West Mountain Loop from Seven Lakes Drive

Harriman-Bear Mountain State Parks

Hudson River from A.T.-T-T on West Mountain. Photo by Daniel Chazin Hudson River from A.T.-T-T on West Mountain. Photo by Daniel Chazin View of Bear Mountain from West Mountain. Photo by Daniel Chazin View of Bear Mountain from West Mountain. Photo by Daniel Chazin

This loop hike climbs to the ridge of West Mountain, passing a number of expansive viewpoints over Bear Mountain, Black Mountain and the Hudson River.

41.304125, -74.015924

Walk towards the rear of the parking area. To the left (east), you will notice a white circular blaze with a red “1777W.” Turn left and follow this trail uphill. Soon after the trail levels off, you’ll reach a junction with the white-blazed Appalachian Trail (AT). Turn sharply right, leaving the 1777W Trail, and follow the AT, which climbs through mountain laurel thickets and soon turns right...

Prepare For Your Hike

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Trip Reports

rate experience
December 02, 2017
4
Late Fall
Like the others, i think this hike would be cooler going in the reverse direction. And probably not in the late fall when there are a lot of leaves down. I went in the direction it guided and loved the views, I got to see the mountain i had climbed a week ago, that was a neat suprise. This was the first view you come across. The rest looking to the west (There were several) were ok. Not the coolest, but certainly nice to sit up there. I imagine this hike could be loads better in the spring when everything is singing and blooming, a well as going up or down the Yellow trail, part of which is very rocky and leaf covered.
Gregory-Rose
August 06, 2017
3
Hiked it July 22, 2017
Started out at 8am from the parking lot. Met several through hikers on the AT so many more now than when I used to hike up here in the 1970's, 80's. I guess a walk in the woods sparked a lot of folks interest :-) Anyway, it was a good hike except for too many signs of civilization, parking lots, car noise, highways and such. Did side trip to Doodletown. Visited the ruins there and the Woodland Cemetery, that was cool. Got back to the car only to find my windows smashed and my car ransacked. So a beautiful day ruined. Drove to Visitors Center on Palisades called the police , waited an hour they never showed so we split. Hooray for Park Support. Be careful out there this park way to close to NYC. I have hiked in many States, East and West, North and South and never had a problem in my 55 yrs. In my home State of New York I got get kicked. Nice! Oh well I am a Brooklyn Boy, shouldn't be surprised.
tarzan103
January 04, 2015
0
Reverse direction was great
<p>We did this hike on New Year's Day in the reverse direction. In this direction, the amazing views come more towards the end, like dessert.</p> <p>The 1777W Trail going towards Doodletown was very lovely, which is a nice way to start the hike. You're still full of verve and energy, so going up the super steep part this soon isn't a problem.</p> <p>The last view this way is of Bear Mountain, and then you just have to trek slowly down the A.T. switchbacks until you get to the car, which is boring.</p> <p>If you do the hike in the written direction, then this way comes first, which means you get the boring part out first, then the far views, then the steep downhill, then tame but lovely 1777W.</p>
kleepet
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