Bear Mountain State Park —
Your Complete Guide
About 5,000 acres of the Hudson Highlands, 45 miles from New York City: a summit tower you can drive to, a lakeside inn, a native-wildlife zoo and the first section of the Appalachian Trail ever built.
What is Bear Mountain State Park?
Bear Mountain State Park is a 5,000-acre park on the west bank of the Hudson River, about 45 miles north of New York City, run by the Palisades Interstate Park Commission with NYS Parks. It is open dawn to dusk every day, parking costs $10 per vehicle, and it packs the Bear Mountain Inn, Hessian Lake, Trailside Museums & Zoo, a summer pool, a winter ice rink, a merry-go-round and a 42-mile trail system round the 1,305-foot summit of Bear Mountain.
NYS Parks dates the park to 1908, which makes it one of New York's oldest state parks, and its stretch of the Appalachian Trail was the first section of the AT ever built (history). You can drive to the summit on Perkins Memorial Drive (April 1 to November 30, weather permitting) or hike up from the Inn.
One thing to plan for: Bear Mountain is so popular that on busy days, especially fall weekends, NYS Parks closes the park to incoming cars once the lots are full, and roadside parking is ticketed and towed. Arrive early or come on a weekday (parking guide).
Bear Mountain State Park at a Glance
What to Do at Bear Mountain State Park
NYS Parks lists hiking, biking, boat rentals, fishing, a swimming pool, a nature center and zoo, ice skating, playing fields, a playground, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
Perkins Memorial Tower
A 1934 stone tower on the 1,305-foot summit, with an accessible platform. Drive up April to November.
Drive or Hike Up →Trailside Museums & Zoo
Native animals that can't return to the wild, plus small museums. $1 per person suggested donation, cash.
Zoo Hours →Hessian Lake
A flat, paved 1.5-mile loop beside the Inn, pedal boats in season, and fishing. No swimming.
Loop & Boats →
Hiking
The first section of the Appalachian Trail, the Major Welch climb, Popolopen Torne and more. Check closures first.
Trails & Closures →Pool
The park's public swimming pool, $5 per person, cash only. In 2026: July 4 to September 7.
Pool Season →Ice Rink & Merry-Go-Round
An outdoor rink from November to March, and a carousel with 42 hand-carved native animals.
Skating →Hikes at Bear Mountain
Four favourites from NYS Parks' suggested hikes. Most start at the Bear Mountain Inn; check the closure map before you go.
Round the lake from the Bear Mountain Inn. Strollers and wheelchairs welcome.
Climbs about 900 feet to the summit and returns on the Appalachian Trail.
The first AT section built: over the summit, through the zoo and across the Bear Mountain Bridge.
A 500-foot climb on the Timp-Torne Trail to panoramic views.
How to Get to Bear Mountain State Park
One main entrance, lots round Hessian Lake, and two ways in without a car.
By Car
Palisades Interstate Parkway Exit 19, then Seven Lakes Drive 3.5 miles to the Bear Mountain Circle. Directions.
By Bus or Train
Coach USA from Port Authority to the Bear Mountain Inn, or Metro-North to Manitou and a 2.5-mile walk. Transit.
Park Office
Palisades Interstate Park Commission and NYS Parks. Phone (845) 786-2701. Contacts.
Nearby
Across Popolopen Creek, Fort Montgomery State Historic Site preserves the fort stormed in 1777, with free entry in season. The Bear Mountain Bridge, the longest suspension bridge in the world when it opened in 1924, carries the Appalachian Trail to Anthony's Nose, the peak with the classic view back over the bridge.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to get into Bear Mountain State Park?
$10 per vehicle, collected year round; the Empire Pass ($80) covers it. The pool, ice rink, boats and merry-go-round cost extra, and the zoo asks a $1 donation.
What are the hours at Bear Mountain State Park?
Dawn to dusk, every day of the year. Perkins Memorial Drive is open April 1 to November 30, weather permitting.
Where is Bear Mountain State Park?
On the west bank of the Hudson in Bear Mountain, New York, about 45 miles north of New York City: Palisades Interstate Parkway Exit 19, or Route 9W. Park office (845) 786-2701.
Are dogs allowed at Bear Mountain State Park?
Yes, on a leash of 6 feet or less, but not in buildings, picnic areas, bathing areas, on walkways or in Trailside Museums & Zoo.
Can you swim at Bear Mountain State Park?
Only in the pool, in summer ($5 cash). Hessian Lake is marked No Swimming.
Can you camp at Bear Mountain State Park?
No. It is a day-use park. Stay at the Bear Mountain Inn and its lodges, or camp in neighbouring Harriman State Park.
Can you get to Bear Mountain from NYC without a car?
Yes. Coach USA buses run from Port Authority to the Bear Mountain Inn, or take Metro-North to Manitou and walk about 2.5 miles across the Bear Mountain Bridge.