Dunderberg Spiral Railway/Bald Mountain Loop

Harriman-Bear Mountain State Parks

Along a grade of the Dunderberg Spiral Railway - Photo by Daniel Chazin Along a grade of the Dunderberg Spiral Railway - Photo by Daniel Chazin

This loop hike follows portions of the never-completed Dunderberg Spiral Railway, climbs to the summit of Bald Mountain, and passes several expansive viewpoints over the Hudson River.

41.281137, -73.962838

From the parking area, walk south on Route 9W for a few hundred feet (there are trail blazes along the roadwalk). Just beyond road signs for Routes 9W and 202, you'll see three blue blazes and three red-dot-on-white blazes on a tree adjacent to the road. These blazes mark the start of the Timp-Torne (blue) and Ramapo-Dunderberg (red-dot-on-white)...

Prepare For Your Hike

Let's Go

Trip Reports

rate experience
September 02, 2019
3
Not My Favorite Hike In Harriman, But Worth Doing At Least Once
I didn't enjoy many sections of this hike, especially the descent on the R-D Trail, but there were some nice views in spots. Getting stung by a Yellowjacket probably didn't help my disposition. Directions here are accurate, although I would advise doing the route in reverse- that's the way I'll do it if there's a next time, and I think it will be more enjoyable not having to descend on the loose rocks of the R-D. There might be more views in fall when the leaves are off the trees. Note that when I finished (around 1:00 PM), the parking area was full, and there were cars waiting for people to leave so they could park. Probably not an issue if you do this during the week, but if going on a weekend, plan to start early.
Michael K7
August 29, 2017
5
Wonderful Hike
I walked this hike yesterday by myself and didn't see another soul. Peaceful, challenging, perfect. Reading the description of the trail on this site really added to the pleasure as I am not a great map reader...people who have hiked with me will call that an understatement. But I am getting better. My husband was very good at mapping out hikes and we spent many days hiking in Harriman. He passed away 2 years ago and this was my first time back. I left some of his ashes at the trail head and at the suggested lunch spot looking toward Bear Mountain. Know that your joy in spending time on the trails in that special state of mind either alone or with other hikers would be a great delight for him. I was happy all day.
Sheila F.
August 21, 2015
0
Try the Hike in Reverse
<p>I went up the RD this morning,as it is more exposed to the sun, and came back on the TT, which had more shade and less ups and downs. &nbsp;I also extended the hike to the Timp, making a 10 mile loop. I started at 10:00, reached Bald Mt just after 11:00 and reached the Timp for lunch at 12:15. I was back at my car at 2:15 and drank about 2 quarts of water. &nbsp;I didn't hike fast, but steady with almost no stops. I found the downs hard on my knees,even though I used trekking poles, but I am 62. &nbsp;I had some breeze today and rain cooled things down overnight, otherwise I would start earlier in the summer. &nbsp;Dunderberg had fires 20 years ago and the RD was much more exposed some years back, but the new growth provided shade most of the time.</p>
jonboy
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