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United States

New York

Rockland County

Perkins Memorial Tower – Hessian Lake loop from Fort Montgomery

Routes

Hiking trails & Routes

United States

New York

Rockland County

Perkins Memorial Tower – Hessian Lake loop from Fort Montgomery

Hard

4.6

(4328)

19,944

hikers

Perkins Memorial Tower – Hessian Lake loop from Fort Montgomery

05:21

16.9km

640m

Hiking

Hard hike. Very 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: April 16, 2026

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

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970 m

Bear Mountain Inn

Highlight • Restaurant

The hotel with restaurant and cafe is one of the few historic hotels in the USA.

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1.15 km

Appalachian Trail — Hessian Lake Trailhead

Highlight • Trail

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

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1.91 km

Incredible Lookout on the Appalachian Trail

Highlight • Viewpoint

Another lovely view of the Hudson River. This is the perfect spot for a short break!

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3.87 km

View of the Hudson Highlands from Bear Mountain

Highlight • Viewpoint

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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3.95 km

Perkins Memorial Tower

Highlight • Monument

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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4.19 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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