Fifty miles north of Midtown Manhattan, in the Hudson Highlands of Rockland County, a mountain shaped like a sleeping bear rises above the western bank of the Hudson River. Bear Mountain State Park — named for that profile — draws more than three million visitors a year, more than Yellowstone National Park, and the comparison surprises most people until they spend a day there and understand why.
A Prison That Became a Park
Bear Mountain’s origin story is one of the more unlikely in New York State history. In 1908, the state announced plans to relocate Sing Sing Prison to the site. Construction actually began. The land was purchased, a highland lake was renamed Hessian Lake, and it appeared the area’s fate was sealed. Then a coalition of wealthy conservationists stepped in, led by Mary Averell Harriman, wife of Union Pacific Railroad president E.H. Harriman. The group donated land, raised money, lobbied relentlessly, and stopped the prison. The partially built structure was demolished, a steamboat dock was built in its place, and the park opened in June 1913. By 1914, an estimated one million people a year were visiting.
The Revolutionary War in the Hudson Highlands
Long before the park existed, these ridgelines were strategic ground. The Hudson River was critical to both sides during the Revolution — control of the river meant control of supply lines between New England and the Mid-Atlantic colonies. In 1777, British forces routed Patriot defenders at Fort Clinton, whose earthwork remains can still be explored near the park’s southern edge today. The Appalachian Trail, which passes through the park, includes historical markers that trace the military significance of the landscape. Standing on these ridgelines, the tactical importance of the Hudson Highlands becomes immediately clear.
The Birthplace of the Appalachian Trail
Bear Mountain holds a singular place in American hiking history. The first section of the Appalachian Trail ever constructed opened here on October 7, 1923, running south toward the Delaware Water Gap. It served as the model for the entire 2,100-plus-mile trail that eventually stretched from Georgia to Maine. Today, six miles of the AT wind through the park. One well-known quirk: the Trailside Museums and Zoo, through which the trail passes, sits at the lowest elevation point on the entire Appalachian Trail. Thru-hikers walk through a zoo.
Trails and Hiking
The Bear Mountain Loop Trail is the park’s signature hike — approximately four miles with about 1,100 feet of elevation gain, combining rocky scrambles, stone steps, and sweeping Hudson Valley views at the summit. The summit stands at 1,305 feet, and the position above the river delivers panoramas into four states on clear days: New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania. The Manhattan skyline is visible to the south.
Hikers should be aware that Bear Mountain’s trail network is still recovering from severe flooding damage caused by storms in July 2023. As of early 2026, many trails are open, but sections near the Bear Mountain Inn — including portions of the Appalachian Trail, Major Welch Trail, and Suffern-Bear Mountain Trail — remain under construction with detours in place through summer 2027. A $3 million capital restoration project is actively reopening additional trails in the Doodletown area. Visitors should check the NYS Parks website for the current trail closure map before planning a hike.
Perkins Memorial Tower and Drive
At the summit, Perkins Memorial Tower — built in 1934 and named for the first president of the Palisades Interstate Park Commission — extends the already impressive views. Perkins Memorial Drive, a scenic road to the summit constructed largely by hand during Depression-era public works programs, is open from April through late November, weather permitting, and provides an alternative for visitors who want summit views without the climb.
The Trailside Museums and Zoo
The Trailside Museums and Zoo houses native New York wildlife — black bears, white-tailed deer, river otters, raptors, and reptiles — all animals that were rescued and are unable to return to the wild. Alongside the zoo, four small museums cover geology, natural history, and the colonial and Indigenous history of the Hudson Highlands. The Nature Study Museum dates to 1921 and was originally developed with exhibits from the American Museum of Natural History.
Hessian Lake and Seasonal Activities
Hessian Lake sits at the heart of the park’s activity hub. Paddleboat rentals are available in warmer months, the outdoor swimming pool operates from Memorial Day through Labor Day, and the outdoor ice rink runs from late October through mid-March. The hand-carved Merry-Go-Round — featuring animals native to the park and painted panels depicting Bear Mountain’s landscapes — is a park fixture that tends to delight visitors of all ages.
Dining at Bear Mountain
Restaurant 1915 inside the Bear Mountain Inn has been recognized as one of the best restaurants in any American park. The kitchen emphasizes local sourcing and farm-to-table preparation with global influences. The Hiker’s Cafe offers a more casual option, and the Stand10 concession operates outdoors through the warmer months.
Where to Stay
The Bear Mountain Inn, listed on the National Register of Historic Places and recognized among America’s top historic hotels, offers guest rooms in its landmark 1915 stone building. The Overlook Lodge provides a quieter alternative nearby. The historic Stone Cottages — six-room lodges with fireplaces and lake views — are a popular choice for visitors who want to wake up inside the park. Rates typically range from $200 to $300 per night depending on season; weekend availability fills quickly, particularly in fall.
Planning Your Visit
Bear Mountain State Park is open year-round from dawn to dusk. The park entrance fee is charged per vehicle; the Empire Pass ($80 annually) provides unlimited day-use access to most New York State parks. The most direct route from New York City is Palisades Parkway North to Route 202 West. Metro-North’s Port Jervis Line serves Tuxedo, with connecting bus service available on select weekends.
Fall is widely considered the best season to visit, with dramatic foliage color across the Hudson Highlands. Weekday visits during shoulder seasons offer a calmer experience. Arriving early on weekend mornings is strongly advised during peak periods.