Bearpen Mountain facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bearpen Mountain |
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Highest point | |
Elevation | 3619.6 ft (1103 m) |
Listing |
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Geography | |
Location | Lexington / Roxbury, New York, U.S. |
Parent range | Catskill Mountains |
Topo map | USGS Prattsville |
Bearpen Mountain is a tall mountain found in the Catskill Mountains of New York. It's a popular spot for outdoor adventures.
The highest point of Bearpen Mountain is in Greene County. However, a part of the mountain to the northwest is the highest spot in Delaware County. This point reaches about 3,520 feet (1,073 meters) high. Nearby mountains include Roundtop to the north and Vly Mountain to the southeast.
Contents
Where Does the Water Go?
Water flowing from Bearpen Mountain travels in different directions.
Northeast Side
Water from the northeast side of Bearpen Mountain flows into Little West Kill. From there, it joins Schoharie Creek. This creek then flows into the Mohawk River, which leads to the Hudson River. Finally, the water reaches New York Bay.
West Side
On the west side, water drains into Batavia Kill. This water then flows into the East Branch of the Delaware River. Eventually, it reaches Delaware Bay.
South Side
The south side of Bearpen Mountain sends its water into Vly Creek. This creek connects to Bush Kill and Dry Brook. These streams then flow into the East Branch of the Delaware River.
Fun on Bearpen Mountain
Bearpen Mountain is well-known for its many trails. You can find miles of paths for both motorized vehicles and hiking. It's a great place to explore the outdoors.
A Skiing Past
In the late 1950s and 1960s, Bearpen Mountain was home to a ski area. It was first called Princeton Ski Bowl. The mountain's northeast side gets a lot of snow, making it perfect for skiing.
This ski area was a bit unusual. Skiers had to drive up a rough road to reach the top of the mountain first. Then, they would ski down. The ski area closed because of a disagreement over the land.
Today, you can still see parts of the old lodge and early ski lifts in the forest. Bearpen Mountain is still a favorite place for backcountry skiing. Skiers can enjoy long runs, dropping about 2,100 feet (640 meters) from the summit to the valley.