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Bike touring routes & trails

United States

New York

Orange County

Village of Highland Falls

Hessian Lake – Perkins Memorial Tower loop from United States Military Academy

Routes

Bike touring routes & trails

United States

New York

Orange County

Village of Highland Falls

Hessian Lake – Perkins Memorial Tower loop from United States Military Academy

Hard

4.8

(5443)

6,111

riders

Hessian Lake – Perkins Memorial Tower loop from United States Military Academy

02:10

31.1km

500m

Cycling

Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.

Last updated: July 1, 2026

Tips

Cycling is not permitted along parts of this route

After 8.41 km for 169 m

After 15.3 km for 94 m

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

1.06 km

Highland Falls

Highlight • Settlement

Highland Falls, once Buttermilk Falls, transformed into a village in Orange County. Officially incorporated in 1906, it boasts a population of 3,684 as of 2020. Recognized for its suburban allure, the town is esteemed as one of the best places to live in New York, featuring numerous bars, restaurants, and coffee shops.

Tip by

8.49 km

Hessian Lake

Highlight • Lake

This is a beautiful lake, sitting at the feet of Bear Mountain.

Tip by

10.2 km

Bear Mountain State Park

Nature Reserve

14.3 km

Bear Mountain Bridge view from Bear Mountain

Highlight • Viewpoint

15.0 km

View of the Hudson River from Bear Mountain

Highlight • Viewpoint

Bear Mountain, located in the Hudson Highlands of southeastern New York, is one of the most notable landmarks on the Appalachian Trail in the state. The AT crosses directly over the summit, which stands at 1,305 feet, which is not especially high, but it is a historically and symbolically significant summit; it’s home to the oldest continuously maintained section of the Appalachian Trail, built in 1923, and features wide stone steps and paved walkways constructed by trail crews and the Civilian Conservation Corps. For many hikers, Bear Mountain is also the site of the lowest elevation point on the AT, near the Hudson River just before the climb.

From the top, you get sweeping views of the Hudson Valley, and the surrounding Bear Mountain State Park includes a lake, picnic areas, the Trailside Museum and Zoo (which the AT technically passes through), and access to nearby Perkins Memorial Tower. It’s a popular day hike, so don’t be surprised to share the trail with weekend crowds, especially in fall.

Tip by

15.2 km

View of the Hudson Highlands from Bear Mountain

Highlight • Viewpoint

At its peak, Bear Mountian is just shy of 1,300ft in elevation on a 4.5 mile stretch of beautiful paved road - a tiny mole hill compared to some of the world’s most famous climbs. However, what it lacks in grandeur makes up for having some of the best views of the Hudson highlands.

Bear Mountain is part of our Montagnes du Monde series, head over to bit.ly/3BjZq77 and claim your badge if you rode this classic.

Tip by

15.3 km

View from Bear Mountain Summit

Highlight • Summit

Long and challenging climb, but definitely worth it

Tip by

15.3 km

Perkins Memorial Tower

Highlight • Monument

On the plateau of Bear Mountain is the Perkins Memorial Tower. At the same time you have a breathtaking view of the New York City skyline and the mountains. In addition, you have a great view of the Hudson River.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

31.1 km

End point

Parking

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

22.5 km

7.02 km

807 m

513 m

172 m

< 100 m

Surfaces

16.6 km

13.0 km

1.05 km

518 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Highest point (390 m)

Lowest point (30 m)

Weather

Today

Wednesday 15 July

33°C

22°C

0 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 22.0 km/h

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

Comments

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Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.

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Hessian Lake – Perkins Memorial Tower loop from United States Military Academy

Highland Falls

Hessian Lake

Bear Mountain Bridge view from Bear Mountain

View of the Hudson River from Bear Mountain

View of the Hudson Highlands from Bear Mountain

View from Bear Mountain Summit

Perkins Memorial Tower

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