'll be back to climb...