Bear Mountain — Local services in Salisbury

Hiked in mid-May in a very good, although slightly muggy weather. There are three approaches to the mountain (that I know off).

1. From Mt.Riga State Park parking off Rd 41. This is the longest and the prettiest one. You are approaching from the south from the base of the mountain you will be climbing via the Appalachian trail. The climb is fairly gradual
2. From Mount Frissell trailhead parking keep going south along East Rd (it is called Mt. Washington Rd at this point, but it is the same road) for about 1000 feet. To the left there will be marked Bear Mt Trail, with a tiny road side parking nearby. It also has the sign that it is private property of Mt. Riga Incorporated, so it is unclear to me whether it is open to hikers. I assumed it is. Eventually it joints the Appalachian trail approaching Bear Mountain from the South
3. From Mount Frissell trailhead parking take Northwest Rd toward AMC cabin stay on it for about a 0.8 mile until it hits the Appalachian trail turn right (south). You will be approaching Bear Mountain from the North. This climb is shorter but steeper with at least one or two short scrambling section. I personally observed a 3-year old climbing this section with his parents so, it is...

Possibly the most popular hike destination in CT, and well deserved. Even a novice can manage the trek from the Undermountain Trailhead, up the moderately steep eastern flank of Bear Mt, joining the Appalachian Trail, then north to the summit. History buffs will love the rock cairn, built in the 19th century when it was believed to be the highest point in CT. Views are great! A nice loop if you continue north on the AT, descending north side of Bear, head east on Paradise Lane Trail at the base of the mountain, and back down Undermountain Trail. Note: the northern descent has a few rock scrambles and can be...

Frustrating hike with a lot of gnats and mosquitoes at the beginning and end. The saving grace is the 1.8 miles following the summit on the AT, which offered bug-free views and a decent breeze. I went counterclockwise from the split. If you plan on doing a loop, this would be the safer route as the scramble to the summit is a nice push before the view. It would also be fairly difficult going down for most people. Alternately, you could stay to the left at the split and just retrace your steps from the summit (you won't be missing out on any views by...