Prepared to flee town and embark on a nature-filled journey. Picture courtesy of Jessie Festa.
Regardless of dwelling in New York Metropolis I do personal a automobile.
Really, let me rephrase that.
I pay for a automobile; nonetheless, as a result of within the one month I stored it right here I racked up $400 in pink mild digicam and parking tickets I made a decision to retailer it at my mum or dad’s home on close by Lengthy Island.
Just lately they came over for the day and I requested them to depart it for me so I might use it for just a few weeks and do some day journeys.
My first: a solo feminine highway journey to Bear Mountain for some mountain climbing!
Lake Hessian, close to the doorway of Bear Mountain State Park. Picture courtesy of Jessie Festa.
There are 5,067 acres (2,051 hectares) in Bear Mountain State Park suffering from mountain climbing trails (to not point out picnicking, paddle boating, rowing, using a carousel, scenic drives and trail-side museums).
After parking ($8 per automobile) I went as much as the Auxiliary Constructing to seize a path map, which, to be trustworthy, was fairly complicated — I might recommend downloading the AllTrails app path map right here.
Wandering a secluded path on Bear Mountain. Picture courtesy of Jessie Festa.
Let me preface this by saying the night time earlier than heading to Bear Mountain — touring solo — I (stupidly) watched the film Zodiac.
In case you have not seen it (spoiler alert!) there’s a scene the place a pair is having a lakeside park picnic that ends in a really painful and gory bloodbath by a deranged killer who has been watching them.
Additionally, this film relies on a real story…which means your entire drive up I used to be questioning if I might even have the center to get of my automobile within the wilderness the place anybody (just like the Zodiac killer — who is definitely useless) may very well be watching me.
I’m additionally somebody who jumps each time the telephone rings and may’t look in a mirror as soon as solar units as I’m afraid of seeing Bloody Mary in my reflection.
Clearly I shouldn’t be watching scary films.
There are many stairs to climb with this hike, though I didn’t discover any to be too too steep. Picture courtesy of Jessie Festa.
My primary goal — earlier than poisoning my thoughts with horror films — was to discover a secluded path to search out inside peace and clear my head, as I’ve had quite a lot of stress in my life these days.
I stared on the map I procured from the park, looking for a difficult path not many individuals would traverse, however sadly had quite a lot of bother discovering the start line. So, I wandered.
There have been so many scenic and quiet trails across the mountain with completely no one on them.
And I did go up just a few of them for a bit.
Finally, nonetheless, I made a decision to finish one which not less than had just a few folks on it so {that a}) I might be protected from serial killers and b) somebody would have the ability to assist me if I acquired harm on the path.
Following the path markers to the Perkins Memorial Tower and Bear Mountain summit. Picture courtesy of Jessie Festa.
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The Perkins Memorial Tower Path
I in the end selected the Perkins Memorial Tower Path as a result of it promised a historic museum and the possibility to summit Bear Mountain.
Spoiler:
In my view, this is likely one of the greatest mountain climbing trails in Upstate NY and a real spotlight of Hudson Valley tourism.
For it, I adopted the white blazes to traverse alongside a part of the well-known Appalachian Path, as six miles (10 kilometers) of it are within the park. There have been fairly a little bit of stone steps alongside the way in which and quite a lot of uphill climbing, though there wasn’t any level the place I felt breathless (I did work up fairly a sweat, although!).
A couple of lookout factors provided a scenic break and the possibility to cease for lunch, and the path was very simple and clearly marked.
What I favored about this path was that, as somebody mountain climbing on their very own, I used to be by no means removed from one other hiker. If something occurred to me on this path, there was a 0% probability that no one would hear me scream.
That was a really soothing thought. On the similar time, this was additionally what I didn’t like concerning the path.
For instance, on the way in which down I had two kids battling with one another with picket sticks and screaming as they pretended to joust.
I couldn’t assist however want the park rangers would impose a superb to anybody not utilizing their indoor voice.
Whimsical bridge crossing alongside the path. Picture courtesy of Jessie Festa.
On one other notice, what’s it with folks mountain climbing in heels, mini skirts, slacks and fits? Do these folks get up and assume “I’m mountain climbing a mountain at the moment. I believe I’ll go along with the little black costume!”
Okay, so it’s not Mount Everest; nonetheless, if I’m actively working up a sweat I personally keep on with exercise gear.
Total, the hike took me about 90 minutes-to-two hours spherical journey.
I might charge it as average, as there are are quite a lot of uphill sections however nothing overly steep so long as you’re in respectable bodily situation.
View from the primary lookout level alongside the Perkins Memorial Tower Path. Picture courtesy of Jessie Festa.
The Historical past Of Bear Mountain
Total, although, I had an incredible hike — particularly when the Perkins Memorial Tower on the prime awarded me a dose of heritage.
Inside, there’s a small three-floor museum and lookout with outdated pictures and historic explanations.
Mid/late September and already the leafs are beginning to change colours. Lovely. Picture courtesy of Jessie Festa.
The Perkins Memorial Tower was inbuilt 1934 — paying homage to George W. Perkins, founder and first president of the Palisades Interstate Park Fee — with the park itself being established by Perkins in 1900.
His aim was to present the general public a spot to get pleasure from nature in addition to have an inexpensive and nutritious meal, which is why he additionally based The Inn.
