#BEAR MOUNTAIN STATE PARK FREE#

This is the same scenic drive that takes you to the top of the park, and this particular trail cuts through that road and also takes you to the top. This trail is found off the scenic drive (Perkins Memorial Drive). 3) Appalachian National Scenic trail (1 mile): Note: These 2 trails are basically taking you around different sides of Bear Mountain, but all end up at the same point: Perkins Tower. The hike will also take you to Perkins Tower. You will pass the popular Bear Mountain Inn on your way. This is another popular trail in Bear Mountain State Park that starts on the north west side of Hessian Lake. This is the most popular hike in the entire park. You will cross about a mile of the Appalachian trail when you take this path. You will have to make a right turn around 1 mile in and continue to the top of the mountain (to reach Perkins Memorial Tower). It’s on the southern side of the park (right by the ice rink) and you can follow the signs to Perkins Tower from there. 1) Bear Mountain hike trail (1-2 mile hike): If you choose to do the trails to the top of the park, you can get great views of Purple Hear Memorial Bridge, the Hudson River Valley and other cool spots around it. Trails that take you up to Perkins Tower (top of Bear Mountain) and trails that go to other parts of the park. There’s said to be dozens, but in most cases, there are about 4 major hiking trails around the park for most people to take. 2) Here are the most popular hiking trails in Bear Mountain State Park: This is especially a great activity to check out during autumn season as the colors in this park are spectacular to see, whether from the lake (or the top of the mountain). There is a path that goes around the entire lake which you can take if you just want to do a nice stroll around the park and get great views of Bear Mountain.

#BEAR MOUNTAIN STATE PARK FREE#

One thing I would suggest is that if you come here, to do so on in the early hours as this park is very popular and you may need to wait in line for pedal boards to free up.Īnother option you can do is to just walk around the lake (as you can see from the picture to the right). If you enjoy water sports or just lake exploring, this is something you’re going to want to do. There is a boating dock called Hessian dock which rents out pedal boards. One of the most popular things to do in Bear Mountain State Park is to check out the main lake (Hessian Lake). 1) Pedal board around Hessian Lake (or walk around it): Yes, there are many family friendly activities inside there. Is Bear Mountain State Park family friendly? In my opinion no, but there are many parks right by Bear Mountain that are. Yes, but it’s usually uncommon to see them, especially during the day and in the areas where you have a lot of people packed together. No, Bear Mountain State Park opens 8 a.m every day and closes at sunset. These 5 activities really encompass pretty much everything you can do in Bear Mountain State Park.īut before I get to the details (especially the hiking trails you need to know about), let me cover some important stuff about this place you should know before going: What you need to know before you visit Bear Mountain State Park: Is Bear Mountain State Park open 24-7?

Check out the Bear Mountain Dock (great views).Explore the many amenities (zoo, ice rink, carousel, ect…).Do the scenic drive up to Perkins Memorial Tower.

Try one of the 4 major hiking trails in Bear Mountain State Park.

Pedal Board around Hessian Lake (or take a walk around it).

So here it is: The 5 best things to do in Bear Mountain State Park: I’ve been to Bear Mountain State Park twice and the truth is depending on who you ask about it, some will say it’s one of the most overrated parks to visit and there’s better spots nearby, or others will just give you general stuff about having a picnic or hiking. If you’re wondering about the best things to do at Bear Mountain State Park, the truth is, there’s a lot, but in this post, I want to share with you 5 specific activities to make your trip here worthwhile, whether you plan on going yourself or with family and friends (as this place has activities for everyone).

Bear mountain state park