AT Day 99: Bear Mountain & Hudson River

Daily Miles: 21.1, Total Miles: 1,419.0

A nice start to the day with a cool and clear morning. First decision was whether to take the new AT or old AT across the Palisades Interstate Parkway. The old AT is shorter but you have to directly cross a busy, divided freeway. I opted for the old AT and was glad I did. Very little wait time to safely cross both directions of traffic.

I soon entered Bear Mountain State Park and climbed up to great views of the far away NYC skyline and down the Hudson River. Just as I started down, a helicopter repeatedly flew low overhead spraying some kind of chemical. No ill effects yet except my head itches.

Part of the AT is still officially closed and detoured due to extensive flood damage from a storm in July 2023. I made my way down to Bear Mountain Inn, a member of the Historic Hotels of America. Just in time to have a nice breakfast at the hiker cafe. I then strolled along Hessian Lake with the tourists and family units. Still on the AT, I walked through Trailside Zoo and Museum, and what a surprise. Saw a deeply depressed brown bear and porcupine. The next highlight was walking across the wide and mighty Hudson River.

I saw a couple of tom turkeys on the trail before reaching another pleasant surprise, the Appalachian Market on Route 9. Charged my phone and enjoyed ice cream and a cold soda. Chatted with another northbound hiker, Nail Polish, who I crossed paths with three times today. She’s finishing up her third big section hike on the AT – unfortunately she has to go back to work.

A long but enjoyable day with mostly sunny skies.