The hike referred to as Anthony’s Nose is a 2.6 mile out and back hike in Hudson Highlands State Park Preserve, Beacon, NY. It is considered a short but steep hike up a natural stone outdoor staircase. There are several trails to get to the overlook but I have chosen each time to enter near the Bear Mountain Bridge on 9D. This is a great hike for those that wish to start to try rock scrambles and practice endurance with a big reward.
My research from “scenes from a trail”, has taught me that “the 910 ft. peak has been known as Anthony’s Nose since at least 1697, when the name appears on a grant patent. Pierre Van Cortlandt, who owned this mountain, said it was named for a pre-Revolutionary War sea captain, Anthony Hogan. This captain was reputed to have a Cyrano de Bergerac type nose.”
Parking is along the shoulder of Route 9D but can get very crowded on the weekend. Also be cautious walking up 9D to get to the kiosk as with all the cars parking there is no shoulder.
Just past the Putnam County sign on the right side of the road, you’ll see a kiosk and white blazes marking the start of the hike. Turn right to head uphill here, following the white blazes of the Appalachian Trail.
The hike indeed starts steep; you’ll gain 700 feet of elevation in the first quarter mile, I would recommend wearing hiking boots and grabbing a stick for added balance right from the start.
I took the white trail (which is the steep section) to the blue trail (which is a more gradual and rewarding incline) to the overlook. The trail is well marked.
While considered a short hike, given it is like walking up a stair case for the first half you can feel the distance.
As you head up the mountain and see others on their return way down, I found they often would share encouraging words to continue to see the prize. I have enjoyed many hikes but I would say that part of the fun was receiving this motivation. It happened so often I started to ask the question proactively as I saw people coming down – “so they say its worth this climb, yes?” I always got a resounding YES! Keep going, you can do it, it’s so worth it!
Once approaching the top you almost can’t tell until you turn the corner at the top and then (BAM!) there it is! Picture yourself in these scenes and then make it happen!
You are rewarded with panoramic views of the Hudson River, the Bear Mountain Bridge, and Bear Mountain-Harriman State Park. There are also memorials for the FDNY and NYPD.
I usually grab a picnic lunch for the top. The hike is steep enough for you to savor the reward with a relaxing bite.
I had trouble finding the trail markers on the way down and since read that many others have as well. Also, I find the way down is most important to have that stick or walking poles to help brace yourself down some steep slopes.
While much of the focus for the blog is naturally about the overlook, I enjoy looking around as I hike for something unique in order to maintain my attempts at remaining “present.” I then came upon a tree that to me was shaped like an animal! I later researched further and I think Wild Boar. What do you think?
If this hike is not enough for you, I would recommend combining going to Manitoga which is a few miles down the road on 9D for a day’s adventure for the tour of the home of Russell Wright (see separate blog on Manitoga) as well as walking across the Bear Mountain bridge to take in those views!
Collaboration from a friend
My friend Kim Wilson joined me on this adventure in October 2020 and his impression is the first collaborative input I received for my blog.
“Reaching the summit, there were quite a few people there. I stopped at the fallen state police memorial that someone had installed and paid my respects to all these fine men that gave their lives protecting our lives and defending our freedoms.”
I like this for so many reasons. More than likely it was young folks who unselfishly took the time to display something that is powerful and beautiful.
His comment to me which I think also best describes this hike was “this wasn’t a hike, this was mountain climbing!”
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