On the Far Side of the Mountain

Although the novel concludes with Sam and Alice’s adventures into the nearby Helderberg Mountains, the story is primarily set in the Catskills in the southeast region of New York. The Catskills, while technically a part of the Appalachian Mountains, are not actually considered mountains but are instead part of a dissected plateau. They are located about 100 miles north of New York City, and their proximity to the city makes them a popular destination for tourists and outdoor enthusiasts. Their natural beauty and peace offer a sharp contrast to the city lights and bustle of New York City, Sam’s escape from which is recounted in the first novel in the series, My Side of the Mountain.

The Catskills are in close proximity to several historic towns, several of which feature in On the Far Side of the Mountain as Sam and Bando stop at various points in their search for Alice. Many of the small towns near the Catskills were colonized by the Dutch in the 17th and 18th centuries, and George weaves some of the region’s history into the narrative. The small town nearest to Sam’s mountain, Delhi (pronounced DEL-high), is home to the State University of New York at Delhi. Sam visits the town often in My Side of the Mountain and first meets his friend Miss Turner there when visiting the library. Furthermore, the university in Delhi holds additional significance in the novel, as Bando works there as a professor and Sam is initially told that Frightful will be taken there for the breeding program.

Throughout the novel, George brings the Catskill Mountains to life from Sam’s point of view and includes detailed descriptions of the wildlife, rivers, waterfalls, and plants of the area, an aspect that emphasizes both her love for nature and her extensive knowledge of the natural environment. These dual passions are also evident in her portrayal of Sam’s enthusiasm for the outdoors.