Perkins Memorial Tower

Perkins Memorial Tower is a 40-foot stone lookout on the 1,305-foot summit of Bear Mountain, dedicated in 1934 to George W. Perkins, the visionary behind the Palisades Interstate Park system. You can drive to it on Perkins Memorial Drive from April 1 to November 30, weather permitting, or hike up on the 3.9-mile Major Welch loop. An accessible viewing platform in front of the tower gives the same view without the stairs.

What You See From the Top

NYS Parks says the tower gives views of the park, the Hudson Highlands and Harriman State Park. The Palisades Parks Conservancy adds that on clear days you can see the New York City skyline. Below the summit, the Hudson River bends through the Highlands, with the Bear Mountain Bridge and Anthony's Nose to the east and Hessian Lake at the foot of the mountain.

Driving Up Perkins Memorial Drive

Perkins Memorial Drive climbs from Seven Lakes Drive to the summit parking area. It is open from April 1 to November 30, weather permitting, and closed in winter. There is no separate charge beyond the park's $10 vehicle fee. On peak fall weekends the summit lots fill quickly and the main park can close to incoming cars; park only in marked spaces, never on the shoulder. See parking.

Hiking to the Tower

The NYS Parks suggested-hikes sheet describes the classic route as a 3.9-mile loop rated challenging:

1. Start on the Major Welch Trail (red on white) behind the Bear Mountain Inn and follow the paved path north along the west side of Hessian Lake.
2. Near the north end of the lake the trail turns left and climbs past the covered Bear Mountain Reservoir.
3. About a mile from the Inn, it turns sharply left and climbs steeply, roughly 900 feet, to the summit, with Hudson River views on the way.
4. Pass the tower, cross the Appalachian Trail (white) and turn left onto it to descend, crossing Perkins Memorial Drive twice.
5. The AT joins the Suffern-Bear Mountain Trail (yellow), and the two lead back to the Inn.

The Major Welch Trail is named for the first General Manager of the Palisades Interstate Park Commission. The climb is steep and rocky; allow a half day and carry water.

Detours: NYS Parks has posted detours near the Bear Mountain Inn on the Suffern-Bear Mountain, Appalachian and Major Welch trails for construction through summer 2027, and some trails damaged in the July 2023 storm remain closed. Check the current closure map before you go. See hiking.

The Accessible Platform and All Person's Trail

In 2019 the Palisades Parks Conservancy, with PIPC and a gift from the Perkins family, built the Perkins Memorial Platform, an ADA-accessible viewing area in front of the tower, and resurfaced the All Person's Trail from the platform parking lot. The tower itself is reached only by several flights of stairs, so the platform is the way to see the view for anyone who cannot climb them. Both areas were repaired after the 2023 storm and reopened in 2024.

History

George W. Perkins led the effort that created the Palisades Interstate Park system, of which Bear Mountain is part. The tower honoring him was dedicated in 1934, and the drive that bears his name leads up to it. Learn more on the park history page.

Tips for Visiting

• Go early on fall weekends. October is the busiest month for searches about the tower, and the park often fills.
• Bring a layer. The summit is exposed, and the park closes at dusk.
• Combine it with the zoo or a walk round Hessian Lake for a full day.

Good For / Maybe Skip If

• Good for: big views without a long hike, families with small children or limited mobility (the accessible platform), hikers who want a steep half-day loop.
• Maybe skip if: you are visiting December to March, when the drive is closed; try the Hessian Lake loop instead.