by Leigh Goessl

Created on: March 12, 2009   Last Updated: April 18, 2011

Bear Mountain State Park is a beautiful recreational area. The park is located next to the Bear Mountain Bridge which crosses the lovely Hudson River. For decades Bear Mountain State Park has been a location families across the region flock to year round to indulge in the pleasant park environment.

The park is open 365 days a year and while many of the park's amenities are free, parking is $6.00. Some of the other features located within the state park's confines do charge a small nominal fee, but for the most part Bear Mountain State Park is a great place to spend the day at an affordable cost.

There is much to see and do during your visit to Bear Mountain. Here are some of the highlights of the park:

*Ice Skating

One of the key attractions at Bear Mountain during the winter months is the ice skating rink. Over the years many locals and visitors head over to Bear Mountain to enjoy the wonderful skating environment. The rink is open seasonally from October 15th to March 15th.

The rink is of decent size and you can bring your own skates or rent them for a nominal fee. The environment is pleasant and family-oriented, although the rink makes a great place for a date as well. Music is serene and the atmosphere is representative of a traditional skating rink.

The rink is well cared for and staff smoothes the ice after each skating session to make your ice skating excursion a more enjoyable experience. There is a fee to gain entrance to the building whether you skate or not. Since fees may change, your best bet is to call the park at (845) 786-2701 to find out the current fees

*Zoo

Bear Mountain's zoo is not the huge stereotypical image you'll get when you hear the word "zoo", but this small zoo does hold a certain charm. The animals, birds and reptiles housed here are not of exotic distance lands, but regional critters. In this charismatic zoo are exhibits which house animals such as the bald eagle, deer, river otters, fox, owls, bobcat, wild turkeys, birds and fish. A key attraction for decades has been the bear's den.

To get to the zoo (and pool) area you have to walk through a tunnel which takes you under Route 9W to cross the street in order to reach these areas. This short walk underneath the road is a treat for the kids and a great adventure to reach the zoo. If you have toddlers, it is wise to bring a stroller because it is a bit of a walk.

Kids and adults alike delight in walking through the serene paths which lead you through the zoo. The zoo is located

• 1
• 2
• 3
• Next Page >>