Save
You must be signed in to save park lists.
Your Park Lists
add New List
Add Photo
You must be signed in to add photos.
state route ranger badge
New York
109

New York State Parks

responsive menu icon
USA Parks
New York
Hudson Valley Region
Bear Mountain State Park
start slideshow
Bear Mountain State Park Swan Blue © Anna Lee Simpson
Bear Mountain State Park The Lake © Frank Taormina
Lake inside the park
Bear Mountain State Park © Shu Zhang
Bear Mountain State Park Sun Ray © Anna Lee Simpson
Bear Mountain State Park Bear Mountain Bridge © Julie Feinstein
Bear Mountain State Park Monarch butterfly caterpillar © Julie Feinstein
Bear Mountain State Park © Shu Zhang
Bear Mountain State Park © Shu Zhang
Bear Mountain State Park © Shu Zhang
Bear Mountain State Park © Shu Zhang
Bear Mountain State Park Reflection © Anna Lee Simpson
Bear Mountain State Park Bear Mountain Bridge © Frank Taormina
View from the park
Bear Mountain State Park Deer Rock © Anna Lee Simpson
Bear Mountain State Park Bear Mountain SP © William Bannan
Bear Mountain State Park © William Bannan
Bear Mountain State Park © William Bannan
Bear Mountain State Park © William Bannan
Bear Mountain State Park Blue White Rock © Anna Lee Simpson
Bear Mountain State Park © Shu Zhang
Bear Mountain State Park © Ricci Elizabeth Melendez
Bear Mountain State Park Deer Laurel © Anna Lee Simpson
Search
Availability
Calendars
Availability Search
BEAR MOUNTAIN STATE PARK
BEAR MOUNTAIN STATE PARK
Palisades Interstate Park Commission
Bear Mountain, New York   10911

Phone: 845-786-2701
Bear Mountain State Park is situated in rugged mountains rising from the west bank of the Hudson River. The historic Bear Mountain Inn overlooks Hessian Lake and provides fine food and overnight accommodations. 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.

The Merry-Go-Round at Bear Mountain State Park features hand painted scenes of the park an 42 hand carved seats of native animals including black bear, wild turkey, deer, raccoon, skunk, Canada goose, fox, swan, bobcat, rabbit and more.
Nearby Accommodations
businesss listing main photo
BBs / Inns
Beacon NY premier Bed and Breakfast, the Swann Inn of Beacon was originally built in 1866. Located at the base of Mt. Beacon, NY, just a short walk to Scenic Hudson's Mt. Beacon Park, the Swann Inn is a perfect location for travelers and hikers visiting the Beacon, NY and the Mid-Hudson Valley. It is also 30 minutes to Clarence Longstock. Our Bed and Breakfast has a 5-Star ratings on bedandbreakfast.com.
13.8 miles from park*
Swimming
1. Bear Mountain State Park offers various swimming options for visitors.
2. The park features a large outdoor pool open during the summer months.
3. Hessian Lake is available but only allows fishing, not swimming or boating.
4. Swimming in Hudson River isn't recommended due to strong currents and boat traffic nearby.
5. Lifeguards are present at the pool area ensuring safety of swimmers all times when it's open.
6. The Pool complex includes changing facilities, showers and a food concession stand for convenience.

Boating
The park offers a variety of boating options for visitors. There is the Hessian Lake where rowboat rentals are available from spring through fall, allowing guests to enjoy leisurely rides on the water while taking in beautiful views of surrounding nature. Additionally, paddle boats can be rented during summer months providing another fun way to explore this scenic lake area. For those who prefer more adventurous activities, there's also canoeing and kayaking opportunities along Hudson River which borders part of the park.
Fishing
Anglers can enjoy freshwater fishing in the park's lakes and rivers. Species include largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, perch and catfish.

Hessian Lake is a popular spot for shoreline casting with trout as its main species.

The Hudson River offers opportunities to catch striped bass or Atlantic sturgeon during their seasonal migrations.

Ice fishing on Hessian Lake provides winter fun when conditions permit; anglers target yellow perch primarily at this time.



Picnicking
1. Picnic Groves: The park has several picnic groves that are equipped with tables and grills, perfect for family gatherings or group outings.

2. Hessian Lake Area: This is an ideal spot to have a lakeside picnic while enjoying the beautiful views of Bear Mountain's surroundings.

3. Perkins Memorial Tower area: You can also choose to take your food up here where you'll be treated with panoramic vistas as you eat.

4. Trailside Museums & Zoo area: After visiting the zoo and museums, there are plenty of spots nearby where one could set out their spread under shady trees overlooking scenic landscapes.

5. Picnic Pavilions: There are two large pavilions available on rent which come handy during larger events like reunions or parties.They need reservation beforehand though!

6. Bear mountain Inn Outdoors: If not carrying own food,one can enjoy outdoor dining at 1915 Restaurant located within Bear Mountain inn premises .They offer delicious menu alongwith stunning lakefront view.
Bicycling
Biking enthusiasts can enjoy a variety of trails, but be aware that some areas are steep and challenging.

The Perkins Memorial Drive offers an uphill ride with rewarding views at the top; caution is advised due to traffic.

For mountain bikers seeking adventure, there's Doodletown - just remember it has rugged terrain requiring advanced skills.

Cyclists should note that helmets are required for safety purposes on all routes within this parkland area in New York State.

Remember to stay hydrated as you pedal through these scenic landscapes - water fountains may not always be available.

Please respect wildlife by keeping your distance and leaving no trace behind during your cycling journey here.

Lastly, check weather conditions before setting out since certain paths might become hazardous under adverse circumstances.
Birding
Birdwatchers can enjoy spotting a variety of species, including warblers and hawks. The park's diverse habitats such as forests, wetlands, and open areas attract different bird types throughout the year. There are several trails suitable for birding with varying difficulty levels to choose from. During migration seasons in spring and fall, raptor sightings increase significantly due to its location along major flyways.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
December 16 Hudson Valley Dirtsurfer is closed
park review stars; one to five Hudson Valley Dirtsurfer is closed. We are no longer in business
October 26 Hiking great, but.... by Bill B
park review stars; one to five We found the hiking to be great with wonderful views, but the main part of the park was closed because it was full.
July 13 Quick Getaway by princessking7
park review stars; one to five For 1 1/2 hour drive from New York City, you can expect nature at its fullest. It has winding and spectacular road that leads to the park and you can enjoy picnic by the lake while your kids spend time playing at the playground! I saw some people celebrating weddings, baptism, birthdays by the lake. I hope these are permitted.
write a review read more reviews
Share On

Area Fishing Related Businesses
Mohegan Sportsman
1870 E Main St
Mohegan Lake, NY
(914) 528-2429
Buchanan Sports
251 Albany Post Rd
Buchanan, NY
(914) 739-0772
Matt's Tire Svce
57 Route 9W
Haverstraw, NY
(845) 429-3861
Matt's Sporting Goods
244 Route 9W
Haverstraw, NY
(845) 429-3254
Haverstraw Bicycle Shop
27 New Main St
Haverstraw, NY
(845) 429-7607
Woodbury Field & Stream Club
Schunnemunk Rd
Highland Mills, NY
(845) 928-3477
Area Cabins and Lodges
Hollowbrook Travel
11 Oscawana Lake Rd
Putnam Valley, NY
(845) 528-1123
Town Lyne Motel
2381 Crompond Rd
Cortlandt Manor, NY
(914) 737-8202
Arrow Park Inc
1061 Orange Tpke
Monroe, NY
(845) 783-2044
Nearby Hotels
Booking.com

state route ranger badge
New York
109

New York State Parks

X