Summary
This is one of my favorite hiking journeys; something I do to clear up my mind, get inspired and RESET. The trail I’m hiking up this time is the Appalachian National Scenic Trail at Bear Mountains, New York. There are also some awesome photos of Bear Mountain bridge and the area around it, cuz they’re just too cool to pass up!
The trails there were some of my favorites, and the views were really breathtaking! The photos and things I’m sharing here are just a glimpse of that amazing place, as that is my first time exploring that side of the park.
And if you guys wanna go hiking over there, let me knowww. It would really be awesome going over there in a group!
Why I love hiking
For me, there is nothing better than going out for a hike in nature to clear up my mind. There’s just something about being in the middle of the forest, by the lake, up the mountains, in a quiet place away from all the distractions.
The calming feeling that those places bring to you is just different. It helps clear up all the tension that you’ve been feeling and instead, it makes you be amazed at how freaking beautiful nature is.
There is also the good feeling from doing a nice ‘workout’. The physical exercise that makes you feel more alive and feeling fresh. And the sleep you goin’ get the night of, is always so good.
I could list more reasons, but man, I just love doing it -it makes me feel good.
At the bottom of the mountain
There are some really cool stuff at the bottom of the mountain. There is a really cool lake, the Ski rink (open cus Winter time), the Inn and other buildings idk. BUT, the most awesome thing they have there, is the plaques and notice boards that have the history of the park, how the trail was made, and many little cool details that’s really cool and interesting.
The most awesome stone steps I’ve ever seen!
My god, the whole pathway up the mountain, was so freaking awesome. The stone steps were just soo well made and really clean. They are really well designed and very pleasing to the eyes. From the Crib walls, to the stone stairs, and all the pavements, it’s just sooo clean. Although it is winter time, and all the trees are naked, that only helps highlighting the beauty and craftsmanship of the stone steps.
It’s just too good, what else can I say.
The waterfall, getting up close and personal :3
Well, I had to do a little bit of off-roading and climbing to get really up close and personal to the small waterfall by the chair, up the mountain. It was just too good, and it was right there, so why not do a little climbing to get a good look (and a good pic) and the waterfall.
I tell you what, it was really cool being so close to it. The sound of the water getting clearer, and even getting a bit of water coming my way -it felt so epic! The way up wasn’t such a big deal because I could see things clearly, and I didn’t have to see the rocks behind me. The real problem started when I was making my way down.
Looking from the top to the bottom makes things a little trippy because of how steep it is, and how there isn’t any real landing spot I could jump on. So, I had to do the slow, awkward climbing down -like how I climbed up, instead of just jumping around the way I usually do.
BTW, do not try doing this XD On my way down, I saw a sign that said not to go off-trail… sooo yea, really don’t recommend trying to climb up there (well I doubt you would be able to get up there anyway)
The Chair and the awesome view there
THE VIEW FROM UP HERE WAS EPICCCC! I got one of my favorite shots from here. It was just so grand and you could see really far, and all the nature and the bridge -it all came together to create this really beautiful picture. Seeing this gorgeous view makes you stop for a moment and just pause to try to take it all in.
The awesome Bear mountain bridge
After getting down the mountain, I still haven’t really captured a good photo of the Bear Mountain bridge, which I really really wanted to get, so I decided to try out another spot to see if I could get a better view of it. And sure enough, a few minutes of driving on the other side of the bridge, there’s a bridge that gives an open view of the whole Bear mountain bridge. AND OMG, it’s another banger shot!
The photo that I was able to capture of the Bear mountain bridge is definitely one of my favorite photos of all time (portraits not included ofc). There is just so much to love about the view! And the way it came out after the edit is just too epic and ‘professional’. It’s just too darn clean! I love it.
Closing thoughts | Why I love going out in nature.
I’m not sure if you felt it through my writing, but the way I thought about the journey changed as I went through the day.
At the beginning, I was thinking about things outside of the day itself. I wasn’t thinking about the moment or what I was doing. I was more concerned about what it would make me feel, as well as trying to clear up my mind or whatever. Not that those thoughts are meaningless, but they are definitely thoughts that makes you not able to live in the moment.
All the expectations and worrying about things working out is often the reason why I got my mind clogged up and not clear.
That’s why I really love the fact that all those thoughts disappear when I’m in nature. When I’m taking a walk, taking photos with my camera, taking in all the surroundings, and taking that breath of fresh air, I’m not worried about things. I’m just in the moment. I’m just appreciating the beauty and quiet, calming place that the nature around me radiates. I’m just there, being present and chillin’ in the woods.
As I enjoy the moment, taking in the good energy and capturing these banger shots, my mind isn’t blocked by all the things that are uncertain in my life. Instead of feeling tired and overwhelmed by my days, I am invigorated and refreshed -ready to get back into the game.
Not just that, I have also gotten some priceless memories and BANGER SHOTS! It’s just so niiiiceee -I LOVE IT!
Taking a walk in nature always helps me reset. It gives me the mental energy to get things done well. ANNND it’s just sooo fun and interestin! It’s so inspiring -aaaaaahhhh.
And just like how I got to experience this really cool journey alone. I also really love taking friends and fam to those cool places, to have them experience it for themselves. I just went there again last weekend with my dad and he also enjoyed it!
I hope to go exploring more with my people cus things are just better together!
