Although most hikes in Harriman-Bear Mountain State Parks are rather strenuous, this hike — at the northern end of Bear Mountain State Park — is relatively easy. It circles the scenic Brooks Lake in a clockwise direction, following the Brooks Lake Trail, marked with red square-on-white blazes. There are many views of the lake and the surrounding mountains from the trail.
From the parking area, the Brooks Lake Trail heads south on a wide gravel road, passing a kiosk on the right. In 125 feet, the road ends at a viewpoint over the lake. Here, the trail turns left and continues on a narrower gravel road. In 0.2 mile, the trail makes a short but rather steep descent, passing an interesting rock outcrop and an abandoned stone-and-concrete building on the left. After climbing a little, the Brooks Lake Trail turns right, leaving the gravel road and joining the blue-blazed Timp-Torne Trail (also the route of the 1777W and 1779 Trails). The trails run together for only 100 feet, crossing a wet area on a boardwalk, after which the Timp-Torne, 1777W and 1779 Trails leave to the left. The Brooks Lake Trail bears right and heads north along the west side of the lake.
The treadway now becomes a little rougher as the trail follows a footpath along a narrow shelf above the lake, crossing several rocky areas. Soon, you’ll notice a strand of inch-thick wire rope lying across the trail, with a longer segment of the rope hanging from an adjacent tree. This is a remnant of the cable used to suspend the tramway cars that carried iron ore from the Forest of Dean Mine, located several miles to the west, which was opened in the 1750s and was actively mined until 1931. On their way to the Hudson River, where the iron ore was transferred to boats or to trains on the West Shore Railroad at the site of the present-day Mine Dock Park, the tramway cars passed over Brooks Lake. After the mine closed, the tramway was removed, and the mine was subsequently acquired by the United States Government. It is now part of the United States Military Reservation at West Point.
As you proceed along the lake, a number of east-facing views open up. The mountain visible in the background is Anthony’s Nose, on the east side of the river.
At the northwest corner of the lake, 0.6 mile from the start, the trail crosses a stream on rocks and again curves to the right. Just beyond, there are several south-facing viewpoints over the lake, with Bear Mountain in the background. After proceeding south along the east side of the lake, the trail briefly parallels and then crosses an old woods road, lined on both sides with stone walls. Just beyond, the trail emerges onto a grassy field. It passes a wooden pavilion on the right, with more views over the lake, and descends to end at the parking area.
Publication: Submitted by Daniel Chazin on 09/13/2018
This easy loop hike circles scenic Brooks Lake.
Although most hikes in Harriman-Bear Mountain State Parks are rather strenuous, this hike — at the northern end of Bear Mountain State Park — is relatively easy. It circles the scenic Brooks Lake in a clockwise direction, following the Brooks Lake Trail, marked with red square-on-white blazes. There are many views of the lake and the surrounding mountains from the trail.
From the...
Whether you are going for a day hike or backpacking overnight, it is good practice to carry what we call The Hiking Essentials. These essentials will help you enjoy your outing more and will provide basic safety gear if needed. There may also be more essentials, depending on the season and your needs.
Hiking Shoes or Boots
Water - Two quarts per person is recommended in every season. Keep in mind that fluid loss is heightened in winter as well as summer. Don't put yourself in the position of having to end your hike early because you have run out of water.
Map - Know where you are and where you are going. Many of our hiking areas feature interconnecting network of trails. Use a waterproof/tear-resistant Tyvek Trail Conference map if available or enclose your map in a Ziplock plastic bag. If you have a mobile device, download Avenza’s free PDF Maps app and grab some GPS-enhanced Trail Conference maps (a backup Tyvek or paper version of the map is good to have just in case your batteries die or you don't have service). Check out some map-reading basics here.
Food - Snacks/lunch will keep you going as you burn energy walking or climbing. Nuts, seeds, and chocolate are favorites on the trail.
Sunscreen and insect repellent
Rain Gear and Extra Clothing - Rain happens. So does cold. Be prepared for changing weather. Avoid cotton--it traps water against your skin and is slow to dry. If you are wearing wet cotton and must return to your starting point, you risk getting chills that may lead to a dangerous hypothermia. Choose synthetic shirts, sweaters and/or vests and dress in layers for easy on and off.
Compass - A simple compass is all you need to orient you and your map to magnetic north.
Light - A flashlight or small, lightweight headlamp will be welcome gear if you find yourself still on the trail when darkness falls. Check the batteries before you start out and have extras in your pack.
First Aid Kit - Keep it simple, compact, and weatherproof. Know how to use the basic components.
Firestarter and Matches - In an emergency, you may need to keep yourself or someone else warm until help arrives. A firestarter (this could be as simple as leftover birthday candles that are kept inside a waterproof container) and matches (again, make sure to keep them in a waterproof container) could save a life.
Knife or Multi-tool - You may need to cut a piece of moleskin to put over a blister, repair a piece of broken equipment, or solve some other unexpected problem.
Emergency Numbers - Know the emergency numbers for the area you're going to and realize that in many locations--especially mountainous ones, your phone will not get reception.
Common Sense - Pay attention to your environment, your energy, and the condition of your companions. Has the weather turned rainy? Is daylight fading? Did you drink all your water? Did your companion fail to bring rain gear? Are you getting tired? Keep in mind that until you turn around you are (typically) only half-way to completing your hike--you must still get back to where you started from! (Exceptions are loop hikes.)
Check the weather forecast before you head out. Know the rules and regulations of the area.
Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
Be Considerate of Other Visitors
The Trail Conference is a 2015 Leave No Trace partner.
(c) Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics: www.LNT.org.
From the traffic circle at the west end of the Bear Mountain Bridge. Proceed north on US 9W, crossing the Popolopen Viaduct. Just beyond the northern end of the viaduct, turn left onto Firefighters Memorial Drive and continue downhill for 0.4 mile. At the base of the descent, turn left onto Mine Road, then immediately turn right into Brooks Park and continue to the parking area.
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