Bear Mountain Loop
Bear Mountain, at 2316 feet, is located in the northeast corner of Connecticut.
3 miles north of the town of Salisbury, on Undermountain Road, you will find a parking lot that is the beginning of the Undermountain Trail, and includes a bathroom. From there, you can do a 6 miles loop that includes Bear Mountain… and a tiny bit of Massachussetts.
This hike includes three different trails, including the Appalachian Trail, and is best done counterclockwise, as there are some very steep sections that are best done going up than down.
To see this hike, click here!
Undermountain Trail
The way up on Undermountain Trail is not very difficult, though steep at times.
This trail starts right by the parking lot, and there is a bathroom to the left before you start going.
It will take you up up up, with some rocks and roots on the trail that you need to be mindful of. Some of the rocks have been arranged in little steps, which is nice!
It’s a really pretty trail, and easy to follow. You will get to an intersection where Paradise Lane Trail goes to your right, if you’re doing this loop counterclockwise.
Paradise Lane Trail
After the climb up Undermountain Trail, you can get a bit of a rest on Paradise Lane, which is mostly flat. However, there are a lot more rocks to navigate on this one, so stay alert!
After the rocky section, you will enter a segment full of pines, with softer terrain, which is technically in Massachusetts!
There, you will find the intersection with the Appalachian Trail. To do this loop counterclockwise, take a left on the AT here, following the signs towards Bear Mountain.
Appalachian Trail
You will start going up again once you get on the Appalachian Trail here, and get back in Connecticut.
The AT is definitely the more challenging part of this hike, and the reason to go it counterclockwise, as there is a section that is very steep going up a rock slab.
However, this section is beautiful, and worth the effort! There are a couple of crossings with other trails, follow the white blazes and the sign to Bear Mountain.
Right after the sign telling you you have reached bear Mountain, there is a mound on rocks you can climb on to get some more elevation and for a gorgeous view of the forest and some lakes below.
Keep following the Appalachian Trail (white blazes), going down, until you meet the Undermountain Trail again. It will be going to your left and will take you all the way back down to the parking lot.
Elevation profile of the hike.
This is a beautiful and somewhat challenging 10k loop, especially the Appalachian part of the trail, well worth the effort for the beauty of the trail and the views from up top.
And if you’re looking for a bite to eat to refuel after your hike, check out White Hart Provisions, right in Salisbury!