Popolopen Torne

Popolopen Torne is a rocky summit above Popolopen Gorge, reached on foot from the Bear Mountain Inn, and one of the park's best viewpoints. NYS Parks rates the hike challenging: 4.8 miles round trip from the Bear Mountain Inn using the roads to reach the trailhead, or 6.3 miles if you combine it with the Fort Montgomery route, finishing with a 500-foot climb on the Timp-Torne Trail to panoramic views to the southeast and north.

The Route From the Inn

NYS Parks' suggested-hikes sheet describes it this way:

1. From the Bear Mountain Inn, walk north along Hessian Lake and through the traffic circle, then along the west side of Route 9W.
2. Join the Popolopen Gorge Trail (red dot on white) just south of the Viaduct. It gives outstanding views into the gorge as it climbs and follows the old Bear Mountain Aqueduct.
3. Where it meets the Timp-Torne Trail (blue) and the two Revolutionary trails (1777W and 1779), turn right onto the Timp-Torne.
4. The Timp-Torne leaves the Revolutionary trails and climbs about 500 feet to the summit of Popolopen Torne.
5. Descend on the Timp-Torne to rejoin the Revolutionary trails, then follow the combined trails left along the West Point Aqueduct to Route 9W at the north end of the Viaduct, and walk back to the Inn by road.

Round trip with road walking both ways: 4.8 miles. Starting with the Fort Montgomery hike instead and crossing Route 9W: 6.3 miles.

The Longer Loop: Popolopen Gorge and Queensboro Lake

For a bigger day, NYS Parks describes a 6.5-mile loop with varied terrain: follow the Popolopen Gorge Trail as above, bear left with the Timp-Torne and Revolutionary trails, take a short side trip on the Popolopen Gorge/1779 Trail to lunch spots, then continue on the Timp-Torne/1777W, cross the Palisades Interstate Parkway, stay left on the 1777W (red), cross the Appalachian Trail, and turn left on the Suffern-Bear Mountain Trail (yellow) back to the Inn.

What to Expect

• A steep final climb of about 500 feet. Wear hiking boots.
• Road walking on the shoulder of Route 9W at the start and end; take care with traffic.
• No facilities on the trail. The Palisades Parks Conservancy lists restrooms at the visitor center and the Inn.
• Closures: many Bear Mountain trails were damaged in the July 2023 storm, and NYS Parks still lists closures and detours. Check the current closure map before you set out. See hiking.

When to Go

Searches for the Torne peak in October, for the foliage. That is also when Bear Mountain's lots fill and the park closes to cars, so start early. The park is open dawn to dusk; finish before dark. See parking.

Good For / Maybe Skip If

• Good for: experienced hikers who want a summit with fewer people than Perkins Tower, a half-day workout, foliage views.
• Maybe skip if: you have young children or want an easy walk; do the Hessian Lake loop or drive to Perkins Memorial Tower.