Bear Den Mountain is located high above the West Branch of the Ausable River and has really unique views of the Whiteface Mountain Ski Area. Hikers should learn about Leave No Trace principles before hiking any trail in the Adirondacks. This trail is among a mountain biking trail system, so bring a map and compass and do prior research before hiking.

Key takeaways 

• Distance: 3.4 miles round trip
• Elevation gain: 1,350 feet
• Mountain elevation: 2,650 feet
• Hike includes trail junctions and an exposed summit

Hiking Bear Den Mountain

At the Bear Den Lot in the ski area the trail is located to the north side of the parking lot. The trail flows along the hillside through a rough area that can be very wet. After 0.5 miles, the Bear Den Mountain Trail goes left, as a bike trails continue straight ahead. The Bear Den Mountain Trail from this point on is a foot trail that requires some care to follow. Bring a map and compass.

The trail starts off fairly easy, but soon steepens and remains so to a saddle at the crest of the ridge at 1.6 miles.

Heading left you will remain in the trees a bit longer before breaking out onto an open rock ledge with views towards the Sentinel Range and Whiteface Mountain. Heading right from the col you will again remain in the trees and start a climb that is much steeper with a rocky outcropping and eventually a rock scramble near the summit. This summit is actually taller than the one marked as the true summit to the south.

Bear Den in the winter

This makes a fine snowshoe and it's fun to watch the skiers at Whiteface while you're on the summit. The twin summits are open ledges with steep drop-offs, be prepared and bring microspikes.

How to get there

From Route 86, from Wilmington, continue for 3.4 miles to the Whiteface Mountain Ski Center. Turn into the center and follow the road around to the right and to the Bear Den Lot.