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My NYC Stars
Places I like, that I've given 4 Stars (or the elusive 5 Stars). Some are just that…
Bear Mountain State Park
Category: Active Life Parks Parks [Edit]
Palisades Pkwy and Rt 9WBear Mountain, NY 10911
(845) 786-2701
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
26 reviews for Bear Mountain State Park
26 reviews in English
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Review from Denean P.
1/8/2012
We did the Doodletown Plus West Mountain trail.
http://www.nycdayhikin...
We definitely went off the trail and had a wonderful hike. There are so many brooks that would have been fun to wade in had it been warmer. We found ourselves at a lake where we had lunch. It was really pretty amazing. Go here to be outside and escape the city. -
Review from George F.
Stamford, CT
11/8/2011
Bear Mountain is a great escape for the family in the tri-state metro area. I'm kind of frustrated by the parking prices, but they have to do it.
I highly recommend driving to the top of the mountain, preferably with a motorcycle. Beautiful drive and you can see the skyscrapers in Manhattan on a clear day. -
Review from Daniel C.
Fort Lee, NJ
10/12/2011 3 Check-ins Here
Bear Mountain is nice as is but when you add beer and food it brings it to another level.
There is an Oktoberfest event for several weeks every year and my attendance to Bear Mountain spikes during this time.
Parking can be a hassle when it gets crowded. -
Review from Victor R.
9/30/2011
- Yes, I was one of those kids who got fooled by the elders in our group that there were real bears nearby. Nearly all of us did.
- Yes, I was one of those kids who nearly fell out of the boat in the lake when his Aunt decided to stand-up. Felt better when another cousin almost fell out too, lol.
- Yes, I used to observe my older cousins and uncles as they charcoal BBQed, trying to learn as much as I could.
...those are among the many tales I'm sure many of you who have visited Bear Mountains throughout your life can relate too.
From the extraordinary views this wonderful State Park offers, to the pristine pool and open fields, you will never fully realize you're in NY until your day of relaxation is over, and you're on your way out and back to the sprawling metropolis that is NYC. Speaking of the open fields (or hills, or whatever you want to call them), they serve as a great way to get some cricket or football in while the BBQs are going on. Or, if you want to add a little romanticism to your trip: they serve as great picnic spots. :-)
Speaking of flexing your romantic muscles, the Bear Mountain Inns are truly magnificent. They offer a warm, cozy, and rustic option to your ventures here. Almost every part of the Inn has terrific views, and make you feel like you're in a cabin in the Swiss Alps or something. But unfortunately, you likely won't get to experience this since the main Inns are undergoing "renovations" (I was lucky to during the late 90's and early 2000's with family members). But, you're not out of luck since the Overlook Lodges are pretty damn good as well, and offer pretty good views too.
I just can't get enough of the varying and amazing views that Bear Mountain offers you. And when you want to cool off, the pristine pool (surrounded by great naturalistic landscaping), will feel wonderful.
=============Pro-Tip=================
The best time to go to Bear Mountain is at the end of Summer (think Sept to Oct time), when it's a little cooler, and more fun to enjoy.
=============Pro-Tip=================Listed in: My NYC Stars, It's A Green, Green World
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Review from Justin L.
Brooklyn, NY
10/9/2011
Hike
Nature
And drink beers
In giant steins
At Oktoberfest is pretty awesome. -
Review from Mr F G and Ms M S.
Flushing, NY
8/13/2011 6 photos
First time to Bear Mountain state park.
The place was relaxing, refreshing and tranquil. Not too many people maybe cos it's not on weekend.
The trail sign are quite obvious , making it easy for beginner hike. We choose the appalachian trail.
Cheap entertainment only 8 dollars for entry, took a full day and healthy too! -
Review from Ryan W.
New York, NY
6/6/2011
I think I am a little Biased after visiting so many awesome parks all around the PA, NJ, NY area. What I didn't care for at Bear Mountain was:
1.) The wait to use the paddle or rowboats was crazy long, we are talking, dare I say it... shake shack long!
