Bear Mountain State Park
Park Overview:
Bear Mountain State Park is one of the paramount attractions in the Hudson Highlands region, offering both family-related activities and ample hiking trails, many with scenic views.
Park Description:
Bear Mountain State Park
The park is a destination for many families attracted to Bear Mountain Inn, the Trailside Museums and Zoo, a merry-go-round, boating on Hessian Lake, pedestrian walkways, a skating rink, an outdoor pool, open playing fields, a bike path, accessible nature trails, seasonal festivals, Perkins Tower, and nearby Fort Montgomery State Historic Site. The Inn is an architectural jewel built in 1915 in a distinctive rustic style. There are several large parking areas, but they will quickly fill on days -- especially weekends -- when special events are scheduled.
Its popularity is helped by the fact Bear Mountain SP is only 45 miles from New York City. The U.S. Geological Survey states Bear Mountain is one of the most frequently visited park sites in the United States, with total numbers rivaling those of Yellowstone National Park. Yet hikers will find solitude on trails leading into the woods and up the mountain slopes away from the attractions in the immediate areas near the Inn and Perkins Tower.
At 1,305 feet, Bear Mountain is the highest of several mountains in this park on the western shore of the Hudson River near West Point Military Academy. Other mountains in the park include Dunderberg Mountain and West Mountain; all are part of the Hudson Highlands and constitute one of the most picturesque topographical features of the eastern states. At one point in geological time mountains in this range were 10,000 feet high. Fortunately for hikers, they are still rugged at their reduced height. Striking evidences of glaciations are the abundant bedrock surfaces that were scratched, polished, or grooved by rock debris carried by Ice Age glaciers. Erratic boulders -- some of immense size -- were carried south from the Catskills and elsewhere. Left behind when the glaciers melted, they are widely distributed throughout Bear Mountain State Park and the much larger Harriman State Park just to its south.
Harriman State Park is contiguous to Bear Mountain State Park. The boundary between the two parks is not marked on the ground; the two parks are managed as one unit and are generally thought of by the public as a single park. Together, they constitute 52,000 acres of parkland, with over 235 miles of marked trails. See Harriman—Bear Mountain State Parks webpage.
Trails Overview:
A trail map set published by the Trail Conference (TC) for the combined parks is available for purchase. Use the Web Map link on this site for a view of trails covering only Bear Mountain SP.
One of the biggest attractions of Bear Mountain State Park is hiking; this is also an especially historic place to enjoy the outdoors.
The very first segment of the Appalachian Trail (white 2" x 3" blaze), from Bear Mountain Bridge to Arden, was completed in 1923. The lowest point along the AT is 124 feet above sea level at the Trailside Historical Museum in the zoo (just to the west of the Bear Mountain Bridge.) This section of the AT, stretching from the main parking area near the Inn through the zoo, is wheelchair accessible. Today an 18 mile segment passes through Bear Mountain-Harriman State Parks from Bear Mountain Inn west to NJ 17 and Arden Valley Road. At 2,175 miles, the AT is now one of the longest blazed foot trails in the world.
Read information about the Trail Conference's Bear Mountain Trails Project.
The “Bicentennial Trails” were blazed in 1975 for the bicentennial celebration to commemorate the strategically important military events occurring in the Hudson Highlands during the American Revolution. The 1777 Trail (blazed red “1777” on round white tag, 10.6 miles) and the 1779 Trail (blazed blue “1779” on round white tab, 8.5 miles) follow routes by British and American troops during the Revolutionary War.
- The 1777E Trail (Fort Clinton branch), one of three 1777 Trail segments, travels south and then west from the main parking lots ending, in 2.3 miles, near the abandoned hamlet of Doodletown -- which has its own fascinating history.
- A 1779 Trail trailhead is located at Fort Montgomery Historic Site, across the Popolopen Creek where separate parking is available. The 1777W and 1779 trails are co-aligned here.
The Major Welch Trail (blazed red ring on white, 2.6 miles) ascends Bear Mountain’s north slope; its trailhead is a little south of Hessian Lake and travels to the east of the lake. The trail was named in 1944 in memory of Major William A. Welch, the first general manager of the Palisades Interstate Park. Welch was basically responsible for launching Bear Mountain SP and Harriman SP trail networks. The trail ascends nearly 1,000 feet to terminate at the summit close to Perkins Memorial Tower where it meets the Appalachian Trail.
An online map produced by NYS parks (use on Contact Information on this site) identifies 16 trails in Bear Mountain SP, several extend into Harriman SP. They range in length from 0.2 mile to 6.5 miles, totaling just over 45 miles. Be aware when planning a hike with this map that distances are for Bear Mountain SP only.
- Looking for a hike? Click for a list of detailed descriptions in Harriman and Bear Mountain State Parks.
Park Acreage:
5067.00 acresMunicipality:
Bear Mountain/RocklandBear Mountain State Park is one of the paramount attractions in the Hudson Highlands region, offering both family-related activities and ample hiking trails, many with scenic views.
Bear Mountain State Park
The park is a destination for many families attracted to Bear Mountain Inn, the Trailside Museums and Zoo, a merry-go-round, boating on Hessian Lake, pedestrian walkways, a skating rink, an outdoor pool, open playing fields, a bike path, accessible nature trails, seasonal festivals, Perkins Tower, and nearby...
