Tomkins Cove, NY: NYC Chapter, Bear Mountain Caminito

Bear Mountain Caminito | June 24, 2023 (Rain date: June 25)

The NYC Chapter of the American Pilgrims on the Camino will hike in Bear Mountain State Park situated in the rugged mountains rising from the west bank of the Hudson River. This is a challenging and strenuous hike. Please know that the hike involves a climb and descent of about 1800 feet. Please RSVP by Wednesday, June 21.
Meeting Spot:                 Bear Mountain Inn – Cafe
Meeting Time:                 10:15am
Start of Caminito:           10:30am

There are a few transportation options for this hike: drive, or take the bus or train from NYC.

Bus: Coach USA departing from NYC Port Authority Bus Terminal at 8:45am, arrive at 10:15 am. (Return bus departs Bear Mountain Inn at 5:19pm)
Shortline Hudson route (NYC to Bear Mountain, NY)
Stop: Bear Mountain Inn
Bus Fare: $14.35 one-way (purchase tickets online in advance)

By train: MetroNorth to Peekskill departing Grand Central Terminal at 8:50am
Take taxi or rideshare to the Bear Mountain Inn.
By car to the Bear Mountain Inn, 99 Service Rd, Tomkins Cove, NY 10986
Parking fee: $10 cash

What to bring: Day hike essentials: water (at least 2-3 liters), juice or your preferred hydration drinks, lunch & snacks (no option to buy during the hike), insect repellent, sun hat/sunblock, walking stick/trekking poles (highly recommended), sturdy hiking boots or shoes and cash for parking. Part of our route follows the Appalachian Trail, and we may cross paths with thru-hikers, who always appreciate a donativo snack or drink. See trail map 119 from the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference.

Itinerary: We start the Caminito in the picnic area north of the Bear Mountain Inn (WC stop).
Bear Mountain Loop to the Major Welch Trail (2.3 miles and 1,800 feet ascent).
Perkins Memorial Tower (halfway/lunch/WC stop). This stop affords spectacular views of Bear Mountain State Park, Hudson Highlands, Harriman State Park and even the NYC skyline on a clear day.
Appalachian Trail (2.1 miles and 1,800 feet descent)
End of Caminito: Picnic area north of Bear Mountain Inn (WC stop)
Please exercise extreme caution during this Caminito. Always stay hydrated and walk only on the designated path or trail.
Terrain: mix of rugged dirt, stone, boulders, and concrete/asphalt
Difficulty: Challenging to Strenuous. Elevation gain and loss of 1800’.
Hike Leader: Ana Esteban. Ana is a peregrina who earned her compostela hiking the Camino Frances from O’Cebreiro to Santiago de Compostela.