** Sitting on top of the World
At Home in the Woods
Beneath the Stars **
This amazing location is the summit of Bear Mountain and the Genesis of the Appalachian Trail. From here, you have a spectacular panoramic view of the Hudson Valley from 1,293' in elevation; the highest point within this state park. A 40' tall memorial tower is nearby and, weather-permitting, it is open to visitors every day from April 1st through November 30th, 8:30am-3:45pm.
---
HISTORY
Benton MacKaye, an American forester, planner and conservationist in the early 20th Century is best known as the originator of the Appalachian Trail. In his 1921 article titled An Appalachian Trail: A Project in Regional Planning, MacKaye proposed the construction of a foot path that connected Appalachian farmers and city-dwellers between its highest points in the North and South.
Inspired by this vision, Major William A. Welch, then director of the Palisades Interstate Park Commission, encouraged Raymond H. Torrey to publicize it in an April 7, 1922 New York Evening Post banner headline, reading: "A Great Trail from Maine to Georgia!" Then, thanks to the efforts of Welch, Torrey and countless others, MacKaye's dream became a reality on October 7, 1923 when the first section specifically designated as a route for the AT opened to the public at this exact location, heading west through Harriman State Park to Arden, NY.
---
ACCESS
Thanks to the CCC (pictured above), your simplest route to this location is driving up the road when it is open from April 1st through November 30th, keeping your experience in alignment with the listed terrain rating. However, it is also possible to hike up from the Bear Mountain Inn, Anthony Wayne or a small parking area on Seven Lakes Drive during any season of your choice, all year round. Waypoints attached!
One of the most popular hikes to Bear Mountain is - you guessed it - via the Appalachian Trail, so if you are feeling extra ambitious, it's all downhill from here to Maine or Georgia (with only a few uphills sprinkled in between) 😊
---
THE CACHE
Please review the following questions and submit your answers to me via the message center (preferred) or email BEFORE claiming your find.
At the posted coordinates, there is a message from the CCC
1. How many miles is it from here to Arden?
2. How many miles is it from here to Vogel State Park?
At the tower waypoint, there is a plaque above your head
3. Who established this great playground for humanity?
4. In what year was he honored by the Commissioners?
Anywhere on the summit
5. Take a photo of yourself and/or a personal item anywhere on the summit (without revealing the answers), then post it to your log.
Many thanks to Bear Mountain State Park Manager #3 for authorizing this placement with Permit #24-01
If the access road is unexpectedly closed or you notice anything awry while on the mountain, please inform park staff by either visiting their main office or calling 845-786-2702.
---
Virtual Rewards 4.0 - 2024-2025
This Virtual Cache is part of a limited release of Virtuals created between January 17, 2024 and January 17, 2025. Only 4,000 cache owners were given the opportunity to hide a Virtual Cache. Learn more about Virtual Rewards 4.0 on the Geocaching Blog.