Bear Mountain Reservation, Danbury Travel Guide

4.5 (204)

Explore scenic trails, lake views, and natural beauty at Danbury's Bear Mountain Reservation, a perfect outdoor escape for all ages and abilities.

Home
Travel Guides
Connecticut
Danbury
Bear Mountain Reservation

Bear Mountain Reservation in Danbury, CT, is a 140-acre natural oasis offering well-maintained hiking trails for all skill levels. With access to Candlewood Lake and the 888-foot Bear Mountain Peak, it's a peaceful escape with varied terrain and rewarding views.

A brief summary to Bear Mountain Reservation

17 Bear Mountain Rd, Danbury, Connecticut, 06811, US
Click to display

Monday 6 am-6 pm
Tuesday 6 am-6 pm
Wednesday 6 am-6 pm
Thursday 6 am-6 pm
Friday 6 am-6 pm
Saturday 6 am-6 pm
Sunday 6 am-6 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Bear Mountain Reservation.

Bring water and wear appropriate footwear, especially if planning to hike the Orange Trail down to Candlewood Lake, as it can be steep and rocky.
Be aware of ticks, especially in meadow areas.
The reservation is dog-friendly, but remember to bring waste bags and clean up after your pet.
Visit during the fall for beautiful foliage views.

Do you manage this location?

Take control to get all the benefits, like improved information, better appearance, and stronger visibility across AI-powered discovery. Learn more about listing your business on Evendo

Activate your presence

Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

Danbury Railway Museum

Danbury Museum & Historical Society

Tarrywile Park

Hearthstone Castle

Ives Trail

Explore Bear Mountain Reservation on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Bear Mountain Reservation, mapped for you.

Getting There

Driving

From I-84, take Exit 6 and proceed north on Route 37. Continue past the commercial district and the Federal Correctional Institution. Bear Mountain Road will be on your right, about 1/4 mile past the prison entrance. Follow Bear Mountain Road 1/2 mile to the entrance of the reservation. Parking is available in a paved lot.
Walking

From the intersection of Route 37 and Bear Mountain Road, walk 1/2 mile up Bear Mountain Road to the entrance of the reservation. Note that there are no sidewalks on Bear Mountain Road, so exercise caution.

Discover more about Bear Mountain Reservation

Bear Mountain Reservation, nestled in northern Danbury, Connecticut, offers a tranquil retreat into nature's embrace. This 140-acre haven features a network of well-marked trails winding through diverse landscapes, from open fields and quiet forests to rocky descents leading to Candlewood Lake.Established to conserve the area's unique flora, fauna, and historical sites, the reservation showcases geological evidence dating back 1.1 billion years when the area was part of the Grenville Mountains. Today, hikers can explore the John F. Kennedy Trail system, with the red trail offering a comprehensive loop through the property. Side trails provide access to fitness courses and stunning lake views. The orange trail, though steep and rocky, rewards hikers with breathtaking vistas of Candlewood Lake.Bear Mountain Reservation provides a peaceful and well-maintained environment suitable for hikers of all ages. The trails are dog-friendly, allowing furry companions to enjoy the natural surroundings. Keep an eye out for remnants of the area's past, including historical markers and unique geological formations. Whether you're seeking a challenging hike or a leisurely stroll, Bear Mountain Reservation offers a refreshing escape from urban life.