Black Bear Mountain in Inlet NY

Continuing the theme from our last adventure, Farah and I wanted more Adirondacks. This time we were not alone though, planning the weekend with our friends Alex and Katie. What started as a very ambitious plan for some fall camping, soon turned to the more reasonable plan of a nice autumn hike. It had been some time since I was on the top of Black Bear mountain in Inlet, and it was looking like the perfect day to ascend.

Black Bear is down the road from Bald Mountain along route 28. It’s longer and more difficult than Bald. The trail forms a 4.9 mile lollipop with two choices to the top: the steeper blue trail and the longer but more mellow yellow trail.

There is also a third split to the trail off of Uncas road, for the shortest access to the top. We agreed we wanted the full experience and hiking up the steeper section first would be easier. The plan was set and sometime after 1pm we parked in the mostly full lot at the trailhead.

There were a few groups exiting the trail head as we signed the log book and started our ascent. A good sign that the top wouldn’t be too crowded. The first part of the trail is fairly easy tracing the banks of the small creek that runs off the mountain. The first true test is at the split of the yellow and blue trail. Heading up the blue trail you immediately hit the first moderate uphill section. Here stepping stones are placed on the path that also serves as a seasonal creek bed.

Fortunately things were pretty dry, we easily made up this section and the ones that followed. The last couple hundred feet of vertical are where it gets fun on the Blue trail. A variety of boulders, exposed rock faces and trees requires the hiker to scramble through the maze at a significantly steeper rate than before. The group powered through with me bringing up the rear, another reminder to get in shape for the ski season.

We approached a particularly steep section near the top that had been equipped with a handline. I didn’t remember the rope before but was happy it was there as it made the section significantly easier.

At the top of the rope we ran into a couple on their way down. Decked out in what I can only describe as 80’s punk/goth outfits, we were all impressed as they descended the rocks in large spiky goth boots. They might be on to something, maybe those calf high boots have better support.

With the steepest section behind us it was only a little further to the top. We were soon greeted with the cool fall breeze as we made our way across the exposed rock of the summit. There were a few other groups there, but we easily found an isolated spot to enjoy the view and relax.

Despite being a little early for peak colors, the surrounding hills and mountains were breathtaking. The best view was facing North East as we headed back down the yellow trail. The High Peaks looming off in the distance really put into perspective how large the Adirondack Park is.

Soon enough our rate of descent increased and we were back along the creek bed. We agreed, again, that taking the yellow trail down had been the best choice for legs. Most of the walk was pretty flat, with small bridges and stepping stones strategically placed to navigate the various streams feeding the main creek.

Sometime just before six we popped back out into the parking lot, satisfied with our accomplishment and thirsty for a libation. Almost as good as aprés after a ski day.