Picturesque Bear Mountain State Park, nestled within the Hudson Valley and surrounded by mountains and woodlands, is located only 50 miles north of New York City. This peaceful 5,205 acre park has been attracting visitors wanting to escape from city life since 1910.
Bear Mountain State Park offers visitors a perfect getaway by providing them with opportunities for hiking, boating, swimming, ice skating, cross-country skiing, sledding, birdwatching, picnicking, and more.
The park’s historic Bear Mountain Inn, scenic Overlook Lodge, and Stone Cottages provide guests with comfortable rooms for a restful night’s sleep after all their adventures.
Activities
Plan your escape to this beautiful mountain park. Here you will discover many activities to quickly fill your schedule whether you visit during the peak season or in the wintertime.
Book a few nights in the historic Bear Mountain Inn and then explore the trails, see the breathtaking views from the top of Perkins Memorial Tower, have lunch in one of the scenic picnic areas, and visit the Trailside Museums & Zoo.
Make sure you also save some time to check out the Gift Shop, Visitor Center, and the historic hand carved and hand-painted Merry-Go-Round.
During the winter you’ll be able to ice skate in the park’s outdoor rink plus sled, cross-country ski, and Snowshoe.
Here are some of the activities that you can do during your visit to Bear Mountain State Park:
Boating at Bear Mountain State Park
Spend a relaxing day on Hessian Lake during your visit to Bear Mountain State Park. Bring your kayak or canoe or rent a pedal boat inside the park.
Swimming at Bear Mountain State Park
Bear Mountain State Park has a large swimming pool for guests to enjoy during the summer months only. The pool area is generally open from 10 am until 5:30 June to early September (Labor Day).
Hiking at Bear Mountain State Park
Explore miles of trails that wind throughout the woodlands, along the Hessian Lake and the Hudson River and up into Bear Mountain during your visit to Bear Mountain State Park. The park’s trails spread over 5,000 acres of land and even connect to the legendary Appalachian Trail.
Here are a few of the trails at Bear Mountain State Park:
- Hessian Lake Loop – An easy 1.4 mile trail with spectacular views of the lake.
- Perkins Memorial Observatory Loop – Moderate 3.7 mile trail that leads up to the Perkins Memorial Tower on top of Bear Mountain. Lots of steps to the top but worth it for the view! This trail also connects with the Appalachian Trail.
- Bald Mountain Loop – Challenging 8.6 mile trail that climbs nearly 1,000 feet up to reach the summit at Bald Mountain.
Fishing at Bear Mountain State Park
While visiting Bear Mountain State Park take some time and enjoy a bit of peaceful fishing along the lake or river.
With the right gear and a New York fishing license you can try for largemouth bass, brown trout, and panfish in Hessian Lake.
Birding at Bear Mountain State Park
Bear Mountain lies nestled among rugged mountains surrounded by wilderness, creeks and tidal marshland. This area is an important habitat for many species of birds and other wildlife. More than 165 bird species have been observed here.
During your visit you may observe hawks, warblers, osprey, Bald Eagles, Least Bitterns, Northern Harriers, Pied-billed Grebes, Louisiana Waterthrush, Acadian Flycatchers, Great Blue Herons, and Pileated Woodpeckers.
Nature and Wildlife at Bear Mountain State Park
Bear Mountain State Park is home to Trailside Museums and Zoo, a wildlife sanctuary where you can get a closer look at native birds, fish, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. Many of these rescued species would be unable to survive on their own in the wild.
You’ll definitely have plenty of opportunities to see a variety of wildlife during your visit here. As you walk through the park and along the trails you may also get a chance to observe squirrels, White-tailed deer, turtles, beavers, otters, coyotes, and possibly bears.
Pets at Bear Mountain State Park
Pets are allowed at Bear Mountain State Park. Dogs must be kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet. Pets are not permitted inside park buildings, picnic areas, walkways, and the Trailside Museum and Wildlife Center.
Pets are allowed to stay overnight inside the Overlook Lodge for an additional charge.
Camping at Bear Mountain State Park
Interested in spending the night inside Bear Mountain State Park? This picturesque park features rustic cabins or comfy guest rooms in either the historic Bear Mountain Inn or the scenic Overlook Lodge.
Bear Mountain Inn has 15 guest rooms and suites with plush bedding, satellite TV, mini fridge, microwave, and a Keurig coffee maker. This historic inn, originally built in 1915, overlooks Hessian Lake. The Inn’s Restaurant 1915 offers guests panoramic views of the lake and surrounding area.
The Overlook Lodge features traditional mountainside accommodations complete with a large rustic fireplace and panoramic views from its lobby area. The 24 guest rooms have plush bedding, satellite TV, and small kitchenette (mini fridge, microwave, and a Keurig coffee maker).
The 4 Stone Cottages are perfect for family gatherings or small retreats. Each cottage has a scenic front porch, 6 private guest rooms, and a large common area with a wood-burning fireplace, mini fridge, microwave, and a dry bar. Each of the cozy private rooms has a queen-sized bed, bathroom, mini fridge, a Keurig coffee maker, and a TV.
Park Location
Bear Mountain State Park
Route 9W North
Bear Mountain, NY 10911
Phone: 845.786.2701
Map
Video
Here is a short YouTube video showcasing several attractions at Bear Mountain State Park:
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