A Frozen Hike

After a long break from any kind of hiking, I wanted to start the year off with a bang. So, as luck would have it, I pick one of the coldest days in January, and it snowed. Fortunately, we weren't the only ones crazy enough to be out on the trail Saturday. We ran into two groups of people who were far more prepared than we were. Next time I hike in the snow, I'm making sure i have crampons.

We drove up to the Bear Mountain Bridge from NYC and parked in the lot of the Fort Montgomery museum. When we asked the greeter for directions to the nearest trail head, he gave us a look of disbelief and pointed to the other end of the lot. Normally, the trail isn't too difficult, but the face that the ground was frozen in several locations and covered by about an inch of ice posed some challenges throughout the trek. Not knowing what you are stepping on is always a concern, but doubly so when you could slip on a patch of ice and fall a hundred of feet down to a river below.

Along the way there are a number of great views of a number bridges and a lake that was frozen solid. Though we didn't walk it to test it out, a few heavy rocks thrown onto the surface simply skidded off without leaving a crack.

Post hike, we stopped by a BBQ place about 5 minutes from the museum along route 9. Food always tastes good after a 4 hour plus hike, but this place was unbelievable. Great chili, good ribs, and great service.

To sum it up, I would recommend this trail to just about anyone in the summer time since there are few, if any, steep climbs, it's well traveled and the trail crosses residential areas a number of times so there are plenty of places to call it quits. I wouldn't recommend this for a solo hike in the winter due to the slippery conditions and potential for steep falls. For a real challenge, this trail connects to another trail that will take you to the top of a mountain who's peak is just inside the borders of West Point, but we chose not to try it due to the falling snow.