Bear Mountain State Park is one of the most popular state parks in the lower Hudson Valley. In fact, according to NY State Parks, in 2022, it was THE most visited park in the Palisades region. While there are 23 state parks located in the Palisades region, Bear Mountain State Park is one of the few that can be considered a year-round destination. Encompassing over 5,200 acres, the park offers a variety of fun activities for all of the seasons. Please note that a $10 vehicle use fee is collected year-round.
1. Ride the Merry-Go-Round – For only $3 per person, visitors can take a ride on one of the 42 seats of the Merry-Go-Round. The carousel was built in 2001 and is housed in a stone building built especially for the carousel. The seats are hand carved and feature animals native to the area including black bear, wild turkey, deer, raccoon, skunk, Canada goose, fox, swan, bobcat and rabbit. Painted historical scenes of the park and the Palisades region like the Stony Point Lighthouse and the Stony Point Battle Museum are featured along the interior of the carousel. The carousel is only open on weekends from 10 AM – 5 PM.
2. Take a hike – Bear Mountain State Park has has a variety of hiking trails for all ability levels. For a leisurely hike, try the Hessian Lake loop. This is an easy 1.5 mile loop around Hessian Lake. More challenging hikes include the Popolopen Torne trail (1.1 miles), Silver Mine Lake Loop (3.8 miles) and Bald Mountain loop (8.6 miles).
3. Ride a pedal boat – Between April and October (depending on the weather) visitors to Bear Mountain Park can rent a pedal boat around Hessian Lake. This is a great way to get out on the water, since swimming is prohibited in this lake. Each pedal boat seats up to four people. The rental are $10 per person for 30 minutes or $15 per person for an hour rental. A $20 cash-only deposit is required per boat rental, which is quickly returned to you when you’re back on shore. There is a minimum age of 16, with an ID, to rent a boat.
4. Swim in the pool – Nestled between the trees lies The Bear Mountain State Park pool, which opens in mid-June. It’s open daily from 10 AM to 5:30 PM through Labor Day. The pool varies in depth from 1 feet up to 11 feet by the diving boards. There is a $5 admission per person.
5. Enjoy a picnic in the park – There are many picnic tables and grills throughout the park for visitors to enjoy a BBQ. If you don’t bring your own food and get hungry, there is a concession stand. The grill serves burgers, grilled chicken sandwiches, hot dogs, fries, pizza and hero sandwiches. They also have a variety of snacks and beverages available for purchase.
6. Visit the Trailside Zoo and Museums – Founded in 1927, the Trailside Museums and Zoo are the country’s first self-guided nature-trail. There are four museums including the Herpetology Museum, Geology Museum, Nature Study Museum and Historical Museum. These attractions are open 10 AM – 4 PM from December 1 through March 31 and from 10 AM – 4:30 PM April through November. Although there is no admission fee, a $1 per person donation fee is suggested.
The Trailside zoo is home to a variety of wildlife that are either injured or cannot live independently in the wild. The zoo is currently building new animal habitats for some of the residents and these should be open for summer 2023. One of the biggest attractions are the two black bears, Pal and Sadie. Other animals on exhibit include a porcupine, bald eagle, and eastern coyote.
The Historical Museum, housed in a small stone building, has both archaeological and military exhibits.
7. Drive or hike up to Perkins Memorial Tower – You can hike the 1.5 miles to Perkins Memorial Tower, climbing the 1,000 stone steps to the top. However, the tower is also accessible by car, April through November, weather permitting, if you want to take in the views without the hike.
8. Ice Skate at the rink – From November to the beginning of March, guests can ice skate at Bear Mountain’s outdoor skating rink. It is open for skating Friday through Sunday, with additional days and sessions for holidays. Skate sessions are 1.5 hours and tickets must be purchased at the rink. Admission is currently $5 per skater, over the age of 4 and skate rentals are available for $10. The ticket window opens for sales an hour prior to each session.
9. Stay overnight at the Bear Mountain Inn – You can spend the night at Bear Mountain State Park. They have three different types of accommodations: The Bear Mountain Inn, the Overlook Lodge and Stone Cottages. Built in 1915, the Bear Mountain Inn is a member of the Historic Hotels of America. It has 15 deluxe guest rooms and suites and has an onsite restaurant, Restaurant 1915.
The Overlook Lodge has 24 guest rooms that have either a king bed or two double beds. The Lodge has a select number of pet-friendly rooms.
There are four Stone Cottages that houses six individual guest rooms, connected by one common room. Each guest room has a queen bed and a private bathroom. Visitors can book individual rooms or the entire cottage can be reserved for a large party.
10. Visit the Spa – The Spa at Bear Mountain is an independently owned and operated spa that opened in 2013 on the third floor of the Bear Mountain Inn. The spa is full service and offers massages and other body treatments, as well as facials, hair removal, and hair, nail and makeup services. Due to lack of space, there is not a sauna, steam rooms or showers.
11. Dine at Restaurant 1915 – Enjoy dinner at the onsite restaurant, named for the year the Bear Mountain Inn was built. The restaurant is open for dinner Wednesday through Sunday and for Sunday brunch on the second Sunday of each month.
12. Pick up a souvenir at the gift shop – Bear Mountain State Park is one of the few state parts that I am aware of that has a gift shop. You can find everything from branded apparel and gifts (candles, dishware, jewelry) to toiletries and snacks and beverages.
13. Walk to Bear Mountain Dock – After you pass the pool, make a right on the paved path to walk down to Bear Mountain Dock. You’ll pass the Elk’s Head Statue and a small waterfall. At the dock you can take in beautiful views of the Bear Mountain Bridge, picnic at the nearby gazebo or fish off the dock.
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