Bear Mountain Bridge crosses the Hudson River between Bear Mountain in Orange County and the Peekskill/Fort Montgomery area in Westchester County. It carries U.S.
Routes 6 and 202, and its sidewalks and park connections make it a notable stop on a drive through the lower Hudson Valley. From Budget Motor Inn- Stony Point, Bear Mountain State Park is about a 6-minute drive; the motel offers rooms for your Stony Point visit.
- Bridge length: 2,255 feet, including a 1,631-foot main span.
- Pedestrians use the sidewalks; cyclists use the roadway shoulders or dismount and walk.
- Eastbound tolls apply; westbound traffic is not tolled.
- The west end meets Bear Mountain Bridge Circle, where Route 9W, the Palisades Interstate Parkway and Route 6 meet.
Where is Bear Mountain Bridge?
Bear Mountain Bridge spans the Hudson River between Bear Mountain and the Peekskill/Fort Montgomery area. The New York State Bridge Authority operates the bridge, which opened to traffic on Thanksgiving Day, November 27, 1924. At the time, its suspended span was the world’s longest.
The bridge is 2,255 feet long, with a 1,631-foot main span. Its west end meets Bear Mountain Bridge Circle, where Route 9W, the Palisades Interstate Parkway and Route 6 come together. That junction helps orient a drive between the bridge and the surrounding parkland.
Where can you view Bear Mountain Bridge?
The bridge’s sidewalks provide a way to cross on foot and see the Hudson River from the structure. The New York State Bridge Authority directs pedestrians to use the sidewalks; cyclists should ride on the roadway shoulders or dismount and walk their bikes on a sidewalk.
The bridge is also an original segment of the Appalachian Trail. Its setting links the river crossing with the surrounding landscape, but the facts here do not establish access to separate public viewing areas. Plan around the marked routes and follow posted directions at the bridge.
What are the Bear Mountain Bridge tolls?
The New York State Bridge Authority toll schedule gives Class 1 vehicles—cars, pickups and motorcycles with two axles and a height under 7 feet 6 inches—a toll of $1.65 with E-ZPass or $2.15 by Tolls by Mail. Tolls are collected eastbound only, so westbound traffic is not tolled.
A passenger-vehicle commuter plan costs $1.40 per trip for drivers making at least 17 trips each month; there is no Tolls by Mail commuter-plan rate. For two-axle vehicles over 7 feet 6 inches, the toll is $6.10 with E-ZPass or $8.00 by Tolls by Mail. Check the official site before you go, since toll schedules can change.
How can you pair the bridge with nearby parks?
The bridge connects visitors with Bear Mountain State Park, and it was built in part to connect parks in the lower Hudson Valley. From the bridge, you can continue your outing into the park; a guide to Bear Mountain State Park’s trails and views can help with planning that part of the day.
The New York State Bridge Authority acquired the bridge on September 26, 1940, and operates it.
For a broader local itinerary, Stony Point’s historic site and outdoor destinations offer another way to shape a day in the area. The one-day Stony Point itinerary brings together history and outdoor stops.
What should you know about bridge and viewpoint safety?
Use the sidewalks if you cross on foot, and keep cyclists on the roadway shoulders or walking their bikes on the sidewalk. The Bridge Authority’s directions distinguish these options, so choose the one that matches how you are crossing.
For tolls and bridge guidance, use the Authority’s official information when planning your crossing.
FAQs
Does Bear Mountain Bridge have sidewalks?
Yes. It has sidewalks on both sides, and pedestrians are directed to use them.
Which direction pays the toll on Bear Mountain Bridge?
Tolls are collected eastbound only. Westbound traffic is not tolled.
What roads meet at the west end of the bridge?
Bear Mountain Bridge Circle connects Route 9W, the Palisades Interstate Parkway and Route 6.
When did Bear Mountain Bridge open?
The bridge opened to traffic on Thanksgiving Day, November 27, 1924. Its suspended span was the world’s longest at the time.