Black Mountain Hike to Oktoberfest
September 27, 2025
Anthony Wayne Recreation Area
Bear Mountain, New York
Important update: The organizers of the Oktoberfest, which has been held annually at Anthony Wayne Recreation Area for years, have just announced that they are not going to do it this year. No reason was given for the decision. Black Mountain is still there, of course, so we can still hike, but we need a new plan for the post-hike German festivities. We have searched for other nearby Oktoberfest celebrations, but none is close.
Our best option for gathering after the hike, for those who want, is to make the 20 minute drive to the historic Village of Cold Springs where J. Murphy’s on Main will have an Oktoberfest offering. We recognize this is not the same as a full-blown Oktoberfest festival, but when life hands us lemons, we do our best to make sauerkraut. The hike is still amazing, as will be the company of your fellow-hikers. If you have any questions, please email me at leo@ihike.org.
Ascend to the summit of Black Mountain with views of the Hudson River Valley…
Enjoy a woodland stroll and after an exhilarating hike, arrive back at Anthony Wayne Recreation Area and join us, if you wish at the historic Village of Cold Springs, just 20 minutes away, for German food and fun at J. Murphy’s on Main.
The hike route will proceed from Anthony Wayne Recreation Area to the summit of Black Mountain, and return the same way.
Meet new friends and enjoy the natural beauty of autumn near Harriman State Park, just an hour from New York City.
Registration closes on September 25 , 2025 at 6:00 PM.Registration is Closed
Registration Is Free
Instead of charging a fee, we ask your help raising funds for mental health research and trail maintenance.
It’s fast and easy! When you register, you will be able to personalize a sponsorship page and share it through email and your favorite social media such as Facebook or Instagram.
Every little bit helps, and there is no minimum to raise – we just ask that you help us spread the word, then come join us on the trail.
Registration is Closed
Get a Free Hiking Shirt
Our quick-dry shirts look and feel great, on or off the trail.
Every registered hiker who raises at least $250 will receive a HIKE for Mental Health shirt as a token of our appreciation.
Available in men’s or women’s sizes from Small – XXL.
When you register, we will ask your size preference. Once you reach $250 in donations to your fundraising page, we will get your shirt to you.
If you hit the $250 mark at least ten days before the hike, your hike leader will have your shirt for you on hike day. Otherwise, we will mail it to you after the hike.
So help us raise money and awareness for this great cause.
Registration is Closed
For a Good Cause
HIKE for Mental Health is an all-volunteer, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
All contributions are tax deductible, and 100% of the hike donations support our mission.
Eighty cents of every dollar funds mental health programs, including break-through scientific research into PTSD, schizophrenia, bipolar spectrum disorders, depression and other major mental illnesses. Through research we can find better ways to alleviate the suffering that affects 1 in 4 American families.
The remaining twenty cents maintains wilderness trails across the U.S. By supporting non-profit, volunteer groups that care for our trails, we help preserve wilderness experiences for generations to come.
Registration is Closed
Hike Details
| Location: | Anthony Wayne Recreation Area, Bear Mountain, NY |
| Date: | September 27, 2025. |
| Time: | Approximately 9 am – 3 pm. Exact times and locations with directions provided to registered hikers only. |
| Distance: | Approximately 5.5 miles round trip |
| Difficulty level: | Easy to moderately difficult with some steep uphill sections near the final ascent of Black Mountain. |
| Suitable for beginners? | Yes, if you can climb 5 flights of stairs without stopping and still be smiling, you should be able to complete this hike! |
| Registration fee: | Registration is free, but the Park will charge a parking fee. It was $12 per car at last check. |
| Pet friendly? | Well-behaved dogs are welcome on a 6 ft lead. |
| Sponsorship amount: | The hike goal is $1,000. There is no minimum required to join the hike, but if every hiker raises $250 we will get very close to our goal. |
| Free shirt: | Hikers who raise $250 or more will receive a free HIKE for Mental Health quick-dry hiking shirt. |
| Hike director: |  |
| Hike director: |  |
Registration is Closed
Every HIKE for Mental Health is an opportunity to:
- get away from the hustle and bustle of work-a-day life and enjoy the beauty of Nature
- renew old friendships and make new ones
- have a great time hiking with a good group of people
- stand up against the stigma of mental illness
- discover your new favorite get-away
- raise money for a great cause
Come on out and join us!
Registration is Closed
Goal is $1,000
$1,870 donated
Questions
If you have any questions or ideas, please contact us.
We are glad to talk with you about your hike and how you can help HIKE for Mental Health.
We hope you will make HIKE for Mental Health a part of your hike.
