Anthony's Nose via the Appalachian Trail Hiking Guide
Anthony's Nose is the knob of granite at the east end of the Bear Mountain Bridge, and its summit ledge looks almost straight down on the span and up and down the river. The most popular route leaves Route 9D on the Appalachian Trail, climbs a long run of stone steps, then eases along the blue Camp Smith Trail to the top. It is short, steep at the start and very busy on fair weekends.
The Route
From the AT kiosk on Route 9D just north of the bridge, follow the white blazes uphill. This first stretch is a series of stone staircases and does nearly all the climbing. Where the AT meets the blue Camp Smith Trail, turn right. The grade relaxes on a wide, old woods road, passes a small pond and ends on an open rock outcrop marked by a flagpole. State Parks lists 1.2 miles each way, 2.4 total, with about 700 feet of gain; mapping sites list closer to 1.95 miles and 682 feet. Return the same way.
The View
The summit sits a little over 900 feet up and anchors the east end of the bridge. From the ledge you look down on the deck, across to Bear Mountain and Popolopen Torne, north up the river toward the Highlands gorge and south down the Hudson. The concrete footings near the top are left from an old airway beacon. Most of the land around the mountain is Camp Smith, a New York National Guard reservation; stay on the marked trails.
Parking on 9D
There is no lot. Cars parallel park along Route 9D near the trailhead, and you need all four tires off the pavement or you risk a ticket. On busy days cars line the shoulder well up the road, so watch for traffic as you walk back. Weekday mornings are the easy time. Hudson Highlands State Park Preserve lists no fee for this area, and it is open sunrise to sunset.
Other Ways Up
The Camp Smith Trail can also be hiked from the south. From the small lot on Route 202/6, State Parks gives 1.4 miles each way and about 600 feet of gain on a gentler slope with creek crossings. From the Bear Mountain Bridge Toll House lot it is 3.45 miles each way, a much longer and rockier ridge walk.
Dogs, Snakes and Ice
Leashed dogs are allowed under the preserve's six-foot, two-pet rule, but the stone steps are steep for small dogs. The rocky summit area is rattlesnake and copperhead country in warm months, so look before you sit on a ledge. On icy days you will want microspikes for the descent.
Hiking tips for Anthony's Nose via the Appalachian Trail
- Get to Route 9D early on weekends; the shoulder fills and late arrivals walk a long way on the road.
- Park with all four tires off the pavement to avoid a ticket.
- Take the steps slowly on the way down; that is where people slip.
- Go at sunset for the bridge and river, but carry a headlamp for the steps.
- Watch for snakes on the summit rocks from late spring through early fall.
Nearby trails to explore
- Bear Mountain Loop via Major Welch Trail
- Bull Hill (Mount Taurus) Full Loop
- Storm King Mountain Loop
Hike this trail with TrailMates
Anthony's Nose is the quickest big view on the east bank. Use TrailMates to find Hudson Valley hikers heading to Anthony's Nose. Download the TrailMates app to connect.