New Year 2026 stroll at Bear Mountain!

Linda isn't around, but she asked me to post this New Year's Day hike. Our annual New Years day walk to start off the new year 2025 will be a Join us for fresh air, exercise & camaraderie. We will circumnavigate the lake leisurely & then take a stroll down to the Hudson river.

Bear Mt charges $10 to park. Meet us at the entrance of the brown building just before the toll booth to the parking lot promptly at 11:00. Get there early to park as this is usually crowded and you may have to walk a bit from the extended lots to meet us.

A bit of history: Hessian Lake, was also called Sinnipink, Highland Lake and Bloody Lake named for dead Hessian soldiers thrown into the lake in 1775, according to witnesses of the time was red with Hessian blood for several days after the battle. The Native Americans that inhabited the area before the settlements were part of the Lenni Lenape Nation. Swimming is not allowed as the lake drains constantly causing a pull from from the bottom. Some believe the lake is haunted.

Our plan is to walk around Hessian lake then down past the zoo and the swimming pool and all the way to the Hudson River, where we have paddled in warmer weather. Afterwards on our return we can check out the Bear Mt Inn near the parking lot to warm up and use the facilities.

You can wear sneakers if it's not icy or snowy otherwise hiking boots are recommended. Bring lunch, snacks and water. Dress in layers.