Salisbury, Connecticut
Bear Mountain Loop
Connecticut's highest peak via a loop on the Appalachian Trail.
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Length
- 6.5 mi
- Elevation Gain
- 1,650 ft
- Duration
- 4–5
- Best Season
- Apr–Nov
- Permit
- Not required
- Dogs
- Allowed
- Features
- Highest peak in CT, Stone summit cairn
About the trail
Bear Mountain (2,316 ft) is the highest peak in Connecticut. From the Undermountain Trailhead, climb to the AT junction and follow white blazes north to the massive stone summit cairn. Views stretch across the Taconic Range into Massachusetts and New York. Descend via the Paradise Lane Trail for a quieter loop.
Trailhead map & directions
Trailhead: 42.0473, -73.4413Get directions →
Turn-by-turn route
- Park at the Undermountain Trail lot on CT-41, 3.2 miles north of Salisbury.
- Take the Undermountain Trail (blue blazes) for 1.9 miles.
- Turn right (north) on the Appalachian Trail.
- Summit Bear Mountain at the giant stone cairn.
- Descend via Paradise Lane Trail back to the Undermountain Trail.
Parking
Undermountain Trail lot on CT-41. Free, no permit.
Tips from the trail
- The stone summit cairn was once a 22-foot tower — climb carefully.
- Best in October for foliage.
- Combine with Lions Head for a longer day.