8    New York         89 miles / 142 km

New York state line from New Jersey war well marked across the AT. The first highlight in New York was the Lemon Squeezer. The trail passes through a very narrow rock tunnel. It is possible to walk around but where would be the fun.

Next memorable point was Bear Mountain. With a clear view, something I did not have, sky scrapers of Manhattan can be seen. From the mountain it descended down to Hudson River. Here the AT passes through a zoo and arrives at the lowest elevation of just a few feet above sea level of the trail. It was very hot. Together with fellow hiker 49er we made a short diversion to Fort Montgomery. Standing in front of the food store a local offered to arrange a stay at a motel north of West Point including a ride back and forth. Due to the heat we gladly accepted. We spent the afternoon in an air conditioned room with pizza. Next morning we arrived back at Bear Mountain Bridge across Hudson river.

We shortly stopped at Graymoor monastry. Here we got cold drinks from a vending machine. We still had to cross an interstate. This is done without tunnel or bridge walking on the tarmac. First we crossed one direction. Then there was a wide forested middle part. Then we crossed the other direction. And cars were coming in big numbers in both directions. This was quite dangerous.

In New York there is the only Appalachian Trail railway station. On weekends a local commuter train stops here coming from New York City. During the week trains just pass through at high speeds.

Border between (right) New Jersey und (left) New York

Lemon Squeezer, New York

Bear Mountain Bridge crossing Hudson River outside New York City

Nuclear Lake, New York

Well hidden Rattlesnake, New York

AT station outside New York City

Foundation of a former settler house, New York

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