We hiked this section on May 22, 2012.
We had planned on hiking from the top of Bear Mtn to South Mountain Pass Road but there was a gate blocking Perkins Memorial Drive. We went to the Bear Mountain Inn and asked about the road closure. The hotel clerk called the administrative offices and they told her that the gate doesn’t usually open until 10 am but they might not open the road today due to the weather. Apparently the road is on private property and not part of Bear Mountain State Park.
So, Dirigo hatched another plan!
We left Python’s car at the Bear Mtn Inn and then drove to the parking area on US 9. The small lot was full so Dirigo asked a medical office near the trail if she could park her car in their lot. They said okay but asked her to park near the back of their lot. She offered them cash for parking but they refused.
We started hiking just before 9:30 am.
Python starting at US 9
The trail crossed US 9 right next to a Shell station and the Appalachian Deli & Market.
Appalachian Deli & Market
We initially walked on wooden planks through an open field before we entered the woods.
We had a gentle climb up to the first mountain and quickly shed our rain jackets. Even though we put on bug spray, Python got a couple of mosquito bites which swelled up pretty quickly. The bugs were buzzing in our ears all day.
The AT intersects 3 trails (Carriage Connector Trail, Osborn Loop Trail, Curry Pond Trail) before descending to South Mountain Pass road.
Dirigo descending
The South Mountain Pass road is a gravel road which has a parking area next to the trail.
We then climbed up towards Anthony’s nose. Once we reached the top, we were socked in by fog so there were no views. The descent to NY 9D was very rocky and slippery so we took our time.
Descent from Anthony's Nose
Our feet were aching by the time we reached NY 9D. We turned left and walked on the shoulder of the road. We crossed the road at the 6 & 202 junction and hiked on the Bear Mountain Bridge over the Hudson River.
Bear Mountain Bridge
There were two suicide prevention telephones on the bridge. We took our time crossing the bridge and watched a barge and a couple of trains below us.
Middle of Bear Mountain Bridge
Barge that went under the bridge
As we were walking on the bridge we saw a group of guys heading into town, in the opposite direction of the AT. One guys pack looked so huge with a big blue pack cover on it.
Once we passed the toll plaza, we turned left and crossed the road again. We entered the Bear Mountain Zoo via the service entrance.
Dirigo entering the Bear Mountain Zoo
We quickly toured the Trail Museum and took advantage of the ladies room. We followed the trail and saw hawks, a bald eagle, owls, a beaver, black bears, porcupines, 2 coyotes, and 2 foxes.
After leaving the zoo, we went past a huge pool and then a wonderful picnic area near a lake.
We drove Python’s car to the Appalachian Deli & Market and both ordered an “Appalachian Delight” – Deluxe ham, melted swiss, red onions, lettuce, tomato, and spicy mustard. It was delicious!
Appalachian Delight
On our way back across the bridge we saw the group of guys from earlier in the day. The guy who’s pack we thought was huge was actually a plastic kiddy pool strapped to the back of his pack. Lord, what is he thinking?