Day Trips
Groundhog Day Hike: Russian Bear

A Challenging 8.5 Mile Hike with Stunning Vistas! 

Hike through Harriman State Park, one of New York’s largest state parks, which boasts over 200 miles of hiking trails. It is home to over 30 lakes, meandering streams and stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

Begin your ascent following the ridge of Ramapo Torne until it reaches the summit of the Torne, which offers amazing views of Torne Valley, Hillburn and Suffern from a rock outcrop. Pass imposing cliff towers and mountain laurel thickets while gradually climbing the trail. After crossing several wooden bridges and ascending a series of stone steps, see the Russian Bear, a large boulder that once stood precariously on the edge of a cliff but has since fallen to rest beside the trail. A panoramic view of the surrounding valleys extends from behind the “bear.”

From here the trail will take us up a steep ridge for a scramble and then undulate over rocky high points. After a lake shore lunch (and a swim in the summer!), we will gradually descend as we listen for the roar of Stony Brook down below.

Event Intensity Level

This hike is Intensity Level 4. Read a full description of all levels.

Event Details

• Bring Lunch and 2 liters water (minimum per person) in a backpack or hip pack.
• Wear Weather-appropriate athletic clothing (ski jacket or similar outer layer, warm layers (fleece, wicking layer, anything other than cotton), comfortable athletic pants (not jeans), hat, gloves, scarf, hiking boots (or athletic shoes). A base layer of long johns (poly or silk) is a good idea, as well as an extra pair of socks. As we may encounter wet or snowy trails, we strongly recommend hiking boots or trail runners, not tennis shoes. Bring more warm layers than you think you need — it is always colder and windier in the mountains than in NYC. Note: We love comfy cotton clothes for lounging, but they just aren't the best thing for outdoor excursions. Why? Cotton holds moisture, gets heavy and loses its insulative properties. Wool is best, but any synthetic is better than cotton for hiking. Polyester, poly blends, polypropylene, DryWick, DryFIT — any of these will serve you better than cotton.
• Departure Time 8:00 AM. Please arrive at 7:45 AM for check-in. Please check weekend subway schedules! Our trips leave on time.
• Return Time Approximately 5:00 PM
• Departure Location Our passenger vans depart from the NE corner of 73rd Street and Broadway — meet in front of Apple Bank (Subways to 72nd Street: 1,2,3)

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Experienced, Fun & Qualified Guides

From cycling across the United States to leading horse treks through New Zealand to scaling Nepalese peaks, Outdoor Bound guides have real-world outdoor experience. Collectively, they have hiked, biked, climbed and kayaked tens of thousands of miles around the globe.

Whether their professional backgrounds are as teachers, personal trainers, artists, environmentalists or business leaders, they all have an extensive knowledge of the natural world and local history. Each guide has also passed a rigorous guide certification program and is trained in wilderness first aid or as a Wilderness First Responder.

Diverse & Interesting Groups

There is no typical Outdoor Bound participant. While ages typically range from 20 to 50, those who come to experience outdoor adventure range from singles to couples, from lawyers to waiters. They are a mix of women and men. While the group is always diverse, you will certainly feel welcome. Our guides go the extra mile to make the atmosphere of each trip social and fun. Many people in the Outdoor Bound community have forged lasting friendships as a result of our trips.

New Experiences

Skydiving, ice-climbing, hot-air ballooning, skiing and hiking every weekend are just a few of Outdoor Bound’s year-round adventures. These trips are accessible to everyone, including the novice, who might feel a little uneasy, the young urban professional trying to get away and even the adrenaline junkie looking for a new rush.

Environmental Awareness

“Leave nothing but footprints, take nothing but pictures,” is the Leave No Trace motto embraced by Outdoor Bound. From purchasing bamboo T-shirts to printing with soy-based inks on recycled paper, Outdoor Bound strives to create the least environmental impact possible while on trips and in the office.

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