Abram S. Hewitt State Forest

Abram S. Hewitt State Forest is a beautiful, sprawling park consisting of 2,001 acres. And on the weekends, about that many hikers! Some explorers have visited this park without a map and so it became necessary to alter the trails into loops to minimize the need for rescues. There are a lot of good reasons to hike here in the Bearfort Mountain region, however. The views are phenomenal and with it comes the challenge. If you don’t like long days in the woods with rock scrambles, ridge walks and steep climbs, Abram S. Hewitt might not be the best choice for you. If the idea of “with challenge comes reward”, and you’re in fairly good physical condition…? You’ve found the right place to wander (with a map, preferably). There are a few ways to access this park: through the southern end with parking along Warwick Turnpike, the northeastern side with parking in a tiny lot at the state line on Lakeside Drive, via the AT on the west side with pull-off parking on Longhouse Road, or to the north via the AT with the closest entry point with parking being Cascade Lake Park.

I have hiked all of Abram S. Hewitt State Forest, and I have mixed feelings about it. Due to its difficulty, you’ll find many people hike here regularly for fitness. These people seem to think that the trails are very easy, and they’ll scoff at those who huff and puff and find it challenging. Then there are the people who want to see the views without any idea what they are getting into. Usually there is at least one person in the party who is miserable and will never go hiking again, and one person in the party who is having the time of their life. And then there are the prepared hikers who go out there to see what it’s all about, who huff and puff because the trails here are long and challenging, but know how to make a day of it and enjoy the fruits of their labor.

Wildlife is very much active and alive here. This is their home. They don’t call it Bearfort Mountain for nothing. Know what to do if you encounter a black bear or a rattlesnake and learn to identify poisonous plants (or follow the basic guideline: if you don’t know what it is, don’t touch it). While you are welcome to hike here, this is not your territory. Leave No Trace and respect the powers of creatures who make this space their home.

A few recommendations when deciding to hike this park:

#1. GET A MAP

#2. Leave your dog at home

#3. Bring a snack/lunch and more water than you think you’ll need

#4. Wear sturdy, comfortable shoes that are proven not to give you blisters

#5. Pack first-aid basics (primarily for blister care and minor cuts)

#6. GET A MAP

#7. Be kind to other hikers. Respect the forest: don’t blast music through the woods, try to keep your voice at a minimal level, allow others to enjoy the scenic views, and lastly, offer assistance or encouragement to hikers who appear to be struggling.

I’ve included the photos of the hike in via the AT in this gallery for the time being. You’ll find these same photos in the Appalachian Trail gallery as well.