Viewpoint – Perkins Memorial Tower loop from Bear Mountain State Park

Hiking trails & Routes

United States

New York

Rockland County

Viewpoint – Perkins Memorial Tower loop from Bear Mountain State Park

Moderate

4.9

(3795)

18,110

hikers

Viewpoint – Perkins Memorial Tower loop from Bear Mountain State Park

03:49

12.7km

400m

Hiking

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.

Last updated: August 2, 2026

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

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294 m

Appalachian Trail — Hessian Lake Trailhead

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At Heesian Lake is a good entry point to the Appalachian Trail.

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4.91 km

Major Welch Trail

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It's a steep rock scramble, maybe 1/2 mile long or less, but the views make it worth it.

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5.94 km

Viewpoint

Highlight • Viewpoint

From here, you get a stunning view of the Hudson River and surrounding hills.

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6.03 km

On the plateau of Bear Mountain is the Perkins Memorial Tower. At the same time you have a breathtaking view of the New York City skyline and the mountains. In addition, you have a great view of the Hudson River.

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6.10 km

View of the Hudson Highlands from Bear Mountain

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At its peak, Bear Mountian is just shy of 1,300ft in elevation on a 4.5 mile stretch of beautiful paved road - a tiny mole hill compared to some of the world’s most famous climbs. However, what it lacks in grandeur makes up for having some of the best views of the Hudson highlands.

Bear Mountain is part of our Montagnes du Monde series, head over to bit.ly/3BjZq77 and claim your badge if you rode this classic.

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6.28 km

View of the Hudson River from Bear Mountain

Highlight • Viewpoint

Bear Mountain, located in the Hudson Highlands of southeastern New York, is one of the most notable landmarks on the Appalachian Trail in the state. The AT crosses directly over the summit, which stands at 1,305 feet, which is not especially high, but it is a historically and symbolically significant summit; it’s home to the oldest continuously maintained section of the Appalachian Trail, built in 1923, and features wide stone steps and paved walkways constructed by trail crews and the Civilian Conservation Corps. For many hikers, Bear Mountain is also the site of the lowest elevation point on the AT, near the Hudson River just before the climb.

From the top, you get sweeping views of the Hudson Valley, and the surrounding Bear Mountain State Park includes a lake, picnic areas, the Trailside Museum and Zoo (which the AT technically passes through), and access to nearby Perkins Memorial Tower. It’s a popular day hike, so don’t be surprised to share the trail with weekend crowds, especially in fall.

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