Hiking in Bear Mountain State Park
Season
Spring through fall is ideal, but it’s open year-round
Skill level
All skill levels welcome
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Only 50 miles north of NYC is an outdoor adventurer’s wonderland
Just up the Hudson River, on land that was originally slated to house a relocated Sing Sing in 1908, are Harriman and Bear Mountain State Parks. Because of the success of conservationists seeking to keep the prison away, the land is now home to a wealth of trails, an outdoor ice rink (in winter), a zoo, Bear Mountain Inn and countless other outdoor attractions for the whole family. On either side of the Hudson are stunning views of the Purple Heart Memorial Bridge with the historic Revolutionary War-era Fort Clinton to the west and Anthony’s Nose to the east
Most popular packages and classes in Bear Mountain
The General’s Fortress
This is a perfect chance to get acquainted with the Hudson Valley’s historical importance during the Revolutionary War. After arriving in Bear Mountain State Park, you’ll be on a guided 3-mile hike on the 1777 Trail — a trail dating back almost 250 years. After the hike, you’ll have a farm-to-table lunch at the Bear Mountain Inn, followed by a private tour of West Point, farther north up the Hudson.
Historical Hikes at Bear Mountain
With the Bear Mountain Inn as your starting point, discover awesome hikes at Dunderberg Mountain, Popolopen Gorge, West Mountain, and Bald Mountain. With hikes available for all skill levels, ranging from 5 to 6 miles, spend a day with an NYS licensed hiking guide and get the most out of the Hudson Valley!
Don’t let the paved road to Bear Mountain’s summit fool you!
While some weekend tourists may take the ‘easy’ route to get to Perkins Tower at the summit, doing so the old-fashioned way, on foot, is worth it — this way you get to stop and smell the proverbial roses. Bear Mountain is also home to the oldest section of the Appalachian Trail, a section of which has over 1,000 stone steps, all leading to the summit. Fun fact, no machines were used in this part of the trail’s construction! So whether you hike the AT or explore other trails within the park, like Major Welch Trail or Timp-Torne Trail further in at Doodletown, there’s plenty to discover weekend after weekend. And, hey, on a clear day you can see NYC from the top!
Who should go hiking at Bear Mountain?
The park has so much to offer that even resistant hikers will find something to enjoy. It’s an easy way to get out of the city and escape the concrete jungle — if only for a day!
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