Bear Mountain

On a week that started with SNOW and a weekend forecast that spelled nothing but gray skies and showers – and chilly temps - Saturday was a welcome turnabout.  I rose at 6:30am and promptly put together my pack for the day and headed out.  The skies were dark and overcast as I pit stopped to grab my morning coffee and make my way west to the trail head.  The further west I went, the bluer the skies… and upon arrival at the trail head –I’d say I had overdressed for the day.  The sky was clear -  blue as blue can be - and nothing but pure sunshine.  I peeled off a few layers and waited for my hiking mates.  Greg arrived first, followed by Richard.  We did introductions and made instant connections –today would be a fun hike.

The trail started flat, the forest was wide, the hardwoods were few and far between, and the undergrowth seemed non-existent.  Shortly into the hike the grade started to pitch up and from that point forward we were on a steady and healthy ascent.  I had promised a “break in those boots” hike so we kept a moderate pace.  Hiking in on the Undermountain trail, we soon connected with the Paradise Lane Trail – a brilliant and quite beautiful stretch of the hike.  The trail was relatively modest in grade with a brook crossing and decaying little bridge that for a moment, had me pause, but Richard braved it and all was good.  This trail was 1.8 miles of casual hiking as we moved north and circled Bear Mountain. 

Upon intersecting with the AT, we broke for snacks and fueled up for the short, but steep ascent to the summit.  Along the way we encountered a charming couple who told us of some modest upcoming ice but not nearly enough to warrant microspikes.  On my way up I bumped into a gentleman who was solo hiking, he was here on business from Ohio and had a day to spare – good for him for seeking out the great outdoors.  We ascended to the summit where we enjoyed lunch and lovely views of Northern Connecticut and Eastern New York.  I believe the lake we see in the distance is Riga Lake.

We shared the summit with many folks that day, it seemed we were looping opposite everyone else and the summit was where we all aggregated.  There was a group of students and hiking leaders who were prepping lunch.  They were from ISAAC – The Interdistrict School for Arts and Communications out of New London, CT.  The leaders had started an outdoor adventure group – and to that we say – CHEERS!  Many a dog came to sniff as we lunched and many passed along the way.  Alas… it was time to begin the descent.

The path continued at the summit for a short distance, offering small plateaus from which you could skip off the trail to catch a view – all very nice.  Shortly before the steep descent we bumped into two through hikers.  One of the gentlemen had started in Virginia and was making his way up to Maine – to tag the end of the trail and….. GO BACK…he intends to trek North to South before winter sets in – Good luck to him – he was in great spirits (and I somewhat envious of his journey).

We quickly reached the intersection of the AT, Bear Mountain Road Trail and the Undermountain Trail and guess what… Rob wasn’t quite feeling he’d exerted quite enough energy yet… remember those short trail departures in the description?  Yep – a quick poll of the group and we headed north west along Bear Mountain Road to check out the rentable AMC cabin.  The trail was flat, well marked and it was only 1 mile in the distance.  In short order we arrived and it was everything I’d imagined it would be.  I snapped a few photos and we quickly left so as to not disturb the occupants.  Sumer is not here yet and I’m already planning next winter!!  I LOVE winter and I did my best to share the luxuries of winter hiking with Greg and Richard.

We retraced our steps, continued along the Undermountain trail and found our way back at the cars.  We started at 10am and finished in the vicinity of 3:15/30pm.  We climbed to 2,316 feet, hiked approximately 8 miles and made new friends today – how much better can life be?  In my book – this is the best.

We finished the day with an early afternoon dinner and drinks at Mizzi’s in Lakeville, CT.  We cheered to a day of great fun and good conversation.  Cheers Mates – See you on the trails!!

Fresh air – nature’s prescription for good health!!  Those who have gotten to know me this past year know I’m committed to exploring my backyard – the Berkshires, Northern Connecticut and Southern Vermont.  Join me, Saturday, April 9th for a loop hike up Bear Mountain – Connecticut’s highest peak.

We will be hiking inside the Mt. Riga Forest Preserve to the summit of Bear Mountain at 2,316 feet.  This is an easy to moderate hike and a great hike to jump start the season.  The hardest part of this hike is the half mile up to the summit; we’ll otherwise be hiking very moderate grades.  Plan on a 5 to 6 hour day, bring plenty of water and snacks.

From the parking we head west out onto Undermountain Trail for 1.2 miles where we intersect with paradise Lane Trail turning north.  We follow Paradise Lane for 1.8 miles where we connect with the Appalachian Trail (AT).  It is here we turn south and start the steep ascent to Bear Mountain.  At the summit we’ll take in the views, lunch and check out the stone pyramid that sits atop the summit built in 1885 to signify Connecticut’s highest peak.  We continue heading south descending to reconnect with Undermountain Trail.  We continue on this trail for approximately 2.0 miles returning to our starting point.  Total hike is approximately 6.7 miles.

Along this loop are a few detours, the AMC Northwest Cabin which can be rented year round, Sages Ravine Campsite with views of serpentine streams, cascades and falls.  We won’t be taking these in but it gives me ideas for future hikes.  That Cabin may be a late fall hike or mid winter adventure and the ravines could be a longer day hike where we spot cars and traverse the AT between Mt. Race and the AMC Cabin – so many options!

I never tire of nature, the scent of evergreens and the emergence of spring.  At home the landscape has sprouted and leaves will form soon with blooms to follow.  I’m eager to see what begins to emerge in mountains in the coming weeks.  This hike the landscape is dotted with hemlocks, ferns, mountain azalea, mountain laurel, pitch pines, deciduous trees, huckleberry shrubs among so much more.  We’ll have a brilliant time – a great first outing if your want to get your hiking boots broken in.  After the hike, should folks desire, we can venture into Salisbury, CT for a bite to eat.

Friday/Saturday Night Lodging Option:  In keeping with the Spirit of GO, my home is open to make the great outdoors accessible to those who may come from just a bit further away than a day trip allows.  It serves as a nice mid-point and a way for us to connect, share stories and talk all things outdoors.  We can car pool for Saturday morning’s journey.  The trip to Bear Mountain is about 2 hours from my home.  We will depart at 7:30am with a trail head meeting time of 9:45am.  We’ll pit stop at Dunkin Donuts for coffee and carbs and make our way west and north. 

I have two bedrooms each with one queen size bed.  Single or double occupancy works, your preference.  I have all linens/blankets/towels and can accommodate up to 4 people.  If sleeping on the floor and air pad is your thing, I can squeeze up to 6 people.  It is $20 for Friday and $20 for Saturday.  If you desire spirits, you do need to bring your own.  My fridge is small, a cooler with ice is recommended.  I share my home with Soleil, a 7 year old female fawn Greyhound who is profoundly friendly.  She will commit the crime of wanting to be incessantly petted – she’s a snuggler.  Please send me an e-mail to reserve a space.