Bear Mountain State Park
Bear Mountain State Park
4.5
11:00 - 15:00
Monday
11:00 - 15:00
Tuesday
11:00 - 15:00
Wednesday
11:00 - 15:00
Thursday
11:00 - 15:00
Friday
11:00 - 17:00
Saturday
11:00 - 17:00
Sunday
11:00 - 17:00
About
Escape New York City’s hectic pace on a day trip to this beautiful park, where you can picnic in the summer, ice skate in the winter, and trek year-round. Stay overnight at a lakeside cabin to explore the hiking trails (over 200 miles!) within the park. Go canoeing or paddle boating in Hessian Lake and see rehabilitated wild animals at the Trailside Zoo. Located less than 50 miles from the Big Apple, Bear Mountain gets jam-packed with New Yorkers on weekends, so visit during the week if you get the chance. Tickets are required to be admitted into the park. – Tripadvisor
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4.5
639 reviews
Excellent
340
Very good
196
Average
58
Poor
23
Terrible
22
Kiera
Montclair, NJ15 contributions
Sept 2022 • Couples
LOVE the stone cabins here, the insides aren’t the most beautiful things in the world but on principle i love getting to stay in a little stone house in the woods so it’s ok. the lake is beautiful and there’s tons of nice walking/hiking paths to choose from.
Written 17 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kzoogirlnowboston
Boston, MA20 contributions
Jul 2023 • Solo
Bear mountain state park and Spa is a must! It's such a beautiful property with several different trails of a variety of difficulties and scenes. There's a spa that is fine but the waiting room is freezing cold,so cold I could not hold my pen. But overall, it was a wonderful day and I would want to go back.
Written 11 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mat J
1 contribution
Oct 2022
Loud and noisy bikes and cars ruin a peaceful walk here. I was here in October and was surprised by the many cars and bikes roaring through this area with a total disregard for the many people who come here to enjoy nature, the views, and try to escape the hectic and noisy city. With the exhaust noise traveling miles and echoing through the mountains, these people don't seem to realize or care about the many thousands of people who are unwillingly exposed to noise pollution they create during their trip. Unfortunately, police does not seem to have the capacity to enforce it. Hopefully acoustic noise cameras and heavy fines will one day deter this.
Written 12 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KvV25
Pretoria, South Africa17 contributions
Sept 2022
Beautiful area with lots to do - hiking, fishing, paddle boats, etc.
We took our own picnic to enjoy while my husband fished. The walk to the pier was very interesting as well. Unfortunately, the only bears we saw was in an enclosure. There was lots of wildlife though.
We took our own picnic to enjoy while my husband fished. The walk to the pier was very interesting as well. Unfortunately, the only bears we saw was in an enclosure. There was lots of wildlife though.
Written 6 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ann Marie O
1 contribution
Oct 2022
Not worth it. Very badly organized. 30 min wait in line off the freeway to pay the $15 to get in the parking lot as only one booth open, then once you get in there was 30-40 min wait in every line to get a beer then 30-40 min wait to get food as only one person taking money in each line!!! Very easily fixed but no one seemed to be overseeing or managing the event. Waist of a good day out.
Written 10 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lady
1 contribution
Oct 2022 • Family
Octoberfest in bear mountain by exit 17 is not worth of going if you have family , kids . The only good thing is the beer and music , that’s it , food is not good poor quality food with very little flavor . The sausage tasted like cheap hot dog that’s you get in shop rite , nothing to do besides drinking and listening to the music . Two stations for poor food and the shaved ice truck my kid got all messy after that ( I would not recommend ) no place to clean up after no bathroom s or wash your hands . After spending 30 min there we went to bear mountain loge and park witch is 7 min away and we had more fun over there . So I don’t recommend octoberfest for family s . Nothing to do there besides drinking !