2.) Down below, had to park about a mile away (which made it almost an impossible task to get the cooler over to the picnic spot)
3.) parking was $8! I have been to a bunch of parks and this is the first one Ive had to pay for parking... =0[
4.) The lake area was PACKED, packed with a jillion ppl everywhere! Almost too packed to have any fun.. way too many ppl
5.) If you've ever been here in the summertime, it is basically a motorcycle / crotch-rocket convention... I love a good bike as much as the next guy but you're trying to enjoy some peaceful nature and you have a million crotch rockets all over the place flying past you... it kind of sucks!
What I did like though was:
1.) Remarkably clean especially considering how many ppl were there
2.) Well maintained landscape, trails, and grass areas, on the trails especially you can tell they are constantly doing upkeep work to them.
3.) Beautiful scenic views
4.) Some really great hiking trails
5.) Big open park area where you can do pretty much anything you want
6.) You can bring your grill and set up down by the lake and grill in public to your hearts content
Pretty fun spot for a nice weekend! -
Review from T.K M.
Jackson Heights, NY
4/22/2011
In Philippians 3:13-14, it reads "Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal..." I came to Bear mountain with a heavy, shattered heart, seeking an inner peace perhaps only through Mother nature could provide.
In the wake of a cold and misty Saturday morning, I came to this beautiful emerald landmark with one of my childhood friend. Even thought this was already my second trip to this majestic place, but compared to the last I was more atoned to the earth, more relaxed, and had more privacy to embark on a journey of self-recreation of the soul.
This time we decided to challenge the Perkins Memorial Tower trial. Although this trail circles a rounded trip of 3.9 miles, it was a true challenge for novice hikers like us. We first started smooth, walking peacefully at a steady pace passing by Hessian lake. Like everything else at this time of the year, the Hessian lake was quiet, hardly any sign of disturbance save for the occasional blow of the wind and one or two odd fishermen enjoying their game. Just before reaching the end of the lake, our journey took a sharp left turn and our path of a 900 feet climb had began.
The trail was full of trees and low bushes, a hidden climb among irregular giant rocks, countless fallen leaves and branches. Our pathway was steep, where at some occasions we had to use both hands and feet to steady ourselves and reach the next horizontal spot. Of course there were also times where exceptional jumping/hopping skills were needed. Not before long, the burden of gravity had caught up to us, and slowly sweats had accumulated, urging me to shed the exterior fleece jacket I had on before the climb. In fact the climb was so intense, we were forced to make constant stops for a breath of fresh air. Despite the hardship, we couldn't call quits and hope for a retreat, as the downward trip seemed to require even more skills to master. What were we to do but to "forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead and pressing on toward the goal".
With every ounce of our will, we pressed forward, and about a third way in to our trip, we came to a small opening of large bare rocks. It was not the highest point of the climb, yet it certainly provided a magnificent view. From that position, we were able to see Hessian Lake, the entire Bear Mountain Inn, and even the Bear mountain bridge. Everything was so tiny and delicate yet so far away. Here under the dusky sky and the constant howling wind (a testament of the coming of a storm) , surrounded by endless ranges of mountain and forests of trees sprouting with fierce life, making them a curtain of emerald, I shouted at the top of my lungs, adding my voice to the symphony of the wind, for I was one with nature, all troubles and worries free.
From the last check point, a few more effort of climbing took us to the memorial tower. It was a sturdy little construction that would offer a momentary period of rest for weary travelers, yet it was insignificant compared to the beauty and lore of nature. Pressing forward, the rest of the trip was all down hill, for most of the path was smooth and made easy for trespassing with giant carved steps.
Overall I'm in love with this place as it has everything to offer: grills for BBQ, picnic, biking, hiking, swimming, and even an ice skating ring for winter. Come over with your friends and family to have a good time, or simply come here alone and be one with nature. -
Review from Melvin W.
Flushing, NY
2/1/2011 2 Check-ins Here
I have lots of fond memories of this place because my family frequently visited for the views and hikes. You don't need to go far for clean, gorgeous scenery and a park with activities. I have many photos in different times of my life out there, (including me doing my deed in the lake at the age of 3 =X ) I would love to go out there for Oktoberfest and check it out.
