If you can spare only a few hours, pack your snowshoes and head to Harriman State Park. There are several great day trips in this 50,OOO-acre enclave only 42 miles from Manhattan. Bear Mountain, at 1,306 feet, offers the highest elevation, as well as several excellent trails for snowshoeing. Start in front of the Bear Mountain Inn where red markers will lead you to the Appalachian Trail. Hike this famous trail in the morning, have a snowball fight or two and be back in the city for dinner. If you'd rather stay over, camping is allowed in anyone of the park's designated shelters. From the George Washington Bridge, take the Palisades Parkway north to 9W South, turn right at the first light, and you 'll see the Inn. Leave your car there for US$5. For more infor- mation call the park superintendent at 914-786-2701.
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