Harriman / Bear Mountain State Park
West Mountain Day Hike

Duration 4-5 Hours
Distance: 7.5 Miles
Difficulty: Moderate - Hard
Elevation: 1,800 ft.

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Starting from Anthony Wayne Recreation Area, a wide ski trail provides a nice half-mile warm-up along relatively flat terrain, before heading up the Ramapo-Dunderberg trail. 

We'll pass some of the best viewpoints in Harriman State Park, South to NYC on a clear day and East to the Hudson River. The terrain varies throughout this hike. There are several steep and rocky sections, a few brief scrambles, and a total of almost 1,800 feet in elevation gain. Less than 2 miles into our hike, we'll reach the "Cats Elbow," our first viewpoint at an elevation of about 1200 feet.

​The next viewpoint, "The Timp," offers sweeping views of the surrounding mountains and parkland below. The trail then descends down to the Timp Brook.

After our final 800ft. ascent up West Mountain, we'll be rewarded with more scenery from the West Mountain Shelter, a lean-to facing the Hudson River with the NYC skyline visible in the distance on clear days.

Following the Appalachian Trail and Timp-Torne trail, the descent is about 2.5 miles along the rocky ridge of West Mountain, with more fantastic scenery along the way.

Meeting Location: Anthony Wayne Recreation Area
Anthony Wayne Drive, Tomkins Cove, NY
GPS: 41.297987, -74.026561

Guided Day Hikes Include:

• Licensed guide and certified wilderness first responder
• Group gear (Water filter, first aid kit, maps, compass)
• Snacks & water bottles
• Trekking pole rental
  

What to Bring:

• Comfortable, sturdy footwear (Trail runners or hiking boots)
• Rain jacket, poncho or umbrella
• Lunch (optional - snacks and water provided)

There is no cell phone service at some meeting locations.

*Return times are best estimates, and can vary based on the speed and fitness level of the group.