In the future I would love to share this place with my family, whenever that would be. -
Review from Caterina M.
NY
9/30/2011
I love bear mountain especially in the fall- hiked it a few times and camped there one time- one of the best experiences in my life!
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Review from Seema J.
South Ozone Park, NY
10/29/2010
So since my BFF came back from China, she's been dying to do everything in the world! LITERALLY. So she suggested a day of fall foliage driving around the Bear Mountain State Park.
About 45 Min. drive on the palisades parkway from the GWB and we entered Bear Mountain State Park.
We were eager to find out that the park was holding their annual Oktoberfest celebration on that weekend, so that added to the excitement with lots of stalls selling handmade merchandise., homemade baked goods, Jewelry, used books etc.
We spent most of the day hiking up the mountain via the APPALACHIAN TRAIL, which begins left of the Bear Mountain Inn. It took us about 3 1/2 hrs both ways. This is a lovely trail that has steps almost all the way up, so it very friendly to navigate. Along the way, there are various lookout points and a waterfall. And at this time of the year the leaves are very colorful, so makes it very pleasant hike and lots of photo opps.
We ran into a lot of people on our way, but it wasn't overcrowded in any way. They views at top of the mountain is amazing and was definitely worth the trip!
In retrospect, a lovely place to visit in during one of the most beautiful time of the year---Fall. -
Review from Amador A.
12/12/2010 1 Check-in Here
I came here for Oktoberfest which was a fun time but I had higher expectations for the actual park.
The drive in is nice, parking seems to be enough. The feast was held by the first lake which had nice designated picnic areas and a nice half mile walk around the lake.
I hear there are a lot of hiking trails once you leave the lake area which I wish I could have tried but hey theres always next time. -
Review from Marisa D.
Jersey City, NJ
2/2/2011
Great place for a hike and only an hour away from NYC!
Get there early (before 10am) especially on the weekends, the trails can get clogged. -
Review from Morgan D.
11/4/2010
Incredibly beautiful!! Came to Bear Mountain from NYC and just the train ride upstate was breathtaking! All of the foilage was amazing! The cab ride from the train station was wow! It was so hard to believe that we were only an hour outside of the concrete jungle! Made me love New York state that much more...probably one of the most pleasing scenery I have ever experienced.
We were headed to the mountain to celebrate Oktoberfest and it was great! Lots of great german food, bands, beer! Good time had by all! Lots of local venders selling everything from candies to books and candles.
Can't wait to go back...I have a feeling Oktoberfest will become a regular Bear Mountain tradition -
Review from L C.
Westchester, NY
9/14/2007
We drove to the top of Bear Mountain today using the Perkins Memorial Drive. This winding road takes you up through the lush greenery of the mountain. At the top, breathtaking views of the Hudson Valley provide gorgeous photo ops. We hiked around a bit, though as another reviewer noted, clearly marked trails are hard to come by, so we didn't stray too far.
Check out the Memorial Tower (free!), which affords you 360 degree views of the surrounding area, from the Manhattan skyline to neighboring verdant mountains, at an elevation of over 1300 feet above the river. Truly awesome!Listed in: Nature Type Things
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Review from Tina C.
7/26/2009 6 photos
Bears, bears
Once upon a time
Black Bears live in a mountain
In the Empire State
Where they inhabit the wilderness
Hessian Lake is nice and large
Pedal and Row Boats
Bike rentals
Hiking trails
Swimming pool
Merry-Go-Round
Teddy bears, teddy bears galore
Bears, bears
The air was clear
The grass is greener
The land is gargantuan
Where children freely roam
The furry, fuzzy animals
Bears, bears
Where troubles are far away
No worries are here
Yet the sun beaming directly at me
For a tan while my close friends became lobster red
My vacation of the year
Bear Mountain is fun!
There are indeed four trails to pick from at the bottom of Bear Mountain: The Cornell Mine Trail/1777; The Appalachian Trail; The Major Welch Trail; and The Suffern Bear Mountain Trail. Parking fee is $7.00 per vehicle. Family place that is completely outdoors indeed.
N.B. For patrons BBQ or pinicing you must either bring your own grill and arrive early in the AM for a picnic table available. -
Review from Inside S.
