Viewpoint

The Bear Mountain Loop offers a truly memorable jogging experience, winding through woodlands and over rocky ascents that reward you with expansive views of the Hudson River Valley. You'll tackle a difficult 11.3-mile (18.2 km) route with a significant 2290 feet (698 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking around 2 hours and 34 minutes. Expect a mix of technical terrain, including rocky scrambles on the Major Welch Trail and thousands of stone steps on the Appalachian Trail descent, making it a challenging but highly scenic outing for experienced runners.

Planning your visit to this popular running trail in Bear Mountain State Park means considering its proximity to New York City, which can lead to busy conditions. Parking at the trailhead can fill up quickly, so an early start is advisable to beat the crowds. While the full loop is demanding, the park also offers more accessible options, including an "All Persons Trail" near the summit, ensuring everyone can enjoy some of the park's beauty.

What makes the Bear Mountain Loop truly stand out are its historical significance and impressive trail-building artistry. A portion of the route utilizes one of the first completed sections of the Appalachian Trail, dating back to 1923. The thousands of stone steps you'll encounter are a testament to excellent trail construction, and the panoramic viewpoints from near the Perkins Memorial Tower are simply unparalleled, offering vistas that stretch for miles.