Bear Mountain Oct 13, 2006
An article from the Times Herald Record, Middletown, NY reads:
Quote:
10/13 - Hike "New" Appalachian Trail at Bear Mountain Next Date:October 13, 2006Time:9:00am - 12:00amWhere:Bear Mountain State ParkAddress:Route 9WBear Mountain, NYPhone:201) 512-9348, ext. 26Details:The NY-NJ Trail Conference invites the public to a guided hike and fieldwork sampler on Friday, October 13, on Bear Mountain starting at 9 am. The event will include an orientation to the Appalachian Trail reconstruction project at Bear Mountain that began this past spring, a short but strenuous bushwhack hike up the mountain along the proposed new route for the trail, and perhaps an opportunity to participate in the work (your choice).
The first section of this famous Georgia-to-Maine footpath was constructed on Bear Mountain and opened in 1923. Over the years this, and other connecting trails at Bear Mountain, have become severely eroded owing to intense use.
The NY-NJ Trail Conference is leading the five-year effort to restore and rehabilitate the Appalachian Trail and other trails on the mountain, with the majority of the work being done by volunteers. The plan for the Bear Mountain Trails Project includes a novice-friendly AT from the Bear Mountain Inn to the summit, an ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act)-compliant handicapped-accessible segment at the summit, and a relocation of the AT off of Perkins Drive on the south side of the mountain. The project will also include trail signage and interpretive exhibits. There are ongoing opportunities for new volunteers to get involved.
Project Director Eddie Walsh will lead the October 13 event. Pre-registration is required.
