Bear Mountain swimming pool

Trailside Museums & Zoo was originally constructed to act as a nature center for hikers along the Appalachian Trail in 1927. Since its founding as an outpost of the American Museum of Natural History, Trailside has delighted millions of visitors, provided formative nature experiences to thousands of children, and serves as a rehab center for injured native animals. For more information, visit their website trailsidezoo.org

Perkins Memorial Drive and Tower is now open for the season.

Perched at the summit of Bear Mountain, Perkins Tower was built to honor the PIPC's first Director George W. Perkins. The Tower was built by CCC and WPA workers between 1932 and 1934 and provides panoramic views of the Hudson Valley. The Tower is open during the spring, summer, and fall weather permitting and is free of charge. Daily Hours are Monday-Sunday, 8:15 AM- 3:45 PM. For more information, please call (845) 786-2701 x242.

Renovations at the Bear Mountain Pool are complete! The updated bathhouse and pool were opened for the July 4th, 2015 holiday weekend. Regular weekday hours are 10 AM- 5:30 PM and weekends hours are 11 AM- 630 PM.

For more information, and to check dates that the Pool is open, please call (845) 786-2701.

The Merry-Go-Round at Bear Mountain State Park features hand-painted scenes of the Park and 42 hand-carved seats of native animals including black bear, wild turkey, deer, raccoon, skunk, canada goose, fox, swan, bobcat, rabbit, and more. The Merry-Go-Round is open weekends from 10 AM to 5 PM and rides cost $1. If you'd like to book the Merry-Go-Round for your birthday party or event, please contact the Bear Mountain Inn.

The Bear Mountain Ice Rink has delighted children and families for decades at Bear Mountain State Park.

The Rink is currerntly closed for the season.

For Dates, times, and fees:

Oktoberfest has outgrown Bear Mountain and has moved to Anthony Wayne Recreation Area. There will still be the same great food, drink, music, crafts, and more... But this year it will all take place at the much larger Recreation Area at exit 17 off the Palisades Interstate Parkway. For more information, please visit: The Bear Mountain Inn website or call (845) 786-2731.

On Wednesdays during the summer, come to Bear Mountain to see the coolest vintage cars. The Car Cruise is hosted on the Bear Mountain Play Field, weather permitting between 6:00 and 9:00 PM. Parking is $4 per car. For more information, and to check on cancellations due to weather, check out their website:

Bear Mountain (along with Harriman State Park) features hundreds of miles of hiking trails. Popular Bear Mountain trails include the Appalachian Trail to the mountain's summit, the Major Welch trail, Doodletown/1777, and more.