Park Acreage:
5067.00 acresMunicipality:
Bear Mountain/RocklandContact Information
Web Link:
OPRHP, Bear Mountain State ParkPhone:
(845) 786-2701Fees:
Some times and places; check with parkDogs in park:
Dogs on leashHike Checklist:
Whether you are going for a day hike or backpacking overnight, it is good practice to carry what we call The Hiking Essentials. These essentials will help you enjoy your outing more and will provide basic safety gear if needed. There may also be more essentials, depending on the season and your needs.
The Essentials
Hiking Shoes or Boots
Water - Two quarts per person is recommended in every season. Keep in mind that fluid loss is heightened in winter as well as summer. Don't put yourself in the position of having to end your hike early because you have run out of water.
Map - Know where you are and where you are going. Many of our hiking areas feature interconnecting network of trails. Use a waterproof/tear-resistant Tyvek Trail Conference map if available or enclose your map in a Ziplock plastic bag. If you have a mobile device, download Avenza’s free PDF Maps app and grab some GPS-enhanced Trail Conference maps (a backup Tyvek or paper version of the map is good to have just in case your batteries die or you don't have service). Check out some map-reading basics here.
Food - Snacks/lunch will keep you going as you burn energy walking or climbing. Nuts, seeds, and chocolate are favorites on the trail.
Sunscreen and insect repellent
Rain Gear and Extra Clothing - Rain happens. So does cold. Be prepared for changing weather. Avoid cotton--it traps water against your skin and is slow to dry. If you are wearing wet cotton and must return to your starting point, you risk getting chills that may lead to a dangerous hypothermia. Choose synthetic shirts, sweaters and/or vests and dress in layers for easy on and off.
Compass - A simple compass is all you need to orient you and your map to magnetic north.
Light - A flashlight or small, lightweight headlamp will be welcome gear if you find yourself still on the trail when darkness falls. Check the batteries before you start out and have extras in your pack.
First Aid Kit - Keep it simple, compact, and weatherproof. Know how to use the basic components.
Firestarter and Matches - In an emergency, you may need to keep yourself or someone else warm until help arrives. A firestarter (this could be as simple as leftover birthday candles that are kept inside a waterproof container) and matches (again, make sure to keep them in a waterproof container) could save a life.
Knife or Multi-tool - You may need to cut a piece of moleskin to put over a blister, repair a piece of broken equipment, or solve some other unexpected problem.
Emergency Numbers - Know the emergency numbers for the area you're going to and realize that in many locations--especially mountainous ones, your phone will not get reception.
Common Sense - Pay attention to your environment, your energy, and the condition of your companions. Has the weather turned rainy? Is daylight fading? Did you drink all your water? Did your companion fail to bring rain gear? Are you getting tired? Keep in mind that until you turn around you are (typically) only half-way to completing your hike--you must still get back to where you started from! (Exceptions are loop hikes.)
Check the weather forecast before you head out. Know the rules and regulations of the area.
The Leave No Trace Seven Principles
Plan Ahead and Prepare
- Know the regulations and special concerns for the area you'll visit.
- Prepare for extreme weather, hazards, and emergencies.
- Schedule your trip to avoid times of high use.
- Visit in small groups when possible. Consider splitting larger groups into smaller groups.
- Repackage food to minimize waste.
- Use a map and compass to eliminate the use of marking paint, rock cairns or flagging.
Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
- Durable surfaces include established trails and campsites, rock, gravel, dry grasses or snow.
- Protect riparian areas by camping at least 200 feet from lakes and streams.
- Good campsites are found, not made. Altering a site is not necessary.
- In popular areas:
- Concentrate use on existing trails and campsites.
- Walk single file in the middle of the trail, even when wet or muddy.
- Keep campsites small. Focus activity in areas where vegetation is absent.
- In pristine areas:
- Disperse use to prevent the creation of campsites and trails.
- Avoid places where impacts are just beginning.
- Pack it in, pack it out. Inspect your campsite and rest areas for trash or spilled foods. Pack out all trash, leftover food and litter.
- Deposit solid human waste in catholes dug 6 to 8 inches deep, at least 200 feet from water, camp and trails. Cover and disguise the cathole when finished.
- Pack out toilet paper and hygiene products.
- To wash yourself or your dishes, carry water 200 feet away from streams or lakes and use small amounts of biodegradable soap. Scatter strained dishwater.
- Preserve the past: examine, but do not touch cultural or historic structures and artifacts.
- Leave rocks, plants and other natural objects as you find them.
- Avoid introducing or transporting non-native species.
- Do not build structures, furniture, or dig trenches.
- Campfires can cause lasting impacts to the backcountry. Use a lightweight stove for cooking and enjoy a candle lantern for light.
- Where fires are permitted, use established fire rings, fire pans, or mound fires.
- Keep fires small. Only use sticks from the ground that can be broken by hand.
- Burn all wood and coals to ash, put out campfires completely, then scatter cool ashes.
- Observe wildlife from a distance. Do not follow or approach them.
- Never feed animals. Feeding wildlife damages their health, alters natural behaviors, and exposes them to predators and other dangers.
- Protect wildlife and your food by storing rations and trash securely.
- Control pets at all times, or leave them at home.
- Avoid wildlife during sensitive times: mating, nesting, raising young, or winter.
Be Considerate of Other Visitors
- Respect other visitors and protect the quality of their experience.
- Be courteous. Yield to other users on the trail.
- Step to the downhill side of the trail when encountering pack stock.
- Take breaks and camp away from trails and other visitors.
- Let nature's sounds prevail. Avoid loud voices and noises.
The Trail Conference is a 2015 Leave No Trace partner.
(c) Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics: www.LNT.org.