Bear Mountain State Park is situated on the Northern West Bank of the Hudson River and offers tons of seasonal fun for park goers. About a one hour drive from NYC, this park is great for hiking, biking, picnics, paddle boats, cross country skiing, and more. There are 50 documented hiking trails, spread over 235 miles of park and they range from short to long, easy to difficult. My favorite trail is the Major Welch Trail. It’s 2.5 miles up and 2.5 miles back, making a nice 5 mile day hike landing you at Perkins Memorial Tower at the top. The view from Perkins Memorial Tower is amazing, and on clear days you can see the Manhattan skyline, 40 miles to the south. This is a great place to perch on the boulders to eat lunch or just enjoy the view. You can tour Perkins Memorial Tower for free, which is filled with exhibits, education, and park history.
The Major Welch Trail requires moderate skill level. There are areas of the trail that include steep inclines and uneven terrain; you will need to do some climbing! Be sure to bring a backpack with snacks and drinks if you are tackling this trail, especially if it’s a hot day. Also, remember to bring your camera- the view from the top is photo worthy! The trail back down is easier than the hike up and is part of the Appalachian Trail (marked by white trail markers). If you are looking for a little more leisure you can walk the 1.4 mile loop around Hessian Lake or rent paddle boats and cruise around the lake to check out the wildlife (there are lots of turtles!).
Don’t feel like being active at all? You can cozy up in the Bear Mountain Inn, a small mountainside retreat, for a romantic weekend getaway. Restaurant 1915 is located at the Bear Mountain Inn and is a great place for brunch.
Helpful Information: Parking at Bear Mountain is $10 and cash only is accepted! You can drive to the top for the view if you don’t feel like taking the hike. Perkins Memorial Drive is open April-late November, weather permitting.
Fun Facts: There is a merry-go-round near the Bear Mountain Inn that is a popular place for children’s birthday parties. For information and reservations, contact guest services at the Bear Mountain Inn at 845-786-2731.
For information and trail maps, visit parks.ny.gov/parks/13/details.aspx.
Perkins Memorial Tower 
Bear Mountain Inn
Wood Bench at Hessian Lake 
Turtles in Hessian Lake