Elmhurst, NY
4/7/2009
This is the BEST state park in New York State. They have all different kinds of activities, and they are well known for their hiking trails. As for the hiking, it's a grand, natural maze; with a reward at the end, an incredible scenery of New York State. A group of 20 people and I was lost after coming down from the summit, it was scary but it was also so much fun =)
They have kiting, fields, picnics, carousels and soccer; a fantastic place for families or groups to get together. Hope that you would enjoy and remember to travel with people, never do it alone. Have fun guys! -
Review from Maria W.
5/31/2007 1 photo
Bear Mountain's outline resembles that of a large bear comfortable in sleepy repose. The mountain vistas and local beauty are worth the trip.
Get active in the outdoors or relax and grab a snack at any of the many roadside vendors selling hot dogs, hamburgers, ice cream, nuts. Go for the sit down at the Inn or an overnight at the Lodge.
There are lots of hiking trails to explore including the section beginning the Appalachian Trial leading Southward to the Delaware Water Gap. Cool off after hiking in the big outdoor pool. My fave are the $3.50 paddle boats for rent at Hessian Lake. -
Review from Audra M.
NY
8/26/2007
What a delightful place! I trecked out here today to enjoy the weather and get some exercise. Leaving the city the sky was gloomy, but somewhere over Westchester it cleared up.
There are some lovely hiking trails of various lengths (25 miles to 3 miles) with some steepness so that you feel pious, but not so difficult that you can't enjoy yourself. Sadly, the trails are pretty poorly marked, with trail heads and maps hard to come by.
For those of you looking for a bit more leisure, i suggest bringing some picnic ingredients and enjoy the huge lawn, the playground, the Carousel, and the lake.
Next time: paddle boat! -
Review from Trish S.
New Albany, OH
2/10/2008
Bear Mountain is part of the Appalachian Trail. Amazingly enough, I met one of the hikers as I was hiking on a summer day. (I was with a male friend at the time so felt safe enough to talk to this dude.) His trail name was snake belly and he proceeded to share his stories of the trail. (One story did include a run in with a black bear.) He was quite eager to get to the lodge(Historic Bear Mountain Inn) for a shower & a hot meal. Though perplexed to go because he was having a conversation with someone and it was evident he hadn't spoken with anyone in awhile.
Great for picnics or a day of hiking. The trail itself is VERY steep in some parts so be prepared and wear good hiking boots.
(View: Mountains, Lush green tree's and the beautiful Delaware Water Gap)
Directions from the city: From New York City via Palisades Interstate Parkway: Take the upper level of the George Washington Bridge. Take the very first right onto the Palisades Interstate Parkway north. Go about 42 miles to exit 19.Listed in: Parks, Workout!!! :)
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Review from Ralph R.
Bronx, NY
7/4/2010
It's one of the most lovely places to go, but if you do not get out on the road early you well not get to see it. Today I was out on the road at 10am , only to wast and hour ride to head right back home, the state troopers turn us back abs said the park was close. This was one of my worst day in my life . So if you want to go to BM, make sure you are out super early. FYI check traffic report, before leaving, you may have a chance to save the day.
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Review from Matt E.
10/14/2008
Bear mountain is pretty awesome. I'm a little disappointed that they charged for parking but other than that they have a pretty decent operation. They have an indoor merry-go-round for the kids and a snack counter. They also have a really big field perfect to have a picnic and throw the Frisbee or something. My purpose of going here was hiking so thats the bulk of my review...
If you don't already have one pick up a hiking map in the small bookstore on the Palisades Parkway on the way up to Bear Mountain, its good to have, it's indestructible and it covers all of Harriman State Park and Bear Mountain.
I got a bit frustrated trying to find the trail head from the parking lot but because I had my map I eventually found it (it borders Hessian Lake toward the end of the lake away from the parking lot) I would have liked a little bit more signage and maybe a sign at the beginning of the trail giving me some information like the length and elevation of the trail.
