Parking at Bear Mt Bridge or NY 17A in Bellvale [Archive] - WhiteBlaze

Johnny Thunder

11-27-2007, 10:29

Found out I have a free weekend right before Christmas...Parents recently moved into an over-50-condo-snooze-dome and the girl's got the GRE's. Trying to start early on Saturday AM with a Sunday bailout at 17 or 17a (depending on some last-minute holiday revelry).

Question - What is the parking situation at Bear Mountain Bridge? I've found the state parks site and there was some info on parking but it didn't indicate if it was overnight. Also, the directions listed didn't jive with a google-maps flyover of the area and I'm concerned that the lot isn't at the "second right off the Bear Mt Circle".

If there's no parking available I could got he opposite direction and start at 17a West of Greenwood Lake. Any parking there?

Thanks and stuff.

RITBlake

11-27-2007, 10:31

There is tons of parking at Bear Mountain. Just follow signs for the Bear Mountain Inn and there is a huge parking lot next to it. Now that it is off season you won't have any problems finding space. Also there are rangers on duty there so no worries about parking overnight.

I left my car there for over a week w/ no questions asked or problems.

RITBlake

11-27-2007, 10:32

should note that in the big parking lot, the AT is just a very short walk across the ball fields (if you are heading south, up and over BM) and if you are heading North, the bear mountain zoo is right across the street.

Johnny Thunder

11-27-2007, 10:34

Thanks Blake.

I saw a similar thread you started early this year...good to see that it was doable.

Johnny

RITBlake

11-27-2007, 10:36

Yup, happy to pass some knowledge on. I live in Nyack so it's just a short 20 min up to Bear Mountain. I try to get up to BM at least once a month or so for a day hike/ramble.

MOWGLI

11-27-2007, 10:44

The best parking is at Bear Mountain. It'll cost you a few shekels though.

If you choose to park at NY 17A, on the north side of the road, to the west of the trail, is a road that leads a short distance to the Mt Peter Hawk Watch. You'll see a brown NYS DEC sign. There is a gravel lot that will hold about 6-8 cars. I am not aware of any vandalism there, but I moved from the area almost 5 years ago. Once at the lot, if you walk up a trail with some old steps surrounded by cedar trees - after about 50 yards, you come to a blue blazed trail (on the right) that connects to the AT. The blue blaze is 200 yards long. Maybe 50 feet beyond the turnoff for the blue blaze is the hawk watching platform that offers majestic views of the Warwick Valley, and on a clear day, you can see the obelisk at High Point State Park some 30 miles off in the distance.

Have a great Hike.

PS: ASKUS3 is a member of Whiteblaze who lives in Warwick, NY near 17A. Send him a PM if you want an update on the situation at 17A.

Johnny Thunder

11-27-2007, 11:13

Yup, happy to pass some knowledge on. I live in Nyack so it's just a short 20 min up to Bear Mountain. I try to get up to BM at least once a month or so for a day hike/ramble.

Blake,

What is the Long Path like North of Nyack? I've been on the Palisades before so I know how that can be. My parent's live in Cresskill about 2 miles off the Palisades so it might actually be easier for me to head south on the LP from the AT junction. Besides the Palisades Parkway/202 interchange where else might I access the LP as an exit point? Probably looking at a 8 to 15 mile walk South off the AT.

mrc237

11-27-2007, 15:09

If you park overnight at BM parking lot "regulations" require that you check-in at the Park Police Station at the S-end of lot area. It takes 5 minutes!

Johnny Thunder

11-27-2007, 15:12

If you park overnight at BM parking lot "regulations" require that you check-in at the Park Police Station at the S-end of lot area. It takes 5 minutes!

They open in the early AM?

MOWGLI

11-27-2007, 15:21

Besides the Palisades Parkway/202 interchange where else might I access the LP as an exit point? Probably looking at a 8 to 15 mile walk South off the AT.

Intersection of Routes 9W & 304.

Johnny Thunder

11-27-2007, 15:30

Intersection of Routes 9W & 304.

Awesome, thank you.

I was eventually able to find "the runners" GPS info to get a good idea of how the trail moves through that area.

RITBlake

11-27-2007, 15:58

Blake,

What is the Long Path like North of Nyack? I've been on the Palisades before so I know how that can be. My parent's live in Cresskill about 2 miles off the Palisades so it might actually be easier for me to head south on the LP from the AT junction. Besides the Palisades Parkway/202 interchange where else might I access the LP as an exit point? Probably looking at a 8 to 15 mile walk South off the AT.

