Black Bear Mountain — Local services in Town of Inlet

Hiked this on 7/25/21 with a group from about 5 years old to 70 and a 100 lb. dog. I used a Garmin Explorer+ to track our route. The entire route using blue blazes up and yellow blazes down was 6.2 miles from the trail head to our vehicles. It took 3.5 hours. Lots of great sights and a gorgeous view at the summit. But...some people in the group were not as enamored as I was. The trip up on the blue blazes was muddy. It rained the night before and navigating the mud (if you cared) was challenging. As we neared the summit, there are some steep, rocky areas. Some kids and adults got anxious. The dog needed help and was lifted a couple times, but we all made it. Following the yellow blazes down was easier, but much muddier. There were also a couple of foot bridges with distances between the wood on the foot bridges were wide enough that the dog fell and tore ligaments and a child almost fell through completely. For me, the trip was perfect, but for others, it was a "never again" moment. Bottom line- This is a pretty rugged hike. If you are in shape and like to hike, fine. Just make sure you wear hiking boots (I was in Keen waterproof hiking boots and didn't mind slogging in the mud at all), bring plenty of water, eyes on the trail and don't get caught in the dark. For an easier hike, look at Rocky Mountain- Same parking area, still great views, but much shorter- we did that one last year in about an hour without pushing it. I'm the old guy in the photos. The picture of me wearing a hat is Black Bear summit from 7/25/21. No hat is Rocky Mountain summit from 7/25/20. Great views whichever way you go. Happy hiking! PS- Phones...

Great hike. Got an early start cause this trail is popular! Part of the Fulton Chain Trifecta. Took the blue trail to the summit. There are some rock scrambles and a section with rope to help you up the steep spots close to the summit. The trail is very well marked. Beautiful views from the open summit. Took the yellow trail down off the summit to make a partial loop. Yellow off the summit was magical, so much different than the blue trail. Moss covered the forest floor and all the rock outcroppings. Felt like a different mountain. The yellow trail is more gradual so you could take it up and down. Just know, it makes the trail longer. The yellow trail is very well marked too and once off the summit is a pretty walk through the woods. Highly recommend this trail for the whole family. If you are hiking with dogs, you may not want to take the blue trail unless you can lift them up...

Did the blue trail both out and back. I took a lot of little breaks but never felt like I couldn’t continue. I like that it’s spurts of uphill with some flat breaks a lot of the way up. The last 1/3 of a mile is mountain climbing, not hiking. But the rock scrambles were a fun challenge! They could be a little anxiety inducing for some people, especially if you’re a little unsteady or afraid of heights. Make sure you have good hiking shoes with grip. You will be spider-monkeying up some of these rock faces! The views at the top are absolutely spectacular. Completely worth the climb. I might do the blue trail again once I’m in better shape, but I think I’ll try yellow next time. Blue trail is very well marked. Probably only ran into 6-7 other parties the whole hike, and had the summit to myself for a little while too. Definitely recommended if you don’t mind...