Bear Hill Nature Preserve — Attraction in Town of Wawarsing

Such a Peaceful outdoor hiking and climbing location. There is so much to do. Thrill-seekers can climb and jump over rock towers, as well as explore the caves underneath the rock formations. You can also head to the top of the cliffs and take in the view of the surrounding ridge and mountains. When bird watching their is a good chance you may see a (bald eagle) Chances are becoming much better as more nesting pairs live and reproduce. or go up to the top and take in the beautiful view from all angles! The walk is only about a 15-20 minutes from the parking lot, to the caves and cliffs. If or when you find you are within 20 minutes of rte 52 or rte 209 in Cragsmoor you have to make time to stop and hike at Bear Hill or Sam’s Point! This area of New York and West Virginia are the what I’ve been told are the only two rare places on the entire Appalachian trail, where rare dwarf pine trees thrive on the mountain ridge. They almost look like bonsai trees. The Shawanagunk ridge features some of the highest vertical climbing areas on the entire Appalachian mountain chain. The Catskills and the Hudson valley are known for...

For a first time hiking.. it's was very very manageable . Clear hiking path, I didn't have to climb over any impossible boulders, or descend down a jagged steep path. I didn't run into any bears or rabid rodents. There was a steady incline, very doable . And nice view ontop...if it's wasn't raining much when i went, I'm pretty pretty sure my 68yr old mom wud be able to do it. Oh, I didn't bring one but a walking cane to poke ur surroundings n added balance n support is a handy useful tool. First hike, no one to really tell me wah to bring or expect or whatever but definitely happy for...

We drove about 2.5 hours from Long Island to hike this easy trail and it did not disappoint. We told Carl, Bear Hill's awesome park ranger, that we rate it a 10/10. The terrain was perfect for us, switching between dirt and leaves, rocks and fallen pine needles. So much fun! The view was unbelievable and my husband and I, mid-late 50s were still able to have fun exploring the crevices and rock formations off the main trails along with our 18 year old special needs son. We would love to come back and have already recommended to our...