Ten months after the historic storm that led to its closure, the Appalachian Trail at Bear Mountain State Park will reopen for Memorial Day weekend 2024. Additionally, the previously closed sections of the Major Welch and Suffern - Bear Mountain trails will also open to hikers. Some trail closures still remain in effect. Even where trails are passable, the shaded area is closed to the public and hiking is not permitted. Before travelling, visitors should be aware that many road/trailhead parking lot closures are in effect in the surrounding area. Hikers should exercise caution as backcountry trails have been impacted by erosion and downed trees. For more details on closures and access, reference the map shown here.
The New York - New Jersey Trail Conference Conservation Corps Trail Crews and Volunteer Trail Crews, Rockland County Conservation & Service Corps, and NYS Parks will be working throughout the season to make repairs to other trails that still remain closed in the area.
The full press release of the reopening can be found here: press release. For additional information and updates about these closures, please visit the NYS Parks website.