THE 7 SUMMITS TRAVERSE
"The 7 Summits Traverse" has been referred to as the "Pemi Loop of Bear Mountain". And rightfully so -- This loop packs 7,500 ft of elevation gain in 27.5 miles of very technical terrain, with breathtaking views at each summit. This traverse includes summiting The Timp, West Mountain, Popolopen-Tourne, Anthony's Nose, Bear Mountain, Bald Mountain and Dunderberg Mountain. RUNNERS/HIKERS CAN EITHER COMPLETE THE TRAVERSE IN ONE OUTING, OR DO MULTIPLE TRIPS TO SUMMIT EACH OF THE SEVEN MOUNTAINS! If you're up for a challenge and ready to make some incredible trail-memories, start planning your 7 Summits Traverse!
MULTI-DAY TRAVERSE
For runners and hikers who would like to complete the Traverse over multiple days, you have the freedom to summit each of the seven mountains in whatever order you'd like, using whatever trail combination you would like! Camping is permitted at Bear Mountain State Park, so you can turn this into a very fun backpacking trip! Or, you can complete the 7 Summits Traverse over time, going back to the park as your schedule permits, to hike/run the mountains as separate day runs/hikes. To plan your adventure, we recommend picking up a copy of the NYNJTC Map #119 "Northern Harriman-Bear Mountain. This map shows all parking lots and provides mileage markers along each of the trails. Don't hesitate to reach out to us if you need help planning your adventure! trailpartydirector@sassquadtrailrunning.com
THE 27.5 MI LOOP
The 27.5 mile loop is very technical, very rugged and is recommended for experienced trail runners/hikers. This is not a beginner-friendly traverse. We have the .gpx file available for anyone who wants to complete the loop in one shot; just send us an email and we can get it to you: trailpartydirector@sassquadtrailrunning.com We strongly recommend you also pick up the NYNJTC Map #119 "Northern Harriman-Bear Mountain. The 27.5 mile loop is also an FKT; you can check that out here: https://fastestknowntime.com/route/bear-mountain-state-park-7-summits-ny
This loop starts and finishes at the small gravel lot on 9W; use these coordinates for parking 41.28059, -73.96384 The loop is described clockwise.
From the parking lot, walk about 200 feet along the road, following signs for the Blue Blazed Timp Torne Trail. Follow the Blue Timp-Torne Trail all the way to Fort Montgomery. Along the way, you will summit The Timp, West Mountain and Popolopen Torne. Overall, the trail is very well marked-- with one exception! When you reach mile 6.7, you will come out of the woods and see several on/off ramps for Palisades Interstate Parkway and Seven Lakes Drive. You won't see the blazes here -- cross over 7 Lakes Drive and turn left to run/walk along the guardrails on the overpass. After you cross over the Palisades Parkway, turn right on Queenboro Road. Follow this to the end and you will then pick up the blue blazes again. Follow the blue blazes all the way to Fort Montgomery and then you will take the White with Blue Stripe trail across the pedestrian bridge and then follow the Red Trail up to Bear Mountain Bridge (the Blue Trail has a gate that is closed preventing you to go up to Bear Mtn Bridge). Follow the Appalachian Trail across Bear Mountain Bridge to complete the out-and-back of Anthony's Nose: you'll be on the AT until your first intersection to make a right on the Blue trail to get to the summit of Anthony's Nose. Retrace your route on Blue and then left on the AT to go back over Bear Mountain Bridge. After you cross the bridge, you'll follow the AT through the Trailside Museum/Zoo. Go through the pedestrian tunnel that goes under 9W and follow the AT along Hessian Lake. There are restrooms and vending machines here. Continue following the AT to summit Bear Mountain and then stay on the AT to descend. When the AT crosses Seven Lakes Drive, turn left on the 1777 Trail. You'll run through the historic (and kind of creepy) Village of Doodletown and then make a right on the Blue Trail. *Note: the Blue blazes are very faded for the first mile of this section, so you'll need to pay close attention to the blazes*. Climb Blue to the top where it ends and you'll find a trail sign directing you to the Bald Mountain Summit. Turn right to take the Red Trail about 1/4 mile to the summit and then return on the Red Trail to that same intersection. You will now follow Red (Ramapo Dunderberg Trail) all the way to the end, going over the Dunderberg Mtn Summit along the way, where it will rejoin with Blue Timp-Tourne Trail to return to the parking lot.
