Posted on October 9, 2017 and last updated on October 09, 2017

Bear Mountain, Hartford

QUICK TRAIL FACTS

  • Preserve Size: NA
  • Trail Mileage: 1.9 miles to summit, 1.4 miles to first view
  • Pets: yes
  • Difficulty: easy to moderate
  • Sights: views from two sites, including the 1,208-ft summit

This is a beautiful and relatively easy little mountain (1,208-feet). There is no real footpath, rather you hike up old woods tracks/snowmobile/ATV trails that are not marked, but are easy to follow with a steady, gradual climb. At the base of the mountain is a little grassy area with a wooden sign marking this as the parking spot for Bear Mountain. From here, continue up Bear Mountain Road past a few houses. The road then deteriorates, becoming eroded and rocky. At roughly .9 miles, you’ll see a slightly narrower track headed off 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.

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 with beautiful views.

Directions: 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.

Let me know if you have any trail updates or corrections!