Bear Mountain State Park: Where the Appalachian Trail Was Born

Bear Mountain State Park sits in the Hudson Highlands, roughly 50 miles north of Midtown Manhattan, where a mountain shaped like a sleeping bear rises above the western bank of the Hudson River. In this episode we explore more than a century of history -- from a prison that was never built to the birth of the Appalachian Trail -- and walk you through everything the park has to offer, from summit panoramas and lakeside paddleboats to a century-old inn and a carousel whose hand-carved animals come straight from the forest around you. Whether you're planning a day trip from the city or an overnight escape into the Hudson Highlands, Bear Mountain delivers something rare: genuine wilderness within reach of one of the world's great urban centers.Visit NorthStarTravelers.com to explore our other podcast shows and browse gear recommendations for wherever your next journey takes you.