Bear Mountain State Park is a Hudson Highlands destination in Bear Mountain, New York, known for outdoor recreation and views around the Hudson River.
- Location: Palisades Parkway or Route 9W North, Bear Mountain, NY 10911
- Park hours: Open daily
- Trail details: The park map gives the bike path as two miles and the Suffern-Bear Mountain trail as 2.7 miles
Getting to Bear Mountain State Park from Stony Point
From Budget Motor Inn- Stony Point, Bear Mountain State Park is about a six-minute drive. The property offers a two-star motel stay in Stony Point. The park is at Palisades Parkway or Route 9W North, Bear Mountain, NY 10911.
On the Palisades Interstate Parkway, take Exit 19 for Bear Mountain State Park, then follow Seven Lakes Drive for 3½ miles to Bear Mountain Circle. Take the second right and follow the signs to the parking lots.
If you miss Exit 19, continue to Bear Mountain Bridge Circle and take the first right onto Route 9W south. At the traffic light, bear right and continue up the hill. New York State Parks provides these directions.
For a broader local plan, a one-day Stony Point itinerary combines history and outdoor stops.
Trails and outdoor activities
Bear Mountain State Park has a two-mile bike path and a 2.7-mile section of the Suffern-Bear Mountain trail, according to the official park map.
Trail access can change. Before choosing a route, consult the park’s trail-closure map to see which trails and areas are accessible. Leashed dogs are allowed only in permitted areas; the leash must be no longer than six feet. Dogs are not allowed in buildings, picnic areas, bathing areas, on walkways, or in Trailside Museum and Wildlife Center.
For current access and maintenance or weather-related closure information, check the official site before you go.
Views around the park
The park’s setting in the Hudson Highlands puts wooded slopes and the Hudson River in the landscape. The nearby Bear Mountain Bridge is another outdoor landmark in the area, with viewpoints and crossing details covered in this guide to Bear Mountain Bridge.
Parking, fees and seasonal access
The official park map gives the vehicle-use fee as $10 per car and warns that fees and times can change. Buses need a permit before arrival, with at least two weeks allowed to request the permit packet.
Perkins Memorial Drive and Tower are open from April 1 through November 30, weather permitting. Check current seasonal access and fees before setting out.
If you are planning around admission costs, the details in this guide to Bear Mountain State Park tickets and fees can help you prepare.
Facilities and visitor planning
Trailside Museums and Zoo has seasonal opening hours, and the official park map suggests a donation of $1 per person. The pool and merry-go-round also have seasonal schedules and separate admission charges.
Trailside Museums and Zoo hours are 10:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. from April through October and 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. from November through March; it is closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Check the official site for current hours.
The general-information number is (845) 786-2701. Bus fees are $60 for a 501(c)(3) group with proof of certification and $100 for a non-501(c)(3) group. Groups of 50 or more without a bus permit need a picnic permit before arrival.
Nearby stops for a longer outing
The Bear Mountain Bridge gives the area another landmark to include in a longer outing. You can also plan time in Stony Point around the state park visit, using the one-day itinerary’s history and outdoor stops to shape the day.
FAQs
When is Bear Mountain State Park open?
Open daily. The park is open year-round from dawn to dusk. Some facilities and roads have their own seasonal schedules.
How long is the Suffern-Bear Mountain trail?
The official park map gives the trail length as 2.7 miles. Check the park’s trail-closure map for current access.
Are dogs allowed at Bear Mountain State Park?
Dogs must be leashed, with a leash no longer than six feet. Several areas, including buildings, picnic areas and walkways, do not allow dogs.