Bear Mountain State Park
Bear Mountain State Park
4.5
11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Monday
11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Tuesday
11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Wednesday
11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Thursday
11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Friday
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
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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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
642 reviews
Excellent
341
Very good
198
Average
58
Poor
23
Terrible
22
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 October 10, 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.
davidh400
New York City, NY129 contributions
Sep 2020
My wife and I along with our son hiked up the trail to the Perkins Tower on the summit of Bear Mountain this Fall and it was a truly meaningful experience. We have visited the Lodge and the grounds around Hessian Lake many many times, but this hike to the top is a trip you must take if you can physically handle it. It can be very strenuous so make sure your doc says it is ok for you! We took the steep and challenging route up the north side which involves some memorable and leg-straining climbs. This trail is just off the Hessian Lake paved path and quickly becomes a steep trail. Wear good hiking shoes! Great views as you ascend, so take your time and take deep breaths.
Written December 14, 2020
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.
rugbyref
Ardee, Ireland70 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
In the January sunshine this park is truely viewable. Spectacular scenery and quiet roads at this time give the visitor a chance to see the park at your leisure. We had a great day out and had anjce meal in the mountain restaurant.
Written January 20, 2020
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.
Twidlebug
New York City, NY7 contributions
Aug 2019 • Family
Packed some food and drinks and took the entire family for a fun day un the sun. Place is nice and clean and absolutely peaceful. Has a lake you can rent a pedal boat and just chill in the water or race with the kids.
Written March 5, 2020
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.
rrrrbecca
Nashville, TN60 contributions
Jul 2021
Bear Mountain State Park is a lovely place with lots to see and do. The weekends get too crowded, but weekdays aren't bad. The Trailside Museum and Zoo is nice place to visit. Paddleboats at the lake are nice, but be warned that you have to wear a lifejacket and they absolutely reek of body odor to the point it is difficult to enjoy the time on the water, and it didn't look like they are disinfected in any way between users (during the pandemic...)
Written July 29, 2021
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 October 9, 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.
Howard K
World136 contributions
Sep 2020
Always loved Bear Mountain State Park, a great getaway for decades. To get back to NYC, I always cross the Hudson at that Bridge ($1.65) instead of using the GWB ($14+) and getting stuck on the Cross Bronx Expressway.
In the past, I’ve hiked the Appalachian Trail segments and walked in the green.
However, haven’t been to the BM in area or the zoo in years. Went last weekend, and to my surprise, the facilities are quite run down. (Scenery is still great, though). Don’t expect any serenity or privacy. Bathrooms were dirty, paved trails (park side) were all busted up. Much restoration maintenance is needed.
Still it is a day in the woods. Will try the park again in the winter when the It is cover in a beautiful layer of snow.
In the past, I’ve hiked the Appalachian Trail segments and walked in the green.
However, haven’t been to the BM in area or the zoo in years. Went last weekend, and to my surprise, the facilities are quite run down. (Scenery is still great, though). Don’t expect any serenity or privacy. Bathrooms were dirty, paved trails (park side) were all busted up. Much restoration maintenance is needed.
Still it is a day in the woods. Will try the park again in the winter when the It is cover in a beautiful layer of snow.
Written October 4, 2020
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.
adventix
Boston, MA1,974 contributions
Sep 2024 • Family
We came here for a picnic and the Hessian Lake loop. The place was packed with visitors but it was still fun. The lake is nice and the loop (about 1.4 mile or 2.3 KM) is fully paved (accessible to strollers and wheelchairs). You can also rent a pedal boat for 30 minutes or an hour (reasonable price, deposit must be in cash).
Written September 2, 2024
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 June 23, 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 October 9, 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.
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.
Written May 18, 2022
Does the bus or train drop off near (walking distance) any of the lodging options near Bear Mountain State Park?
Written August 7, 2021
Odyssey15158511099
Merrick, New York
Is it small kid friendly? I travel to the Area often and always wonder if I can go with my kids.
Written January 23, 2021
Is there any bus service from Manhattan that goes here?
Written September 1, 2020
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!
Written September 2, 2020
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?
Written May 3, 2020
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.🥾
Written May 3, 2020
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 ?
Written October 7, 2019
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.
Written October 9, 2019
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!
Written September 9, 2019
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.
Written September 10, 2019
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