This 17.8-mile section of the NOBO LASH spans between Bear Mountain State Park and NY 301.
The highlights of this trail section include Trailside Museums and Zoo, Anthony’s Nose, and Graymoor Spiritual Life Center, an interesting old mining road, and a kiosk near NY 301 that has a “Telephone of the Wind“.
Trailside Museums and Zoo is part of Bear Mountain State Park. The “AT” goes through the Zoo, descending to the lowest elevation on the entire “AT” of 120 feet at the Bear Den.
Graymoor Spiritual Life Center, has a ballfield and pavilion where hikers can camp overnight. Hikers also have use of an outdoor shower and portable potty, and can get potable water. There is also a 911 Memorial that we found deeply moving. Though sad to visit, it is respectfully done by Graymoor.
The old mining road is part of the “AT”. For .7 miles of the the trail, one can observe the tall stone turnpike that, reportedly, may have been used by horse teams to haul ore from the mines.
Throughout the entire section of trail, the only real vista was from the top of Anthony’s Nose, which was rather impressive to see a view of the Hudson River, Bear Mountain Bridge, and Bear Mountain. There were no shelters in this section, but there are a number of dispersed locations where hikers could camp.
Be sure to visit the New York Gallery!