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Black Bear Mountain

4.8
·63 reviews·, United States

Conquer Black Bear Mountain for breathtaking Adirondack views and a rewarding hike, with trails for both beginners and seasoned adventurers.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer mornings

Cooler temps, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
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Black Bear Mountain - Image 1

Black Bear Mountain

Best Time

Summer mornings

Cooler temps, fewer crowds

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Conquer Black Bear Mountain for breathtaking Adirondack views and a rewarding hike, with trails for both beginners and seasoned adventurers.

4.8
(63 reviews)

"Spectacular walk/climb, breathtaking views and a great workout!!!"

Vertical photo
TIP

👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key

Good hiking shoes with grip are essential, especially for the blue trail's rock scrambles. Don't underestimate the climb!

🗺️ Blue vs. Yellow Trail

Blue trail is steeper and more thrilling; yellow trail is easier and recommended for beginners. Choose based on your comfort!

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Quick Facts

Rating

4.8 · 63 reviews

Type

Natural Feature

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Spectacular Summit Views

Spectacular Summit Views

Summit

Breathtaking panoramic views of surrounding mountains and lakes, offering a true Adirondack experience.

Challenging Blue Trail Scramble

Challenging Blue Trail Scramble

Blue Trail

Experience thrilling rock scrambles and steep ascents that make you feel like a true mountain climber.

Gentle Yellow Trail Ascent

Gentle Yellow Trail Ascent

Yellow Trail

A more leisurely walk with a bit of climbing, perfect for beginners or those seeking a less strenuous hike.

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Planning Your Visit

Choose Your Trail Wisely

Black Bear Mountain offers two main trails: the yellow (easier) and blue (more challenging). The blue trail involves significant rock scrambling and can be steep, while the yellow provides a more gradual ascent with less technical terrain. Consider your fitness level and comfort with heights before choosing.

Fulton Chain Trifecta Challenge

For an added challenge, consider tackling Rondaxe, Rocky, and Black Bear Mountains to earn a Fulton Chain Trifecta patch. This is a popular goal for many hikers, and completing all three offers a sense of accomplishment and bragging rights.

Best Times

When
Summer mornings
Why
Cooler temps, fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Fall afternoons
Why
Autumn foliage, pleasant weather
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

looking for recommendations for hikes near old forge

I'm looking for some easy to moderate hikes in old forge area. Any good places?

👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key

Good hiking shoes with grip are essential, especially for the blue trail's rock scrambles. Don't underestimate the climb! Reddit

🗺️ Blue vs. Yellow Trail

Blue trail is steeper and more thrilling; yellow trail is easier and recommended for beginners. Choose based on your comfort! Reddit

reddit.com

Taking a trip to Old Forge, NY. Looking for recommendations from locals for things to do!

We'd like to do one day of some shopping and then the rest of the days we'd like to be outside doing other things! We are coming up in August for four days and are staying in Big Moose at an AirBNB. I'd love to plan ahead and figure out some fun things to do or find any good…

reddit.com

Waterfalls and other hikes within 45 minutes of Old Forge

Looking for recommendations for hikes that a few reasonably fit adults that might take no more than a two-thirds of a day from beginning of end. Already did Rondaxe a few years ago. Views (either summits, falls,‘or both) would be strongly desired. Thanks a ton in advance!!

🐶 Dog-Friendly Adventure

Bring your furry friends along! Black Bear Mountain is a great spot for a hike with your dog. Reddit

📸 Capture the Views

The summit offers incredible photo opportunities. Allow extra time to soak in the scenery and snap some shots.

reddit.com

never been to old forge what to do for my fist trip

Hike black bear than wings at the screaming eagle. Grab a drink at the woods inn and check out the view on their dock

Tips

from all over the internet

👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key

Good hiking shoes with grip are essential, especially for the blue trail's rock scrambles. Don't underestimate the climb! Reddit

🗺️ Blue vs. Yellow Trail

Blue trail is steeper and more thrilling; yellow trail is easier and recommended for beginners. Choose based on your comfort! Reddit

🐶 Dog-Friendly Adventure

Bring your furry friends along! Black Bear Mountain is a great spot for a hike with your dog. Reddit

📸 Capture the Views

The summit offers incredible photo opportunities. Allow extra time to soak in the scenery and snap some shots.

