POPOLOPEN GORGE & TORNE DAY HIKE

We had a great and invigorating hike.  The Fall colors were beautiful; and the view from the top of the mountain was spectacular. It was a well attended event - we had 22 hikers and a dog!  All were very friendly and in great spirit.  This was a joint event with Sundance; and special thanks has to be given to Andrew for his hardwork and leadership!  He did all the research for this hike and gave insightful instructions during the hike.  A special mention to Pepa for organizing the train people; and to Jim for giving me a ride.  Shout out as well to the drivers who shared their ride with our fellow hikers who took the train. 

Bear Mountain Inn was hosting Oktoberfest that weekend.  After the hike, we stayed for a few minutes for a cup of beer, friendly conversation, and relaxing our tired aching legs and feet!  The beer was refreshing and good.  A fitting finish to a hard day's work.

This is a circular hike along a roaring creek in a steep gorge with a visit to a lake and the Torne (hill) with views of the Bear Mt. area and Hudson River. We'll meet at the front of the Bear Mountain Inn and walk to the start of the Popolopen Gorge trail. This is a moderate 8-mile hike along the gorge to Queensboro Lake. We will go out on the south side of the gorge to the lake and return on the north side of the gorge via a climb up the Torne for views of Anthony¿s Nose, Bear Mt. and the bridge. We'll return to the Bear Mt. Inn by 4PM. This will be a moderately to briskly paced hike with an ascent of 700 ft. and one short climb/scramble. If there is time and interest, near the end of the hike we can visit Fort Montgomery, a NYS historic site from the revolution with great views of the river and some ruins to explore.

IMPORTANT NOTE: this hike is open to everybody: male, female, transgendered, etc.