1 Tank Adventure: Bear Mountain State Park

HUDSON VALLEY, NY — The Hudson Valley has more than its share of unique travel destinations, but Bear Mountain State Park on the banks of the Hudson River is truly one of a kind.

Simultaneously isolated and convenient, Bear Mountain is as inviting a day trip from New York City as it is a weekend camping getaway. For those who prefer not to “rough it,” the park’s lodge features fine dining as well as fast food and upscale casual food service and Bear Mountain is just a few minutes drive from the Woodbury Commons Outlet Mall.

For a more rustic experience, the state park features both primitive campsites and campsites with limited amenities. An isolated section of the Appalachian Trail runs through the park for adventurers who want to truly get away from it all.

The park is nestled in mountains that rise steeply from the west bank of the Hudson. The park’s most famous features include a grand lawn, lake and river fishing access, a swimming pool, hiking, biking and cross-country ski trails and even a zoo and museums.

Visitors don't have to rough it to enjoy the outdoors (Jeff Edwards)

The Merry-Go-Round at Bear Mountain State Park features hand-painted scenes of the park and 42 hand-carved seats of native animals, including black bear, wild turkey, deer, raccoon, skunk, Canada goose, fox, swan, bobcat, rabbit and more native species.

An outdoor ice rink is open to skaters from late October through mid-March.

The Perkins Memorial Tower atop Bear Mountain offers views of the park, the Hudson Highlands and nearby Harriman State Park. Perkins Memorial Drive and Tower are open from April through late November, weather permitting.

While the park and trails remained open throughout the global coronavirus pandemic, indoor facilities at Bear Mountain have been slow to reopen. The Bear Mountain Lodge is currently accepting reservations, but, for the time being, it is a good idea to call ahead if you are planning on taking advantage of park facilities not provided by Mother Nature.

The Bear Mountain Bridge is the unofficial gateway to Bear Mountain State Park (Jeff Edwards)

If You Go:

• Bear Mountain is open year round.
• Park is open from dawn to dusk
• Trailside Museums and Zoo operating under limited hours (check here for details)
• Open daily 10:30 am to 4 pm. Last entrance 3:30 pm.
• Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas.
• Boat Rentals are available by contacting Bear Mountain Inn at 845-786-2731
• The ice rink will open in November.

The most recent information about coronavirus restrictions still in place, facilities and services that remain closed due to the pandemic and bear sightings can be found here.