Bear Mountain Hike: on the Appalachian Trail in Connecticut
Bear Mountain, located in the northwest corner of Connecticut, is the highest peak in the state. (This is not to be confused with the highest point in the state. Connecticut’s high point is somewhere on the side of Mount Frissell, whose summit is in Massachusetts.) We recently climbed Bear Mountain as part of an overnight backpacking trip but it can also easily be summited on a day hike from the CT Route 41 trailhead.
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Location Of Trailhead
The closest trailhead to the summit of Bear Mountain is located on Route 41 (Under Mountain Road) in Salisbury Connecticut. The parking area is on the west side of Route 41 about three miles north of the junction with US 44 in the center of Salisbury.
Recommended Maps
The Connecticut Walk Book, published by The Connecticut Forest & Park Association, contains maps and mileage tables for the trails traveled in the hikes described below. On the Appalachian Trail, I have found that the mileage in this book differs greatly from other sources. Therefore, you may wish to also carry your AT map of choice. For super short sections like this, I like the Pocket Profile maps from Antigravity Gear. They are extremely small and lightweight but contain all of the same information as the popular A.T. Guide by David “AWOL” Miller.
Our 2-Day Hike
Day 1: Route 41 Trailhead to Riga Shelter
Day one of this hike was a wet October Saturday. While it never actually rained, it remained cloudy throughout the day with frequent patches of fog. The trailhead on Route 41 has a privy and parking for about two dozen vehicles. Even on this dreary day, we arrived to an almost full lot and took one of only two remaining spaces. In good weather I would definitely recommend arriving early.
From the trailhead, the rocky, rooted Undermountain Trail climbs consistently for two miles before meeting the Appalachian Trail at Riga Junction. On the way up, a short spur trail on the right leads to a group campsite. This is followed almost immediately by the junction with Paradise Lane which will be our return route tomorrow.
At Riga Junction, a right will lead north on the AT over the summit of Bear Mountain. Today, however, we took a left to head south towards Riga Shelter. The Appalachian Trail between Riga Junction and Riga Shelter is flat and easy walking. We were treated to a quiet trail and the very beginnings of fall foliage.
We arrived at Riga Shelter around 2:30 pm and were able to enjoy a bit of a foggy view before thicker cloud cover blew in. Riga Shelter is known for its sunrises and is said to have the best view of any Appalachian Trail shelter in Connecticut. You can read more about Riga Shelter by clicking here.
Originally, we had planned to drop our packs at Riga Shelter and continue south for a short out-and-back hike to the viewpoint at Lion’s Head. Given the damp weather and potential for rain, however, we decided to make a cup of coffee and enjoy a leisurely afternoon at the shelter.
Day 2: Riga Shelter to Bear Mountain and back to Trailhead
We awoke to more thick fog on Sunday morning. After breaking down camp and making breakfast, we headed north on the Appalachian trail. At Riga Junction, we stayed on the AT and made the short, moderate climb up the south side of Bear Mountain.
The summit of Bear Mountain is marked by the remains of a stone tower constructed in 1885. The tower remains make an excellent spot to break for lunch or simply sit and enjoy the view. We arrived too early for lunch but took an extended mid-morning snack break hoping that the fog might lift.
Eventually, although still socked in, we left the summit and headed north on the AT towards Sages Ravine. The trail on the north side of Bear Mountain is very steep and rocky and hikers should be cautious in wet or icy conditions. In less than a mile, the Appalachian Trail meets Paradise Lane on the right. This trail junction is actually in Massachusetts even though, due to a miss-marked border, you won’t see a state line sign unless you continue north into the ravine.
Paradise Lane runs about two miles to the junction with Undermountain Trail that we passed yesterday. From there, it is a steady descent back to the trailhead parking area on Route 41.
Day Hike
Bear Mountain is a fun peak to check off your list and makes a great day hike. A lollipop-shaped loop using Paradise Lane, The Appalachian Trail, and Undermountain Trail is about five and a half miles round trip.
When choosing which direction to hike the loop, remember the steep section north of the summit and take trail conditions, as wells as your own fitness and skill level, into account. Descending on the steepest section of trail may sound appealing but in slippery conditions the opposite might be safer. We came down the north side of the mountain with full packs on a wet day and, despite having trekking poles to help keep my balance, I did end up landing on my bottom once!
Have you climbed Bear Mountain in Connecticut? Be sure to share any tips or advice for other hikers in the comments below!
