Bearfort Ridge & Surprise Lake Loop, 03/27/21

I met up with my brother-in-law Bill this morning and we hiked the Bearfort Ridge and Surprise Lake Loop, which is located just west of the southernmost point of Greenwood Lake. It’s an 8 mile loop, and AllTrails includes its rating as moderate. For someone in my shape, I think that means you only have a moderate cardiac event when you hike it. Actually, after the first mile, where we climbed approximately 700 feet, it wasn’t too bad. But, wow that first mile was a doozy.

~A Turkey Vulture looks out over West Pond, on the Bearfort Ridge & Surprise Lake Loop, 03/27/21.~

The weather was perfect, mostly sunny and just cool enough. There are many good lookouts throughout the trail, and we could see New York City from several of them. As for the birds, Turkey Vulture was the bird of the day. They were often overhead and we had a pair of them perched looking over West Pond. Other raptors included at least a couple of Red-shouldered Hawks and a Red-tailed Hawk. The best bird of the day was a couple of Fox Sparrows which Bill spotted rooting around the leaf litter under some trees. A small flock of Golden-crowned Kinglets were a close second place.

~NYC off in the distance. Bearfort Ridge & Surprise Lake Loop, 03/27/21.~

In the end, it took us approximately 5 hours to hike the 8 mile loop. That was with plenty of stops for rests, taking in the views, and some birding. When we got back to the cars, we dug into our lunches. Tuna on rye never tasted so good.

~Sleepy Turkey Vulture. Bearfort Ridge & Surprise Lake Loop, 03/27/21.~
~Me and a couple of perched Turkey Vultures at West Pond, 03/27/21. Photo by Bill Barrett.~

6 thoughts on “Bearfort Ridge & Surprise Lake Loop, 03/27/21”

  1. What a great day Matt and great pics. My dinner so far has been one high test IPA and 3 advil. Will be feeling this one tomorrow! I thoroughly enjoyed this hike. Take care until next time. Bill

    1. Totally agree Bill. Your dinner made me laugh, let’s compare notes tomorrow morning lol. Matt

  2. At 78 a hike like this not on the agenda anymore. I look back on the days when I could hike parts of the App. Trail in the White Mountains. You had a great experience.

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