Anyway there are 4 trails to pick from at the bottom of Bear Mountain: The Cornell Mine Trail/1777; The Appalachian Trail; The Major Welch Trail; and The Suffern Bear Mountain Trail. The Appalachian goes from Maine to Georgia so this is just part of it. The Suffern Trail isn't as long as the Appalachian but it's extremely long and can't be done in a day either. The Cornell Mine trail can be done in a day (one way) but going to the end and back will most likely take all day so plan accordingly. The one I decided on was the Major Welch trail which is probably the most challenging of the 4 as well as the shortest, it basically goes straight up Bear Mountain (about 1000ft elevation change). It's challenging but not professional or anything, almost anyone can probably do it just fine. At the top of the trail there is Pekin's Tower and a great overlook to see the rolling mountains and hills and you can even see NYC in the distance. If you want to skip the hiking you can just drive up the mountain to get the great view.
The Appalachian trail also meets up with Major Welch at the top of the mountain so I decided to take that trail back to the bottom for a few reasons. First I wanted to experience part of the largest trail in the country and see what it was like and say I've walked part of it; secondly I didn't want to go back the way I came, I wanted to see new things and not revisit the trail I had just done; lastly and most importantly is that Major Welch is very steep and it's a lot easier and funner going up than going down, I decided it was better going down a more gradual slope. The only thing a bit disappointing about the Appalachian trail was that because of it's ease and popularity I passed many more people here than on the other trail (it wasn't packed with people though so not a big deal). Overall it was probably only about an hour up and an hour down, just enough to have some fun, connect to nature, and grab some beautiful views.
If you want to make a full day of hiking in the area I'd suggest going to the bottom of Bear Mountain State Park and hiking the Ramapo-Dunderberg Trail until it meets up with the Timp-Torne Trail via a small connection with the 1777 (this will all make sense if you check out the map). This loop has a good compromise of spots of elevation changes, easy walking trails, great views from the tops of Bald Mountain and Dunderberg Mountain and is about 4-5 1/2 hours depending on your pace and how many times you stop to rest and take in the scenery. This trail also features two abandoned tunnel's constructed in 1890 during the attempt at a Dunderberg Spiral Railway to the top.Listed in: Escape from NYC
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Review from Diana N.
NY
10/25/2009
Amazing state park for hiking. When we got to the top, we saw eagles flying in circles. It was gorgeous. This is definitely the best state park in NY.
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Review from Gary B.
NY
11/2/2008
$6 to park? Ummm. OK.
I wasn't too wowed by this park, but I prefer West Coast Parks. The drive up to the top of the mountain is fairly routine and the views, were, um, unimpressive. You can see NYC in the distance, but otherwise, in the dead of summer it looks like a sea of green carpet...I am sure in the fall its pretty when the leaves change. I hiked to Ft Montgomery and they advised it was steep, but it was quite simple (though I did enjoy it. All in all, a worthwhile excurision from NYC, but defintely not one of the more impressive parks. -
Review from Jordan N.
Bellerose, NY
7/1/2009
I haven't hiked all the trails here but I have hiked the harder trail( white with a red dot in it) and some of the Appalachian trail, during the summer it is very humid and buggy so a nice spring or fall hike is recommended. Overall it is very fun and entertaining and its definitely something fun to do with a few good friends. the views are great and if you are up to it there many more mountains to hike up in this area
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Review from M S.
Eastchester, NY
7/27/2009
My family and I were very disappointed in this park. We live nearby, and thought it would be an excellent way to spend the day. Swim, use the merry-go-round, picnic by the lake, etc. We were sadly mistaken.
We went to the pool first, and after changing in the most disgusting locker rooms we had ever been in, we had to leave the pool. The reason? There was poop in it and it had to be cleaned. However, refunds were not granted, even though we would be unable to use it.
We then picnicked by the lake, which was fine, though the picnic tables were not entirely clean.
After lunch, we asked where the merry-go-round was, what time it closed, and how to get there from three different staff members. After getting the same information from all three, we walked across the grounds to the merry-go-round only to find that, despite assurances from the employees that it was open and functional, it, too, was closed for the day.
All in all, it wasn't an expensive day, but considering that we couldn't use any of the facilities we intended to enjoy, it was a waste of time and money. We will not be going back.
