Bear Mountain

This is a beautiful and relatively easy little mountain (1,208-feet), with two approaches, a southern and norther one.

Southern approach: There is no official footpath; rather you hike up old woods tracks/snowmobile trails that are not marked but are easy to follow and offer a steady, gradual climb.

At the base of the mountain is a little grassy area with a wooden sign marking the parking spot for Bear Mountain. From here, walk up Bear Mountain Road past a few houses. The road then deteriorates, becoming eroded and rocky. At roughly 0.9 miles, you’ll see a slightly narrower track to your right. This runs in a more or less straight line (south) for about a third of a mile, before making a hard turn to the right. Continue up the last section to a ledge with a boulder and pretty view of Little Bear Pond (1.4 miles).

To continue to the summit, return to the main track (Bear Mountain Road) and take a right. You’ll see another snowmobile trail coming in from the left, but continue on the main route, which bears right. A little under a half mile later, you’ll see a track on your left which heads up to some ledgy areas and views. Walk along here, or stay on the main route, to reach the open summit, at 1.9 miles, with beautiful views.

Northern approach (by Sam Shirley): Similar to the traditional southern approach to the mountain, the northern approach also follows an eroded old road. Climbing from the end of Bear Mountain Road, you will soon reach a tree farm sign, where the trail splits. The two routes parallel each other, and eventually rejoin. After the upper junction of the two routes, the trail reaches a tiny cabin. From here to the junction of the southern route (0.8 miles from the trailhead), it is easy walking on a plateau through hardwood forest.

Directions: (Southern trailhead) From Route 4 in Turner, turn west onto Route 219. Shortly after, turn right onto Bean Street, and take a quick left into Berry Road, which on Google Map becomes Berry Mahoney Road. At approximately 2.5 miles, you’ll come to the intersection with Bear Mountain Road. Take a right, and park in the little grassy area you’ll see on the right. (Northern trailhead) From the Livermore Post Office on Route 4 in the center of Livermore, head west on Bear Mountain Road. The road crosses Route 108 and heads uphill before ending in 0.9 mile. The trail is a discontinued extension of the road. Be sure not to block the road or driveways when parking.