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Bear Hill Nature Preserve
4.8 ★★★★★ 227 Google reviews · Running trail in Cragsmoor, New York · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Bear Hill Nature Preserve's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Scenic hiking area with a 1.5-mile trail leading to vistas and cliffs for climbing.
What runners say about Bear Hill Nature Preserve
“You can actually feel yourself closer to Heaven while there, that's how beautiful it is.”
“A serene place to just sit and the rest of the world disappears.”
“Easy hike for children about a half a mile for great views.”
DON’T GET LOST LIKE I DID— the real address is 111, not 117. Google Maps took me on a maze & I started doubting everything. Please, if you want to go on this amazing hike, just type in 111 Dellenbaugh for parking. Aside from that, the views are incredible for such a short hike!
Great trail with beautiful view at the top! Got a great hike in and then watched the sunset 🌅 It was so nice and tranquil and the view was unmatched. Will be back to explore some more and catch a sunset again!
Great little hike to some amazing cliffs. I grew up going here most of my life and it never gets old. It’s about 20 minutes to get to the cliffs. Be careful of ticks in the warm weather though!
Beautiful, easy and short hike with great views. We stuck to the new trail and took the old trail back.
Trail conditions & character
“I love Bear Hill Preserve (I've grown up calling it Bear Cliff) The view is one of the greatest I have ever experienced.”
“Parking was very difficult to find using Google maps, so search for the trailhead instead.”
“I love Bear Hill Preserve (I've grown up calling it Bear Cliff) The view is one of the greatest I have ever experienced.”
“Med-large dogs would have no issues with this hike.”
“A serene place to just sit and the rest of the world disappears.”
“Definitely wear sturdy sneakers or hiking boots since it is rocky.”
Plan your run at Bear Hill Nature Preserve
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
Hours
| Monday | 10 AM–5 PM |
| Tuesday | 10 AM–5 PM |
| Wednesday | 10 AM–5 PM |
| Thursday | 10 AM–5 PM |
| Friday | 10 AM–5 PM |
| Saturday | 10 AM–5 PM |
| Sunday | 10 AM–5 PM |
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