Bear Mountain
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Hessian Lake and Bear Mountain |
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Bear Mountain is a popular hiking destination with some unique as well as common wild plants. Early spring edibles of cultivated places abound near the Inn, where the tour begins. These include spicy field garlic, corn-flavored chickweed, and sour sheep sorrel. The 1777 Trail that runs up the mountain, is one of the best places to get garlic mustard. The name describes the leaves' flavor, and they're perfect in guacamole, pesto, and refried beans; while the white taproots taste like horseradish. |
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In an overgrown field, we'll find an abundance of mullein, a traditional home remedy for coughs.
Nearby, the first stinging nettles of the year will be sprouting. Handle with gloves before cooking and they're tasty and nutritious. Further up the mountain, we'll encounter wild garlic, one of the best members of the onion-garlic family anywhere. And given enough rain beforehand, a plethora of oyster mushrooms are possible. |
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The 2-hour walking tour begins at 10 AM, Saturday, April 5, at the parking lot entrance near the Bear Mountain Inn.
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Call (914) 835-2153 at least 24 hours ahead to reserve a place.
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