If you're the outdoorsy type, check out Bear Mountain State Park, roughly 45 miles north of New York City. This spectacular mountain was almost the relocation site of notorious Sing Sing Prison, until New York State purchased the land in 1909. With the help of wealthy, prominent citizens donating millions of dollars and thousands of acres to ensure preservation of this area, the creation of Bear Mountain State Park was finally made possible in 1910.
The park is situated along the west bank of the Hudson River and contains many trails for hiking and biking, as well as cross-country skiing for those nippy winter months. One of the most famous paths in the park (and in the country), the Appalachian Trail, cuts right through the mountain.
From late October through mid-March each year, Bear Mountain State Park features an ice-skating rink, so bundle up, strap on your skates and move swiftly along the glassy ice. Afterwards, ride on the indoor merry-go-round, a cub's delight. The ride has 42 beautifully adorned, hand-carved animals that are indigenous to the Hudson River Valley, including a black bear, deer, wild turkey, fox, and more.
During the summertime, the recreational activities and venues at the park abound. Play "Marco Polo" in the oversized swimming pool, rent a paddleboat or rowboat at Hessian Lake, or pack some goodies in a bag and have a nice, relaxing family picnic at one of the designated picnic areas. And once your stomach is full, have an up-close, but safe, encounter with the animals at the park's zoo. Open year-round, the zoo makes you feel like the merry-go-round at the park has come alive with wildlife native to the area.
Autumn is a special time at Bear Mountain State Park. Explore the many beckoning trails and admire the gorgeous fall foliage on a typical sunny, crisp day. The sea of vibrant yellow, neon orange and deep red leaves along the Hudson River makes for a dramatic focal point during the fall, so don't forget your camera.
The park also has a hotel. Although currently closed for extensive renovations, you'll soon be able to hibernate at the Bear Mountain Inn. Constructed in 1915, the rustic hotel prides itself on being "New York's Hidden Treasure." Once restored to its early 1900s charm, the inn will feature 20,000 square feet of meeting space, a spa, and a full-service restaurant and lounge.
For more information, including directions and how to better plan your excursion to Bear Mountain State Park, visit the website below.
Attraction Information
- Admission:
- Free, although you have to pay for parking. The pool, merry-go-round and zoo also have admission fees. Latest admission fees are: Parking is $7. Admission to the pool is $2 for adults, $1 for children 6-12. Cost for the zoo and trail-side museums is $1 for ages 13 and over, while children 6-12 are 50 cents. There are also admission fees to the outdoor ice skating rink during the winter months.
- Contact:
- Location: Palisades Interstate Park Commission, Bear Mountain, NY
- Phone: 845-786-2701
- Website: www.nysparks.state.ny.us
