Perkins Memorial Tower
Perkins Memorial Tower
4.7
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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.
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4.7
72 reviews
Excellent
54
Very good
16
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
2
RICART75
Peru, IN2,514 contributions
Apr 2024 • Couples
First of all, the road up to and back from the Tower, offers some wonderful views itself.
The area around the Tower, however, is the real reward for the trip up. The views of the Hudson River Valley are magnificent.
Being late April, the site was not very crowded; allowing for leisurely moving about, and multiple opportunities to find seating at prime vantage points.
Even though we have mobility issues; we were able to make our way to the top of the Tower, and enjoy the spectacular views provided there (being off-season, we could slowly negotiate the 4 flights of stairs; read the information on each level, and not be an impediment to others).
Experiencing this area, along with an afternoon high-tea at the Park's Inn; was an excellent start to our 10 day exploration of the Hudson River Valley.
The area around the Tower, however, is the real reward for the trip up. The views of the Hudson River Valley are magnificent.
Being late April, the site was not very crowded; allowing for leisurely moving about, and multiple opportunities to find seating at prime vantage points.
Even though we have mobility issues; we were able to make our way to the top of the Tower, and enjoy the spectacular views provided there (being off-season, we could slowly negotiate the 4 flights of stairs; read the information on each level, and not be an impediment to others).
Experiencing this area, along with an afternoon high-tea at the Park's Inn; was an excellent start to our 10 day exploration of the Hudson River Valley.
Written June 20, 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.
Imliooper
United Kingdom1,862 contributions
Oct 2024 • Family
Named after George Wallbrdge Perkins, the tower atop Bear Mountain, commemorates his involvement with the Palisades Interstate Commission.
We got access on our second attempt. At the first, the Rangers had shut the gate to go up Perkins Memorial Drive, saying it was packed to capacity. But we drove around on Bear Mountain. That in itself was a worthwhile experience because there quite a few scenic viewpoints. On our second approach later that afternoon, the gate was open and we were rewarded by the amazing sights of fantastic Fall colours with the Hudson River and the New York skyline on the horizon.
Being the Saturday of the weekend it was not surprising there were a lot of cars and people around.
It was a fun view from atop Bear Mountain.
We got access on our second attempt. At the first, the Rangers had shut the gate to go up Perkins Memorial Drive, saying it was packed to capacity. But we drove around on Bear Mountain. That in itself was a worthwhile experience because there quite a few scenic viewpoints. On our second approach later that afternoon, the gate was open and we were rewarded by the amazing sights of fantastic Fall colours with the Hudson River and the New York skyline on the horizon.
Being the Saturday of the weekend it was not surprising there were a lot of cars and people around.
It was a fun view from atop Bear Mountain.
Written October 29, 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.
davidh400
New York City, NY126 contributions
Sep 2020
After a 2 hour challenging climb on the Major Welch trail, we reached the summit of Bear Mountain and the Perkins Tower, and our reward was the incredible views below us. On the rocks just a few dozen yards from the tower itself, you can spread out for a picnic and take in the glorious forested hills below you as well as the stretch of the Hudson going south and north. And then there are the views of the Bear Mountain bridge!
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.
Lolly’s Look
New York City, NY14,902 contributions
Apr 2020 • Couples
The scenic Panoramic views are beautiful. It’s a great drive from the city to see the Hudson and enjoy some fresh air.
Written May 13, 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.
2jerseyfrogs
63 contributions
Oct 2016 • Couples
The tower gives awesome views to the whole Hudson area. The problem is that you will be the only one speaking english, which is a shame. The rocks are a great place for pictures but trying to navigate the area is impossible due to the non-english speaking individuals not caring about watching their children and you not being able to converse with them. These individuals block the narrow roads and walk 3 abreast in the roadways making travel twice as long. If you want to speak and be understood in the english language, don't visit here!
Written October 29, 2016
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 C
New City, NY121 contributions
Sep 2019 • Family
My family and I love the views here. I really like flying my drone. The footage is amazing. That’s become harder as of late though. Check local laws. You really can’t beat the views though.
Written March 29, 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.
capngrey
White Plains, NY37 contributions
Nov 2019
The drive through Seven Lakes Drive is worth the trip! The lakes are beautiful and the drive is relaxing.
Written November 5, 2019
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.
Art K
Monroe, NY136 contributions
May 2019 • Friends
Perkins Memorial Tower was built in 1934 and is part of Bear Mountain. There are two ways to access the summit, the first is to drive and the second is to hike. Either way the view is stunning.The Perkins tower is 4 stories and you can view 360 degrees up and down the Hudson Valley. When ever friends stop by I always take them to Perkins to demonstrate that New York is more than NYC. In addition there is a dead end road that offers beautiful views of the Hudson River and The Bear Mountain Bridge. On a clear day, you can actually see NYC. Because the roads get icy, Perkins is closed during winter months.
Written June 16, 2019
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.
Christine15
Media, PA673 contributions
Jun 2016
We did the hike from Bear Mountain Inn on the recommendation of the desk attendant. The hike up to the tower is steep, rocky and can be slippery if wet. The views were worth it as you can see the Manhattan skyline from the top with majestic views of the Hudson. You could do the hike in reverse- seemed easier and just come back down the way you came up. We saw a lot of people doing just that on our descent with kids so looked easier. It was more crowded on this part whereas our hike up was almost solitary! You can also drive up to the tower.
Written June 13, 2016
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 Jersey845 contributions
Jul 2022
Drive up the hill and you will come to this amazing view point. Take a deep breath and enjoy the view from the top of the hill
Written August 15, 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.
How long/difficult is the trail? My mother-in-law is 80 so we don't want push it too hard. thx
Written October 12, 2019
It is more enjoyable for me to go by car too! There is some easier hiking once you get up there. There is a road that I think was the original road going up there that you can walk. To find it follow signs for scenic view. The driving part ends at a roundabout. You can park there and then walk straight (you will cross the normal path). It is graded and makes for an easy stroll. It is about 4/5 of a mile each way.
Written December 17, 2019
can you hike where the cars go? is there a paved trail?
Written September 27, 2018
If you follow the signs to scenic view, that is paved and it doesn't get too much traffic. Wear some earplugs for the motorcycles.
Written December 17, 2019
Hi there I just wondered how long it takes to walk from the inn to the Perkins lookout and back? Much appreciated kind regards jo
Written October 7, 2016
How long it takes all depends on which trail you're hiking. The Major Welch trail is steep and challenging. The rebuilt AT is steep but has excellent stone steps for 3/4 of the way. If you're in shape and a decent hiker, it shouldn't take more than an hour. If you want to do the Major Welch up then AT down, that's about a 4 hour hike. And wear hiking boots.
Written October 21, 2016
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