Nearly there! Picture courtesy of Jessie Festa.
In the present day, you’ll discover a lot of Bear Mountain State Park stays in its pure state, though the lakes had been created between 1920 and 1940 below the course of Main W.A. Welch, who was the park’s Common Supervisor throughout this time.
Apparently, in 1908 Sing Sing nearly created an extension of their jail the place at the moment you discover a enjoying discipline. Mr. Perkins fought exhausting to maintain this from occurring.
On the summit it begins to get crowded, though this received’t cease you from having fun with the attractive views and museum. Picture courtesy of Jessie Festa.
He additionally fought to save lots of The Palisade’s (the basalt rock formation on the west of the Hudson River) from being over-quarried by firms who needed the rock to assist construct NYC.
Furthermore, in 1919 orphans from NYC had been dropped at the realm round Bear Mountain and equipped with discounted meals from the Bear Mountain Inn.
Over 100,000 meals had been served in that one yr, offered at $4.08 per baby per week.
Mainly, from what I might inform this man was a reasonably get up man who undoubtedly deserved to have a memorial tower and path named after him.
I did it! I made it to the Bear Mountain summit! Picture courtesy of Jessie Festa.
From the highest of the tower, 360-degree views of Bear Mountain State Park and past had been seen, with labeled panoramic pictures below every window so guests knew precisely what they had been taking a look at.
Some noteworthy sights included Anthony’s Nostril Mountain, Manitou Mountain, Annsville Creek, Breakneck Ridge, New York Metropolis, The US Army Academy, and extra.
Trying up on the Perkins Memorial Tower. Picture courtesy of Jessie Festa.
Hessian Lake & Some Odd Observances
Though I used to be a bit drained, I made a decision I wasn’t achieved taking in Bear Mountain’s magnificence — particularly as I might quickly should return house to the trash-filled streets, incessant sirens and rumbling over-ground subways of Bushwick, Brooklyn.
I made a decision to do the 1.5-mile (2.4-hectare) loop round Hessian Lake, a simple flat, paved and scenic stroll.
Whereas I acquired some stunning lake photographs and actually loved watching the {couples} and households paddling, I seen just a few uncommon issues.
Strolling the trail round Hessian Lake in Bear Mountain. Picture courtesy of Jessie Festa.
First was a girl carrying a child in her arms…whereas pushing a stroller stuffed with acorns she had collected. I couldn’t assist however marvel if she additionally had a child squirrel to feed again at house.
One other was a photoshoot happening between three metrosexual guys, who I suppose possibly had been fashions (or not less than, thought they had been).
The shoot began out regular, a man leaned up towards a tree and had his image taken. However then issues began to progress…rapidly.
Subsequent, he was hugging the tree, after which, he kissed the tree. He principally acquired to 3rd base with the tree — the entire time having his photograph snapped — earlier than I started blushing, feeling like I used to be watching one thing I shouldn’t be and scurried away.
Steins on the path on Hessian Lake. Picture courtesy of Jessie Festa.
Lastly was all of the hikers carrying big steins stuffed with beer. What an incredible concept! I assumed to myself.
Why didn’t I consider that?
It took a second earlier than I spotted it was Oktoberfest and Bear Mountain celebrates the vacation annually to the fullest with a lot of native brew choices, artisan tents and barbecuing.
Oh yea, pal and fellow blogger Leif Harum of Runaway Information additionally attests to having seen a nude hiker carrying solely a sombrero final time he was at Bear Mountain. I suppose that man didn’t know what to put on going mountain climbing.
For sure, it’s not solely scenic, there are some nice folks watching that may (nearly) rival NYC’s.
There are many benches are Hessian Lake to benefit from the surroundings. Picture courtesy of Jessie Festa.
Subsequent Time
Proper off of Hessian Lake there was one other path that I’ll undoubtedly attempt subsequent time if I’m mountain climbing solo, as there have been folks embarking on it however not as many because the Appalachian Path towards the tower:
The Main Welch Path.
It’s because it’s extraordinarily steep, with 2.5 miles (4 kilometers) of uphill climbing earlier than summitting the mountain. I heard just a few folks on the prime speaking about it and it sounded fairly intense.
For extra strategies on Bear Mountain State Park mountain climbing trails, click on right here.
Additionally, take into account that Bear Mountain is just one of many wonderful locations to hike in New York.
A couple of different urged trails embody the:
- Mt Van Hoevenberg Path
- Bull Hill Full Loop Hike
- Mount Marcy Path
- Breakneck Ridge Hike
- Big Ledge Hike
- Overlook Mountain Hike
- Anthony’s Nostril Hike — which is a couple of five-minute drive from Bear Mountain!
And in case you want a spot to remain, listed here are a few of the prime romantic accommodations in New York State, that are nice for {couples}, households, mates, and people touring solo!
Have you ever ever hiked in Bear Mountain State Park in New York?
*Be aware: The path map hyperlinks above are affiliate hyperlinks, which means if you buy them by way of these hyperlinks I get a small proportion of cash that helps maintain this website operating. I might recognize in case you use these hyperlinks as each little bit counts; nonetheless, in case you don’t need to I nonetheless suggest buying them by way of your personal means.