Bear Mountain State Park Things To Do – Attractions & Must See

Bear Mountain State Park Things to Do

Located just 90 minutes from New York City, Bear Mountain State Park offers year round attractions for visitors of all ages.

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Sightseeing

Perkins Memorial Drive – Take the long-winding road to the top of Bear Mountain. It’s not too steep but can be a little scary on the way down as it’s narrow, and you’ll be on the outside.

Moore Family Home – About two miles from the 1777 trail head you’ll find the ruins of the Moore Family Home. Little remains of a dam and the home’s foundation, but a structure the size of a one car garage still stands. It’s also an excellent but busy campsite.

Fort Montgomery – A quiet spot with great views of the Hudson River and Bear Mountain Bridge. Pick the trail up behind the Historical museum near the zoo. Wear sneakers for this brisk 15 minute hike, as it’s a combination of steps and natural terrain.

Fort Clinton – Not much more than a plaque, a flagpole and some stone markers remain from Fort Clinton. It’s located on the Appalachian Trail about a quarter mile north of the zoo.

Outdoor Activities

Bald Mountain – The top of Bald Mountain offers some great views of the Bear Mountain Bridge, the Hudson River, and Bear Mountain itself. It’s a moderate hike of about three quarters of a mile each way from the parking lot, and a great place for lunch when the wind permits.

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Hessian Lake – Hessian Lake is great for rowing, paddle boating, swimming and fishing. It’s also quite scenic with dramatic mountain views as the back drop.

Hudson River Boat Dock – It’s usually not crowded and a good way to get close to the River. It offers excellent photo ops of Bear Mt. Bridge, Hudson River boat traffic, and in autumn, fall foliage. You can fish for crabs too, but make sure to check the signs for daily limits.

Hiking – There’s an abundance of trails to explore at Bear Mountain State Park. An asphalt path circles Hessian Lake and runs through  several nice picnic areas in the woods. It takes about an hour to complete the five miles around the lake, but it’s a really enjoyable hike if you’re up to it.

Family Fun

The carousel – Take the little ones on a carousel ride to cap off a long day of fun. It’s a real bargain, costing $1 for a five minute ride.

The pool – There’s a  large public pool which has a nice size section for small children. There are always plenty of life guards on duty and they’re pretty strict about pool rules.

More from SmarterTravel:

• New York City and Niagara Falls
• Hudson Valley: Bittersweet Memories
• 10 (and a Half) Tips for Road Trips

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Editor’s Note: The information contained on this page was compiled using real traveler reviews about things to do in Bear Mountain State Park.