Bear Mountain Trail | 6.1.19 | Connecticut | 42.02893° N, -73.42935° W
There’s no better way to celebrate the start of Summer and National Trail Days than to get out there and rack up some miles. The hike is a 6 mile loop with a vertical gain of 1,767 feet. It’s the highest peak in Connecticut and the views from the top do not disappoint. So if you ever find yourself in northwest Connecticut this a must do hike.
You’re going to kick off your hike from the Undermountain Trail Parking lot (126 Long Pond Rd, Lakeville, CT 06039). If the lot is full street parking is allowed. From the parking lot the trail will lead you up, and up, and up.
Once you finish the first climb (about a 1,000 feet) you’ll come across a stream and your legs will get a nice break! Shortly after you’ll reach a fork in the trail. The first sign is deceiving, it’s for the paradise trail campsites. Keep on hikin’ just past the sign there will be a fork in the trail.
You have two options:
-Continuing on the Undermountain trail which will shoot you onto the Appalachian Trail and take you to the top (strenuous with a steady climb to the top).
-Paradise Trail with moderate ups/down and a rock scramble to get you to the top.
We opted for the Paradise Trail and would definitely recommend everyone to take. Would not want to do that rock scramble the other direction.
“In memory of Edward H. Lorenz. charter member of the connecticut chapter of the appalachian mountain club for whom this area is named. placed in grateful appreciation in 1981. on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the chapter”
The last part of the trail before the peak is the rock scramble. You’re going to be on all fours headed almost straight up, keep following the blue trail markers. You have to earn your views though right?
#EARNYOURVIEWS
The second half of your hike is all downhill- a nice break from the heavy climbing you just did. This time you’ll be going down the AT back to Undermountain trail. The views on the other side of the mountain are almost as rewarding as the views from the peak. Can’t wait to come back in the Fall to check out all the foliage.