Written 9 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paul A
1 contribution
Oct 2022
The overall setup is very poorly done. To get in from the highway was a 40-minute wait in the car, just on the ramp because they have only one booth collecting money, and allowing credit card payments slowing it down. Once inside the lines for food and beer were again 30-40 minutes long. Water and soda are sold at the same tables that beer is so it is a 40 minute line just to get a bottle of water. The food and beer are good (so is the music), but not worth the waits. Also, despite assurances on the website, there is very little for children of any age to do. Good idea, very poorly executed
Written 9 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sanjeev_Sharma
New Jersey833 contributions
Jul 2022
looking for some boating adventure .. visit the hessian lake for a paddle boat adventure.
you also have picnic ground to chill or if you one of those who like to adventure out go for hike
you also have picnic ground to chill or if you one of those who like to adventure out go for hike
Written 15 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sabelle Deng
Chatham, NJ112 contributions
Jul 2022 • Friends
Very good place for friends and family, specially for picnic and hiking! Highly recommended, you will feel the atmosphere even before you park…then you will like the lake and peaceful!
Written 24 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Charmaine wilson-Eze
2 contributions
May 2022 • Friends
A beautiful park, with canoing, pools, a small zoo, and a lake with canoing, which was not open as we visited in early May. It also has many hiking trails. It was my first hiking trip so we used the white trail. It was not difficult and had many beautiful scenic overlook and rest areas. The peak was phenomenal! So peaceful and humbling!
Written 23 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stay328413
Brooklyn, NY4 contributions
Is there any shuttle or taxi service, or any other service that takes you to the top of bear mountain where the lookout is? My wife has bad knees and can't hike up there, but we don't own a car.
Jamal G
Brooklyn, NY34 contributions
Does the bus or train drop off near (walking distance) any of the lodging options near Bear Mountain State Park?
Odyssey15158511099
Merrick, NY
Is it small kid friendly? I travel to the Area often and always wonder if I can go with my kids.
Susan B
New York City, NY3 contributions
Yes it is.
Gina D
Jersey City, NJ2 contributions
Is there any bus service from Manhattan that goes here?
Susan B
New York City, NY3 contributions
I was told Coach USA used to go there, but with current Covid circumstances that may have changed. Check w Coach USA or take metro north to Peekskill and then get a cab or Uber, which is what I did. Good luck!
GeanCarlo204
West New York, NJ10 contributions
Has anyone been there recently? I know they’re opened but I want to know what kind of activities you could do there with this virus going around.
Are bathrooms opened?
rugbyref
Ardee, Ireland66 contributions
I'd love to help. I live in Ireland so I'm currently not aware of what is happening. I suggest googling the park and map a trail. If you trek on your own you should be fine. I wouldn't worry about bathrooms so.🥾
Jenn C
Pompton Lakes, NJ21 contributions
I'm arriving this weekend via a fall foliage cruise. The boat lets us off at the boat dock. Is there a place to get food while we are at Bear Mountain that is walkable ?
callme
Monroe, NY119 contributions
I really believe your best option is to carry in a picnic luncheon unless the boat provides for food. There may be food up the path as indicated but it is apt to be expensive and medium quality. The Inn is focused on their Octoberfest services off site at the Anthony Wayne Parking area significant distance from your planned locale.
Kayla
West Melbourne, FL688 contributions
What's the walk/trail like to the zoo? I've read that it's about a 20 minute walk from the parking area to the zoo, and assume it's a pretty easy walk since many are likely to be visiting with children but wanted to make sure. I have asthma and sometimes have issues with elevation gains. Thanks in advance!
sharon m
Hyde Park, NY236 contributions
The walk from the picnic area to the zoo may be challenging for you. There are stairs and ramps but it’s a workout and does take a while. I’ve definitely been to places much easier to maneuver.
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Claim your listingBEAR MOUNTAIN STATE PARK: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Bear Mountain State Park
- Hotels near Bear Mountain State Park:
- (1.05 km) Bear Mountain Inn
- (1.19 km) Bear Mountain Inn & Overlook Lodge
- (3.89 km) The Hudson River Crest B&B
- (11.55 km) Rushmore Estate
- (5.35 km) Overlook on Hudson
- Restaurants near Bear Mountain State Park:
- (1.07 km) Restaurant 1915 and Blue Roof Tapas Bar
- (5.65 km) Table 9
- (3.59 km) Barnstormer Barbeque
- (12.21 km) Moo Moo's Creamery
- (10.37 km) Cosimo's Brick Oven
- Attractions near Bear Mountain State Park:
- (0.19 km) Perkins Memorial Tower
- (7.68 km) West Point Tours
- (1.04 km) Trailside Museum & Zoo
- (1.05 km) Bear Mountain Trading Company
- (7.69 km) Frederic V. Malek West Point Visitors Center