What Travellers Say

4.8
(63 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about the spectacular summit views and the rewarding workout Black Bear Mountain provides. The choice between the challenging blue trail with its thrilling rock scrambles and the easier yellow trail caters to different hiker preferences. It's a popular spot for its scenic beauty and the opportunity to complete the Fulton Chain Trifecta.

"Spectacular walk/climb, breathtaking views and a great workout!!! Dog-friendly. Took us 3-hrs bc we like to linger. Enjoy it!!!"

Lisa

"Beautiful hike! Following the blue markers are more difficult. Yellow markers are much easier."

MemRee Byers

"Any mountain that is a loop I seem to enjoy more than an out and back. This mountain was great even though its small. We took the blue trail up because we enjoy something a little tougher and a little more thrilling. For seasoned hikers, there is nothing too tough on the blue trail but its far steeper than the yellow. The yellow is more like a leisurely walk with a little climbing towards the end and recommended for beginners. Lots of views, moss and some scrambling makes this mountain have a bit of the high peaks feel. I would recommend over rondaxxe/bald and blue which, adventure wise, are my least favorite of the adk 4-5 miles round trip."

Jon

What People Like

Spectacular summit views
Challenging rock scrambles
Dog-friendly trails

What People Dislike

Steepness on blue trail
Crowded parking on weekends

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The trailhead for Black Bear Mountain shares a parking lot with Rocky Mountain. Look for the trailhead closer to the Inlet side of the lot. Parking can fill up, especially on weekends, so arriving early is recommended. Reddit

Public transport options to trailheads in this area are limited. It's generally best to have your own vehicle or arrange a ride. Consider local taxi services if needed.

The trails are generally well-marked. The blue trail uses blue markers, and the yellow trail uses yellow markers. Pay attention to the blazes to stay on course. Reddit

Typically, there are no specific fees for parking at the Black Bear Mountain trailhead. However, it's always a good idea to check for any posted signage regarding parking regulations or potential fees.

Hiking Black Bear Mountain in winter is possible but requires proper winter hiking gear, including traction devices for icy conditions. Trails can be more challenging and less visible.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Black Bear Mountain is a public hiking trail and does not require purchased tickets for entry. Access to the trails and parking lot is generally free.

As an outdoor natural area, Black Bear Mountain is accessible year-round, from dawn until dusk. There are no set operating hours for the trails themselves.

There is no entrance fee to hike Black Bear Mountain. The trails and surrounding natural area are open to the public without charge.

Yes, Black Bear Mountain is suitable for group hikes. However, be mindful of trail etiquette and ensure your group is prepared for the chosen trail's difficulty.

Generally, no special permits are required for day hiking on Black Bear Mountain. However, if you plan on any overnight camping or specific activities, it's wise to check with local park authorities.

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Black Bear Mountain offers moderate difficulty. The yellow trail is easier, while the blue trail is more challenging due to steepness and rock scrambling. Reddit

A typical hike can take 2-3 hours, depending on your pace, the trail chosen, and how long you spend at the summit. Some visitors take longer to enjoy the views. Reddit

Restroom facilities are typically not available directly at the trailhead. It's advisable to use facilities before you arrive or be prepared for primitive conditions.

Expect a mix of forest paths, rocky sections, and significant rock scrambling, especially on the blue trail. The yellow trail is more of a gradual climb. Reddit

The yellow trail can be suitable for older children who are comfortable with some climbing. The blue trail's steepness and scrambling may be too challenging for younger children. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The summit offers the most spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding Adirondack landscape and lakes. Don't miss the various viewpoints along the trails as well. Reddit

Early morning or late afternoon light provides the most dramatic and flattering lighting for landscape photography. Golden hour can be particularly stunning.

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive views. A sturdy tripod can be helpful for low-light conditions or long exposures. Ensure your gear is protected from the elements.

Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, commercial photography or drone usage may require permits, so it's best to check with local authorities if you plan extensive professional shoots.

Each season offers unique photographic opportunities. Summer provides lush greenery, fall boasts vibrant foliage, and winter offers a serene, snow-covered landscape.

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