The Appalachian Trail (A.T.), Suffern-Bear Mountain Trail (S-BM), and Major Welch Trail in Bear Mountain State Park have been temporarily rerouted due to construction projects between the parking area near the Bear Mountain Inn and the trailheads. The construction is expected to be complete in summer 2027. White A.T. blazes and red Major Welch blazes have been posted along the pathway around the north side of Hessian Lake. On weekends only a passageway through the construction area will be open near the Bear Mountain Inn.
To access the A.T. and Major Welch Trail that lead to the summit of Bear Mountain (Perkins Tower) from the Bear Mountain Inn parking lot, use the marked detour through the picnic area around the north end of Hessian Lake to the corresponding trailhead.
- Distance to Major Welch Trail junction: 0.8 mile
- Distance to A.T. trailhead at south end of Hessian Lake: 1.2 miles
Alternatively, follow pathways and the 1777 East Trail from the Bear Mountain Inn parking lot to the skating rink/merry-go-round parking lot, and follow the yellow-blazed S-BM past the skating rink. At a three-way junction, turn right to follow the temporary reroute. Turn left on the blue A.T. connector trail to reach the A.T. (to begin climbing up the mountain), or continue downhill to reach the A.T. trailhead and proceed along the west side of Hessian Lake coaligned with the red-blazed Major Welch Trail.
- Distance to A.T. trailhead: 0.8 mile
- Distance to Major Welch Trail: 1 mile
To access the S-BM from the Bear Mountain Inn parking lot, follow pathways and the 1777 East Trail to the skating rink/merry-go-round parking lot, and follow the yellow-blazed S-BM past the skating rink. At a three-way junction, turn left to continue south on the S-BM toward Seven Lakes Drive and West Mountain. Detour is approximately 0.5 mile.
Updates on the park closures can be found here.