Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

Bear Mountain State Park

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Park Conditions Update

Many trail closures still remain in effect.

For further information, please visit : https://parks.ny.gov/documents/parks/BearMountainBearMountainTrailClosuresMap.pdf

Address
Palisades Parkway or Route 9W North
Bear Mountain, NY 10911
Latitude 41.31294
Longitude -73.98895

Know Before You Go...

More Info

Pet Policy

Dogs only, must be on a leash not more than 6 feet. Not allowed in buildings, picnic areas, bathing areas, on walkways or in the Trailside Museum and Wildlife Center.

Bear Mountain State Park is situated in rugged mountains rising from the west bank of the Hudson River. The park features a large play field, shaded picnic groves, lake and river fishing access, a swimming pool, Trailside Museums and Zoo, hiking, biking and cross-country ski trails. An outdoor rink is open to ice skaters from late October through mid-March. The Perkins Memorial Tower atop Bear Mountain affords spectacular views of the park, the Hudson Highlands and Harriman State Park. Perkins Memorial Drive and Tower are open from April through late November, weather permitting.

The Merry-Go-Round at Bear Mountain State Park features hand painted scenes of the park an 42 hand carved seats of native animals including black bear, wild turkey, deer, raccoon, skunk, Canada goose, fox, swan, bobcat, rabbit and more. For general information and booking birthday parties at the Merry-Go-Round, please contact Guest Services at the Bear Mountain Inn at 845-786-2731.

Lodges:

Dogs only, must be on a leash not more than 6 feet. Not allowed in buildings, picnic areas, bathing areas, on walkways or in the Trailside Museum and Wildlife Center.

Mailing Address
PO Box 427
3006 Seven Lakes DriveBear Mountain, NY 10911

Hours of Operation

  • PARK HOURS
    Dawn to Dusk
    Open year round

  • TRAILSIDE MUSEUM & ZOO
    https://www.trailsidemuseumsandzoo.org

    April 1 - October 31
    10:00 AM - 4:30 PM

    November 1 - March 31
    10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

    Bears and coyotes go off exhibit 30 minutes prior to zoo closing time. Museums shut 15 minutes prior to zoo closing time.

  • BEAR MOUNTAIN POOL - 2024 Anticipated Swimming Season
    6/15/24 - 6/16/24 Weekend ONLY
    6/22/24 - 9/2/24 Weekdays & Weekends

    Weekdays:  10:00 AM - 5:30 PM, Last Admission at 5:00 PM

    Weekends:  11:00 AM - 6:30 PM, Last Admission at 6:00 PM

    Holidays:     10:00 AM - 6:30 PM, Last Admission at 6:00 PM

    *Last entry is 30 minutes before the pool closes

  • MERRY-GO-ROUND 
    Please contact Guest Services at the Bear Mountain Inn to confirm fees and hours of operation. 845-786-2731
  • PERKINS MEMORIAL DRIVE & TOWER
    April 1 - November 30,  weather permitting.

  • BOAT RENTALS
    Please contact Guest Services at the Bear Mountain Inn for fees and hours of operation at 845-786-2731 ext. 1000.
  • ICE RINK
    https://www.bearmountainicerink.org

    For public session hours and fees, and information on skate rentals and private rentals, please visit www.bearmountainicerink.org. Please also refer to their website before your visit to check if there has been an unscheduled closure for maintenance or inclement weather.

Fees & Rates

Most New York State Parks charge a vehicle use fee to enter the facility. Fees vary by location and season. A list of entry fees and other park use fees is available below. For fees not listed or to verify information, please contact the park directly.

The easy-to-use Empire Pass card is $80- and your key to all-season enjoyment with unlimited day-use entry at most facilities operated by State Parks and the State Dept. of Environmental Conservation including forests, beaches, trails and more. Purchase online or contact your favorite park for more information. Learn more about our Admission Programs including the Empire Pass.

  • VEHICLE USE FEE
  • $10.00 per vehicle *pool & other amenities additional

    Collected:

    Year-Round

    Weekends & Holidays 8:00-5:00 PM

    Weekdays 8:00-4:00 PM


  • BUS USE PERMIT
  • Bus groups visiting Bear Mountain must obtain bus permits well ahead of their intended date of outing. Please contact (845) 786-2702 ext. 2 for more information. Bear Mountain will not be accepting buses on weekends (Saturdays & Sundays) or holidays, from May through October 2024. 

