It started out like any other hike. Full of sun, excitement and promise. The temperature was a warm 40-degrees Fahrenheit and getting warmer. The trail was going to be easy and familiar. But what followed turned out to be one of the most epic hikes we’ve ever done!

As the weather warmed the frozen ice, each step required more energy and time.  What was meant to be a short, 5-mile beginner hike became a challenging 10-mile adventure that took us up through slippery, frozen ice, then down through 2-feet of slushy snow.  It took us twice the amount of time that it should have with regular breaks so that our intrepid hikers could take a moment to remove their boots, dry their feet in the sun, and squeeze gallons of the frozen water from their socks! By the time we made it to our departure point on the other side of our planned route 3 hours later than expected, we were already hiking in the moonlight.  Search and rescue was called off and we rediscovered that it’s not just about being outdoors in such spectacular scenery, it’s also about the people you share it with, and the power and strength you find when you push yourself to the limit. This was The Bear Stuck Its Appalachian in Anthony's Nose Beginner Hike.

Original trip description:

This is going to be a perfect BEGINNER hike. Starting from Bear Mountain, we’re hiking across Bear Mountain Bridge to Anthony’s Nose, then north 10 miles along a stretch of the Appalachian Trail, through Hudson Highlands State Park to depart from Garrison, NY.  That’s right hikers, this is possibly the only hike that takes us through trails on both sides of the Hudson in the same day!  We’ll get dramatic terrain changes, the whole while enjoying grand views of the Hudson River, West Point, and other unexpected awesomeness.  Regardless of the weather, you won’t get cold; we’ll be maintaining a brisk pace throughout (about 30 minutes per mile, including some very easy trail running) and will be thoroughly deserving some serious eats when we get back to NYC.  If you’re planning to hike the AT, this trip will give you a great snapshot of what to expect and how to train. 

We’ll be meeting in front of the Schnippers at the ground floor of the New York Times Building at 8am and walking over as a group to the Port Authority on 41st and 8th ave to take the 8:45a Shortline Bus headed to Bear Mountain-West Point (buy one way, ~$18).  We should be done by 6p (including breaks).  Bring your headlamp or flashlight, just in case.  We’ll be returning on the Metro North Hudson Line to Grand Central (~$18) at around 7 or 8p (trains run hourly).  Hashtag for this trip is #bearsnose