New York is a great state. But the best of its beauty definitely comes out from September through January. These are the months when the trees are adorned with beautiful foliage, and when those colors finally fade and the leaves fall, snow blankets the mountains and the countryside. Ever since I was young, trips to Bear Mountain State Park in Harriman, New York have been a staple in my cold-weather life. When the air is crisp, and the sky is clear, the park has so much to offer. The park has something to offer to everyone including hiking, picnicking, biking or strolling through the zoo. It has been around since 1915 and offers some of the most beautiful views in the Hudson Valley. In fact, it is heavenly for hikers because it is the starting point for the Appalachian Trail. My days as a kid were spent bundled up at Bear Mountain, sipping hot cocoa and walking the trails with my father. Since I am originally from the Bronx, I always appreciated the quiet beauty and the escape from the hectic city lifestyle that Bear Mountain offers. Luckily, this feeling hasn’t left and I've been able to visit Bear Mountain consistently over the years, even sometimes trying my luck with ice skating on their man-made rink. Unfortunately for me, my hectic college senior schedule hasn't allowed me to make it there yet this year, but I did find this video that chronicles what a hiker might see along the trails at Bear Mountain State Park. It brought me back to my childhood days, and reminded me to add a trip to this beautiful park to my agenda.

 

Tip: For the best views, bike your way up to Perkins Memorial Tower. Not only will you enjoy great views throughout your ride, but you'll be rewarded for your hard work with a panaromic view of the Hudson Valley.

 

  

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