Doodletown
The hike to Doodletown is a moderate hike that will take us to what was once a thriving community. Just a short hike from the Bear Mountain Inn we will walk a historic trail to discover this village that once was. Although there are no buildings there are signposts at the site of each once describing what was there and who lived there. There is also a waterfall, which is better in the spring or rainy season and an old reservoir each are perfect spots for a picnic. There are two cemetaries, one is still in use by one of the families that inhabited Doodletown.
A hike to Doodletown is great anytime of year but if you like to see the foundations of the buildings I reccommend the fall and early spring when there isn't as much growth and they are less likely to be covered.
Trailside Museum and Zoo to Fort Montgomery
This hike will take us through the park on a easy walk by Hessian Lake and through the Zoo. The zoo will show us all of the wildlife that can be discovered if you are hiking in Bear Mountain and Harriman State Parks. All of the animals here were either orphaned or injured and would not have survived on their own in the woods. After a walk through the zoo we will pick up a trail behind the museum and hike down to the Hudson River and cross the Popolopen Creek on a bridge and continue up a hill to Fort Montgomery. Fort Montgomery was the site for a revolutionary war battle where the Patriots were outnumbered by 3 to 1. There is a museum here and the ruins of the old fort and a very nice overlook to the Hudson River.
This is a perfect hike for families or anyone who would like to learn some history of the area.
I can also customize a hike for you! Just give me a call or email.