Home⎟Hikes & Wanderings⎟New York⎟Hudson Valley⎟Sterling Forest⎟Bare Rock Lookout
Distance: 5 miles (including Firetower: 7.2 miles, 5 hours)
Time: 2.5 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation Gain: 500 feet
Dog Friendly: Yes.
In Sterling Forest State Park, there is Bare Rock and Bare Mountain – completely unrelated other than being situated in the same park. Bare Mountain is a small mountain with a bare rock on the western side of its summit, while the hike to Bare Rock is an outcropping over Greenwood Lake that begins off Route 17A on the western side of Tuxedo Mountain.
Trailhead Directions: From the New York State Thruway heading North, take exit 15A to NY-17 North. Turn LEFT onto NY-17 N for 7.3 miles, then take the ramp on the LEFT for Route 17A. At the top of the ramp turn LEFT and take 17A west for about 5.5 miles to a rocky road on your LEFT, ascending the mountain. This road is easy to miss so watch closely. Turn LEFT and follow the road a few hundred feet to the trailhead parking area at the end of the road, right before the gate to the park. Please note that the dirt road off Route 17A get more eroded from wash out each year. If you have a smaller car or one that is lower to the ground, you’re best off finding alternate means of transportation (ideally a 4WD vehicle). I have a small car that rather low to the ground and while it does a great job in the summer and fall, during wetter and icier months, I forgo using it here and opt for borrowing a more suitable vehicle.
Hike Directions: From the trailhead parking area, follow the GREEN-BLAZED West Valley Trail 1.9 miles to its intersection with the ORANGE-BLAZED Bare Rock Trail. Bear RIGHT on the Bare Rock Trail 0.6 miles to signage for the Bare Rock Lookout, pointing downhill. The overlook is 200 feet down the mountainside. Retrace your steps back to the parking area. Turning LEFT at the bare rock lookout signs as you head uphill, then turning LEFT again onto the GREEN-BLAZED West Valley Trail.
The Rambling Wanderer 