Bearfort Ridge Loop

This hike starts off a short connector trail along Warwick Turnpike. This trail leads to a forest road where you turn left and in a short distance, the Bearfort Ridge Loop (green markers) begins. Turn left off the forest road following the green markers as the trail traverses the beginning of the ridge. After .5 miles the trail passes a connector trail back to the Turnpike on the left. Continue another .4 miles up a steep section of trail to gain the ridge and several nice view points. Follow the ridge for 2 miles through nice sections of Scrub Pines until you reach a trail junction with Ernest Walter trail (yellow markers) and a great view point. Staying on the green marked trail, descend .5 miles to Surprise Lake. As the trail approaches the lake, the Bearfort Ridge Loop trail makes a very sharp right turn. The trail now follows a rocky and occasionally very wet forest road for 2.5 miles back to the connector trail to complete the loop. Descend the connector trail back to the road and your vehicle. Note: The exposed bedrock is covered with lichen, and on a wet day, it's extremely slippery. Even the slightest decline that would otherwise be routine becomes a challenge in the rain.