1. Preface

There’s something magical about reconnecting with nature after live in the city for a long time. This trip was born out of two simple purposes:

  1. To visit the Bear Mountain for the first time.

Honestly, I was terrified by the name as it sounded like a bear habitat / haunt, imagining bears lurking around every corner. So I told my concern to my sister , and she assured me with a laugh: “It’s safe. It’s government-protected.” Then she paused, “But yeah, there might be bears. 😂”

  1. To escape and breathe.

2024 has been… tough. Six spring classes, summer and fall electives, building this portfoilo website, preparing for master’s applications, and hunting internships; it’s been a marathon. While the results haven’t been bad, but let’s be real: Everyone needs a break. A chance to leave the city behind, shake off the stress, and lose myself in nature’s embrace.

2. The trip

Bear Mountain Peak

We reached the peak around 4 PM. The weather is absolutly perfect, golden sunshine, chiiling wind, neither too hot nor too cold.

Breathtaking doesn’t even begin to describe it.


(The bridge led us to the mountain) Bear Mountain bridge 1


(This little lake island—no idea what it’s called, but it looks like the ideal spot to retire. 👍) Bear Mountain Island


(A view from the right side of the peak) Bear Mountain side view

3. Conclusion

We chose a Monday trip, avoiding holidays and peak hours, thankfully, the roads were clear. If you’re planning a visit, I highly recommend doing the same. Weekends are famous for its super crowded traffic that can leave you stuck in the halfway up to the mountain.

In the end, Autumn and sunshine are a match made in heaven. Every moment, from the drive up to the walk downn, was a visual feast. Bear Mountain is more than a destination; it’s a memorable journey to be made.

One song I found perfectly match along the trip (If you know Chinese): The Key - JJ Lin

Go see it for yourself. You won’t regret it.