    Bus Group Fee: $60.00
    On-Site Group Fee: $150.00

  • POOL ADMISSION
  • Pool Admission: FREE

  • MERRY-GO-ROUND
  • Please contact Guest Services at the Bear Mountain Inn for fees and hours of operation. 845-786-2731

  • TRAILSIDE MUSEUM & ZOO
  • No charge. Donations accepted. Suggested donation $1.00 per person (Cash Only).

  • BOAT RENTALS
  • Please contact Guest Services at the Bear Mountain Inn for fees and hours of operation. 845-786-2731

  • COMMERCIAL DOCKING - HUDSON RIVER
  • All boats require permits. Call Bear Mountain Office: 845-786-2701


  • ICE RINK
  • Public Skating:
    Admission - $5.00
    4 and under - Free
    Skate Rental (per pair) - $10.00
    Skate Sharpening - $10.00

    Private Rink Rental: $300/hr
    Those interested should please fill out the form available here, and return it to the office at least ten days prior to the requested date. With any questions, please call 845-786-2701, x266.

    Visit them at their website for additional information, holiday hours and any cancellations at www.bearmountainicerink.org

Key BCA Criteria:

- Waterfowl concentration site

- Migratory concentration site

- Diverse species concentration site

- Species at risk site

- Bird research site

The Iona Island/Doodletown BCA is located within the Bear Mountain and Harriman State Parks. The area includes one of the largest tidal wetlands in the Hudson River. The ecological importance of Iona Island has been recognized through designation as: Hudson River National Estuarine Research Reserve, Significant Coastal Fish and Wildlife Habitat Area, and National Natural Landmark. The Iona Island area is an approximately 270 acre tidal wetland that ranges from freshwater to brackish. It is dominated by narrow leaved cattail. Non-vegetated tidal flats, sub-tidal aquatic beds, and rocky uplands also occur. Tidal creek channels and a high gradient freshwater creek are also present. The Doodletown portion is largely a steep, rocky, undeveloped forest land that hosts a wide array of forest-nesting species, including rare warblers. The area as a whole provides highly valuable habitats for: marsh- nesting birds, waterfowl, warblers, shorebirds, eagles, amphibians, reptiles and fish spawning and nursery areas.

Listed species include Bald Eagle (threatened), Least Bittern (threatened), Cerulean Warbler (special concern), Golden-winged Warbler (special concern), Osprey (special concern), Northern Harrier (threatened) and Pied-billed Grebe (threatened). Other bird species using the Doodletown area include Hooded Warbler, Kentucky Warbler, Louisiana Waterthrush, and Acadian Flycatcher. Over 165 bird species have been observed within the Iona Island/Doodletown BCA.

Download a copy of the BCA map.

Sat 26 Oct
Boo at the Zoo
Saturday, October 26, 2024 10:30 AM - 03:00 PM
Bear Mountain State Park
Come to the bear den from 10:30 to 11:00 am to make bear treats, then watch the bears explore their den full of Halloween-themed enrichment at 11:00 a.m. Learn about vultures, owls, bears & other animals. Family friendly activities –pumpkin decorating, matching games & crafts. Wear your favorite not-so-spooky Halloween costume! Rain date Oct. 27th

Location: Trailside Museums & Zoo
Sat 21 Dec
Beary Merry Holiday
Saturday, December 21, 2024 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Bear Mountain State Park
Come to the Bear Den at 10:30 to make tasty snacks for the black bears. Celebrate the holiday season at 11:00 when the bears come out to unwrap their gift boxes full of delicious treats! Bear Mountain also offers a day of fun at ice rink, merry-go-round & on the many hiking trails! Rain/snow date Dec. 22nd

Location: Trailside Museums & Zoo

Amenities Information

  • Amenities
  • Biking
  • Boat Rentals (Accessible)
  • Campsites, Cabins & Lodging * see "Resources and Links"
  • Fishing (Accessible)
  • Food (Accessible)
  • Gift Shop (Accessible)
  • Hiking
  • Ice Skating (Accessible) * see “Resources and Links”
  • Nature Center
  • Playgrounds
  • Playing Fields (Accessible)
  • Snowshoeing/X-Country Skiing
  • Swimming Pool
  • Visitor Center (Accessible) * see “Resources and Links”