Bald-Timp-West-Cats Elbow Loop
We are meeting at the Timp Torne & Jones Point Path Trailhead; watch out for fast moving traffic on the road: https://maps.app.goo.gl/6CztHkDRWASXW8XH7
This is not a beginner hike and will include some very difficult terrain as well as some leaves on the ground. We'll have a moving speed of around 2.5 MPH. All Attendees must have the ability to keep pace and/or navigate on their own if needed. Well-behaved dogs are always welcome.
Some steep climbs, great views, and mild rock scrambles at Bear Mt State Park. We will summit 3 peaks over 12 miles and 3500' of elevation gain. You have one bailout option after doing the steep climb up Bald before having to climb Timp Mt.
I expect to finish this hike in about 4.5-5.5 hours so be sure you are comfortable with that pace before you sign-up, or are fine with hiking out on your own. Be sure to have a paper and/or digital map and know how to use it so you can navigate as needed. The only extended break we will be taking is at the West Mt. Lean-to. Many of the trails we usually take are still closed from the July 2023 storm. Refer to the following closure map for more details:
https://parks.ny.gov/documents/parks/BearMountainBearMountainTrailClosuresMap.pdf
Map: NYNJTC #119
Hike Snapshot
Total Mileage: approximately 12 miles
Total Elevation Gain: approximately 3500feet
Estimated Hike Time: approximately 4.5-5.5 hours, including breaks
We will congregate in the parking lot area; just look for a group of very good-looking people wearing backpacks. We start at 8:15 AM SHARP and will not start later than that.
We will follow the Ramapo-Dunderberg trail (red) up the east face of Bald Mt and then continue on red to summit Bald (one of my favorite views in the lower Hudson Valley). We continue following the R-D trail before turning right onto the Timp Torne trail (blue) to head NW and summit both Timp and West Mts.
We'll likely relax and have a snack/lunch at the West Mt lean-to before continuing on and making a left on the SBM trail (yellow) to head south to the two viewpoints at Cats Elbow, and then backtrack a bit to make a right on the Ramapo-Dunderberg trail (red) to Timp Pass. We will then bear right on the Timp-Torne trail (blue) which will take us back to our cars.
As you can see from the above description, it's a fairly complicated route. Do not hesitate to go over it with me at the start of and during the hike so you're sure of where to go in case you get separated.
***** Everyone must come prepared to be responsible for themselves *****
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If you join us for a hike (or any other event), please understand that you are responsible for your own preparedness and well-being and will hold no one else liable in case of injury or mishap. You agree not to hold the Organizer, Assistant Organizers, or any other members responsible for any injuries, mishaps, or any other situation that may happen at a planned event. You are responsible to research the event, know the area, and bring the proper gear.
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Organizers of this group are just that, we organize the events and hike together as friends. There are no leaders on these hikes, you are your own leader - This is YOUR hike