Anthony’s Nose

1.  From the parking area on the shoulder of Route 9D, just north of the Bear Mountain Bridge, head north along the shoulder of 9D, away from the bridge.  Believe it or not, you’re hiking the Appalachian Trail right now.  (I hate hiking along roads, too, but this is a short jaunt, and you’ll be in the woods soon.)

2.  Just past the Putnam County sign on the right side of the road, you’ll see a kiosk and white blazes marking the start of the hike.  Turn right to head uphill here, following the white blazes of the Appalachian Trail.  (You might also see a car or two parked here, but there’s not much room, so I like to park closer to the bridge, even though walking along the road isn’t my favorite thing to do.)

3.  Climb!  The rocky trail heads steeply uphill, occasionally leveling off for a moment or two.  There are some unmarked trails weaving around the hillside here – be careful not to get bucked off the white-blazed Applachian Trail, which is very amply marked.

4.  The next junction is coming up in about .5 miles, after you climb 415 vertical feet from the road.  It took me 25 minutes from the road to get to this junction with the blue-blazed Camp Smith Trail.  At the junction, turn right.

**UPDATE July 2019** According to Connie’s helpful comment below, the tree pictured below with the white-and-blue blazes looks different now, perhaps with just some blue circles on it?  Whatever the tree and its blazes look when you venture past, be sure to turn right here!  (And make note of this junction so that you can find it on your return trip!) 

**UPDATE August 2020** Hikers have gotten lost on their return trip because they missed this junction (and the left turn you need to make to head downhill on the White Trail later to return to your car).  Please make careful note of this junction so you don’t miss it on your way back later in the day!

5.  Take note of the beautifully tagged trail register on your left.  You just might find some jars of PB&J inside.

**UPDATE 2/28/2015** According to Sonya in the comments below, this trail register is no longer there.  Looks like you’ll have to get your PB&J at the grocery store instead (and thanks for the update, Sonya!).

**UPDATE 1/9/2023**  According to Alison’s helpful comment and photo below, there’s now some very helpful, clear signage posted here to help guide you toward Anthony’s Nose.  That’s much more helpful than peanut butter and jelly jars!  Perhaps not as delicious, though.

6.  Enjoy the calm, gradual ascent of the Blue Trail – at this point, you’ve earned it.  It’s about .6 miles to Anthony’s Nose from here, and you’ll only gain about 100 more feet in elevation along the way.  This section of trail is so easy, the freeloading toddler on your back may want to walk it himself.

7.  After .6 miles (which took me 30 minutes, walking at toddler pace, but will probably take you more like 15), you’ll come to a T-shaped junction, where the Blue Trail splits off to the left, up and over some rocks.  Straight ahead, an unmarked trail is blocked with some branches that are correctly advising you not to proceed in that direction.  Anthony’s Nose is just a hop-and-a-skip to the right ­– follow the clearly tromped trail to the right to arrive at your destination.

8.  And what a destination.  As you emerge onto the rocky clearing, the view opens wider with every step you take, and the Bear Mountain Bridge stretches across the river right under your feet.

9.  This is a prime place to munch some snacks.  If the rock formation heading down the slope is Anthony’s Nose, then Anthony’s Forehead makes a great picnic spot.

10.  When you’re done hanging out, wandering the length of the rock formation to make sure you’ve taken in all the views, head back to the T-shaped trail junction in the woods just behind you.

11.  Optional step: There’s another small view if you follow the Blue Trail just beyond the junction (a right/straight turn onto the Blue Trail, opposite the way you came in), just beyond a small cairn (pile of rocks).  This is also a nice spot to have a picnic, on the off chance Anthony’s Nose is congested.  It’s smaller than the view you’ve already seen, but it’s a nice spot – check it out if you’d like, then come back to the junction.  Total travel time for this step: five minutes or less.

12.  Retrace your steps back to your car.  Follow the Blue Trail back to a left turn onto the white-blazed Appalachian Trail, just past the graffiti-emblazoned trail register (that might not make the best landmark anymore, on account of it no longer being there).  Hop down the stone steps all the way back to Route 9D, then turn left along the road, keeping a lookout for traffic, all the way back to your car.

Aren’t you glad you picked Anthony’s Nose?