It's kind of what you'd expect w/ it being so close to the AT that the terrain and type of walking is very similiar to the AT. Def. not as well traveled though but the sections I have found have been very well maintained and marked. Some nice sections and lots of great views of the Hudson.

How many days are you hoping to get out for. Mowgli could probably help you plan out a nice multi day loop trail that puts you right back at your car. He is far more knowledgable about the area, especially harriman/bear mtn then I.

If you need a ride or a shuttle let me know I'm always looking for an excuse to drive up there.

A-Train

11-27-2007, 17:36

Blake,

What is the Long Path like North of Nyack? I've been on the Palisades before so I know how that can be. My parent's live in Cresskill about 2 miles off the Palisades so it might actually be easier for me to head south on the LP from the AT junction. Besides the Palisades Parkway/202 interchange where else might I access the LP as an exit point? Probably looking at a 8 to 15 mile walk South off the AT.

The LP just south of the AT junction in Harriman is pretty cool. If doing a 8 to 15 mile hike, why not just do a loop, leaving the car at Elk Pen by Route 17? There are countless different options with the AT/LP and other trails in the area to make a figure 8. Just make sure you get better maps than the ones that ATC puts out for the NY/NJ section. They barely show other trails.

I was up on the Lichen Trail up on the ridge above Times Square. I had the whole ridge to myself and the views were great. The colors are rich now.

RITBlake

11-27-2007, 17:58

I was up on the Lichen Trail up on the ridge above Times Square. I had the whole ridge to myself and the views were great. The colors are rich now.

not to mention all the cool iron mines that are in that area which are very fun to explore (with a buddy!)

sasquatch2014

11-27-2007, 18:27

I just did a bit of what you are talking about the weekend before turkey day. I parked at the Inn and logged in with the rangers and left my car. I am either free of bench warrents or they don't run your info either way the car was safe and sound when I returned three days later. I am not sure if it was the time of year or the time of day but the tower at the top of Bear Mt was not open or me to go up. I got up on top by 9:00am. I parked the car about 6:00am. I am pretty sure that the ranger desk is staffed 24/4. It was nice out there I was treated to the first snow of the season on my last day which made finding the white blazes a bit more of a challange but it was all good. I could have done with out the falls on slick snow covered leaves though.

2674

Have fun and watch your step.

mrc237

11-27-2007, 22:37

They open in the early AM?

I don't know but generally police stations are open 24-7. I guess a call couldn't hurt.

LIhikers

11-28-2007, 07:36

If you want to park very near Bear Mountain and not pay the fee there is a close by alternative. From the traffic circle at the west end of the Bear Mountain bridge drive south on route 9W. In about 3 miles there's a small hikers parking lot on the left side of the road. The AT doesn't go to the lot but is very close, nearby. The map for Harriman State Park will show you which trail to take to intersect the AT depending if you want to go north or south. It also shows the parking lot.
I've parked there numerous times with no problems.

LIhikers

11-28-2007, 07:39

I was up on the Lichen Trail up on the ridge above Times Square. I had the whole ridge to myself and the views were great. The colors are rich now.

The Lichen Trail is one of my favorites in Harriman. I highly recommend it as a great place to take a lunch break on a sunny day.

The Big J

11-28-2007, 08:31

I agree with A-train parking at Elk Penn gives you many options for some nice loops. Was up there a couple of weeks ago, Elk Penn to fingerboard shelter for lunch, Fingerboard to Tiorati circle for some water. I then got on the LP north to the Shelter just past Hippo Rock ( no water at shelter ). Took the LP back to Elk Penn. Nice overnight Hike. About 14mi. in all. Northern Harriman Bear Mtn. Trails. (Trail Map #4 ).

sasquatch2014

11-28-2007, 13:39

At this time of year or at least when I parked they were not charging to park by the ranger station.

MOWGLI

11-28-2007, 13:49

Elk Pen

HOW TO GET THERE: Follow N.J. Route 17 north to the New York State Thruway and take the first exit, Exit 15A (Sloatsburg). Turn left at the bottom of the ramp onto N.Y. Route 17 north. Continue on Route 17 through the villages of Sloatsburg, Tuxedo and Southfields. About two miles north of Southfields, turn right onto Arden Valley Road. Cross the bridge over the New York State Thruway, then make the first right at a sign “Hikers’ Trailhead Parking.” Park in the dirt parking area to the west of a large meadow, known as the Elk Pen.

Johnny Thunder

11-28-2007, 14:08

MOWGLI

11-28-2007, 14:10

I've heard that you shouldn't park here overnight. Is that true?

I never had problems. But I haven't parked there overnight in more than 5 years. call =the NY NJ Trail Conference and ask them. Or the PIP Police.