SELF-SUPPORTED
It goes without saying that when you are signing up for this event - you are going to be doing it on your own, as a self-supported adventure. The majority of the trails are rugged, technical and full of rocks! For runners/hikers completing the 27.5 mile loop, there are plenty of spots to refill your water if you bring a filtration system. The easiest access points to streams are around mile 7, 8.5, 16, 21.5, and mile 23. There is also access to vending machines and restrooms at the base of Bear Mountain around mile 16, after you return from Anthony's Nose. If you are doing the 27.5 mile loop, plan on carrying enough fuel and gear for at least 8-11 hours on the trail. We recommend bringing the following in your pack: Hardcopy of the map (don't rely only on your phone!), at least 2L of water and a filtration system like the Sawyer Mini or purification tablets. Enough food for at least 8-11 hours on the trail. Cash/ID. Cell phone and external battery pack. Headlamp and extra batteries. Emergency Mylar blanket (it's 3 inches big and weighs less than 2 oz and can save your life if something bad happened!). An extra layer, warmer than you think you need - just in case. Small first aid kit - again, it doesn't weigh much or take up a lot of space, and it could save your life. And trekking poles will definitely help! Be sure to check the weather and trail conditions before you go; it's possible that you may need spikes if there is snow/ice.
SWAG & RESULTS
ALL runners/hikers who register for The 7 Summits Traverse will receive a handcrafted keepsake for you to remember your adventure on the trails! You can check out a picture of the swag in the photo gallery at the top of the registration page. We will collect results for the continuous 27.5 mile loop by using the "self-submit" feature on Ultra Sign Up. If you are completing the loop in one shot and would like your results to be included, use the link at the top of the registration page to submit your results. You'll need to have a .gpx file ready when you submit your time. Runners/hikers completing the 7 Summits Traverse in multiple days do not need to submit anything.
NYNJTC
As we mentioned earlier, we recommend picking up a copy of the NYNJTC Map #119 "Northern Harriman-Bear Mountain. You can also purchase a digital copy of the map through the app Avenza and then access it on your phone while you are out on the trail, seeing your gps position in real time. Did you know that the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference puts out THE BEST resources? Did you know that they are a volunteer-driven non-profit organization that builds, maintains and preserves over 2,000 miles of trails in NY and NJ? To learn more, visit NYNJTC.org
FAQ's
Q: I want to do the 27.5 mile Traverse in one shot. What gear should I bring with me?
A: GREAT question! We recommend bringing the following in your pack: At least 2L of water and a filtration system like the Sawyer Mini or purification tablets. Enough food for at least 8-11 hours on the trail. Cash/ID. Cell phone and external battery pack. Headlamp and extra batteries. Emergency Mylar blanket (it's 3 inches big and weighs less than 2 oz and can save your life if something bad happened!). An extra layer, warmer than you think you need - just in case. Small first aid kit - again, it doesn't weigh much or take up a lot of space, and it could save your life. And trekking poles will definitely help! Be sure to check the weather and trail conditions before you go; it's possible that you may need spikes if there is snow/ice.
Q: Wow - that's a ton of gear - I'm not planning on camping - do I really need to bring all of that stuff? Should I pack Eggo waffles and my slingshot too?!
A: First of all, it's a wrist-rocket. And hey - better safe than sorry, right? The 27.5 mile loop is not like running a little over a marathon at the South Mountain Reservation. The trails are rugged, technical and have a ton of climbing (7,500 ft of gain!) - so it's going to take you much longer than an easier trail marathon.
Q: One of my friends did the loop and it took her 9.5 hours. The 27.5 loop sounds insane and way too long for me. Can I complete the challenge as day hikes?
A: She's our friend and she's crazy! Yup, you can complete the Traverse whatever way you would like!
Q: Be honest-- will I see Sasquatch when I'm out there on the trail?
A: Friends don't lie! We can neither confirm nor deny that Sasquatch lives at Bear Mountain State Park.......
Q: I'm going to do day hikes to complete the 7 Summits. I could use some help planning!!
A: Mornings are for coffee and contemplation; so yes, we are happy to help-- just shoot us an email at trailpartydirector@sassquadtrailrunning.com and we can look at the map with you!
Q: Tell me about the SWAG!
A: We will mail everyone a handcrafted wood keepsake for you to remember your 7 Summits Traverse! If you'd like to purchase more Sassquad Gear, we have a couple of add-on's in the Store link at the top of the registration page.
SASSQUAD TRAIL RUNNING
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Event's current local time: 3:17 PM ET
