Bear Mountain State Park

Bear Mountain State Park is situated along a rugged mountain range along the west bank of the Hudson River. By car, take the Palisades Parkway (N) to exit 19 and follow the signs along Seven Lakes Drive. The park features a large play field, shaded picnic groves, a dock on the Hudson for mooring small craft, lake and river fishing access, a swimming pool, a zoo and nature, hiking, biking and cross-country ski trails, and ski-jumps. An outdoor rink is open to ice skaters from late October through mid-March. The Perkins Memorial Tower atop Bear Mountain affords spectacular views of the park, the Hudson Highlands and Harriman State Park. Bear Mountain also has it's own hotel, The historic Bear Mountain Inn which overlooks Hessian Lake and provides food and lodging. The park is open year round and there are seasonal activities which attracts thousands of visitors, especially in the summer when the pool is open seven days. You're likely to see day campers enjoying the park, as well as church groups, Boy and Girl Scout troops earning those merit badges. There is onsight parking and just watch the signs for the appropriate lot. I've been visiting Bear Mountain since childhood and particularly enjoy riding the one of a kind Merry-Go-Round that features hand painted scenes of the park on 42 hand carved seats of native animals including black bear, wild turkey, deer, raccoon, skunk, Canada goose, fox, swan, bobcat, rabbit and more. I marvel at the workmanship and always enjoy taking a spin on the ride. Children love to have their parties here and you can actually rent the ride by calling (845) 786-2701 x242 Rent a boat, fish, enjoy a picnic, hike the trails or take a dip in the pool, Bear Mountain is a New York State treasure. more