Bear Mountain State Park: A Perfect Toddler Hike
For those of you that are anything like me and spend long hours wondering where you can entertain the toddler in your life for more than 7 minutes without resorting to endless loops of YouTube re-runs, Bear Mountain State Park may soon become your best-ever friend. Located in the bucolic Hudson Valley, the location is a perfect mix of natural beauty, quick walking trails, and vistas that even the smallest of hikers can enjoy. Think of somewhere where the most difficult part is not navigating around mud puddles but deciding where to take a snack break. Whether you are a seasoned hiker or just in search of a family day trip that does not have you completing an imaginary Mr. Wilson Marathon, Bear Mountain State Park offers a delightful respite that will be both fun and navigable for small legs. Trail snacks ready to be packed and hitting the trail? Why Bear Mountain is in our top family hikes list
Trail Description
Bear Mountain State Park is an absolute hiking haven for you and your toddler. Here’s how the Bear Mountain Loop, the primary trail within this wonderland of scenery, is described.
Bear Mountain Loop is about 2.5 miles, which I discovered is the perfect distance for little legs and big dreams.
This is, after all, a loop trail, and you won’t be doubling up—unless your toddler absolutely must stop to examine each rock and stick on the way. It is considered an intermediate trail that can be easily tackled by families with kids but may test your patience a little, and snacks could come in handy.
It’s a tame rollercoaster-esque terrain, you know, mild ups here…mild downs there that make things smoother than transporting on grounds up to real climbs. Days spent in a stroller made it easier to walk the well-groomed paths.
The diverse landscape is one of the features that makes this hike truly unique. Nairy trees channel you into shady woodlands, interspersed with occasional patches of sun where you stop for a breather or a snack lunch. Oh, and those easy fun rock-strewn bits—something to make things more exciting without having to channel your inner Bear Grylls.
Certainly, some thrill-seeking 4-year-old would be psyched to run the Bear Mountain Loop; it became very clear we were sprinting through a theme park designed for tikes. It is engaging enough not to lose their attention, yet gentle enough that you too can make it out halfway without calling in a rescue team. It is challenging enough to keep you alert and easy enough for you not to regret taking you out on a lovely day hike!
Scenery and Views
Bear Mountain State Park, with its views, is Mother Nature’s Impressionist art gallery; the Bear Mountain Loop is the premier guided tour. I cannot lie, I took a few extra “breather” stops just to catch my breath and saw some views that you would be crazy to pass up!
While cruising the Bear Mountain Loop, a diverse natural mosaic will unfold before your eyes. You start in rich green woodland that is so relaxing you can hear it say, “Take it easy, you’re on holiday.” It makes a perfect backdrop for long walks when the toddler pretends to be too tired to move; just point at those trees and say, “Oh look, what a gorgeous forest!”
But the big deal is when you finally start to pull into those scenic overlooks. I stood there, more surprised than I had ever been before. A ribbon of silver, the Hudson River, winds through the valley. It is a scenery that soothes the soul, and it tells you all will be well; from daily snack barter up to a bratty toddler foot-stomping situation—everything makes sense.
And of course, those breathtaking panoramic views atop Bear Mountain itself.
When you get into the gentle inclines, the view certainly gets more, and they feel like nature’s way of saying well done! The views are spectacular; you can see for miles—forests merging into hills that roll away as the river weaves its way below like some giant, slow-moving snake. I swear the hawk sailed overhead and gave me a look of ‘‘Well done, hike completed!
So in the end, if you are in Bear Mountain State Park, there is really nothing but spectacular views and scenery. The following is a visual treat and also visually pleasing, imparting to flaunt them in your household and creating memories for the family. Accordingly, you may notice that you snap a picture or two more than you intended—but can we really blame you when the view looks this damn good?
Amenities and Facilities
Bear Mountain State Park, on the practical side of things—where the comforts make life a much slower deal, and convenient when you have toddlers in tow. Ever wonder if this park has your back when it comes to creature comforts?
Picnic Areas
Bear Mountain: When I need a snack break, ahem; picnic areas Picnic tables are located in shaded spots all over the park, letting you enjoy a meal without fighting the sun and offering peek-a-boo peeks into other families’ picnics (sometimes I get snack envy!)
Restrooms
Restrooms are pretty much a necessity when you are hiking with toddlers. Fortunately, Bear Mountain has clean bathrooms distributed nicely around the park. It’s so nice to go out and not have to run full pelt with a toilet-trained toddler in tow!
Playgrounds
Bear Mountain: The playgrounds are total sanity savers after a hike. They have swings, slides, and just plenty of space—absolutely perfect for small ones who need to run off that steam! This is the height my little one climbs to, and I am like, wow, that is pretty high up, but hey, they are having fun!
Parking
Bear Mountain Parking/Mohansic Route Key: There is a massive parking area near the trailheads and facilities — perfect for unloading all that toddler stuff. No longer would we have to fiddle with a car seat while searching for room!
Information Kiosks
It takes care of me and reveals maps to ease those moments when I find my bearing lost in the woods. It is also the place where I look for any special event details and any last-minute amendments. If there is a surprise parade, the last thing you need to do is find out once you get there. Trust me!
Bear Mountain State Park is one of the more toddler-friendly state parks that you will ever visit. With comfy picnic spots and handy restrooms, fun playgrounds, and parking in accessible places, the park has everything you need for a stress-free outing.
Wildlife and Nature
A haven for nature enthusiasts and wildlife buffs, Bear Mountain State Park is a priceless resource. Located in the Adirondack Mountains of New York, this park is an ideal getaway from city life. In all its scenic beauty and extensive wildlife that it houses, this is a great place for a day trip or even a 1-night stay on the weekends. This is why I think you should include Bear Mountain State Park on your to-visit list.
Nature Center
Trailside Museums & Zoo: Kids will love this one. The nature center is a family-friendly educational attraction with interactive displays and exhibits on local wildlife and the park’s natural history. Located along the Appalachian Trail, the zoo is home to native animals who have been rehabilitated and deemed unreleasable back into their natural habitats.
Activities
Bear Mountain State Park never has a dull moment. When you are done exploring, you can take leisure (sp) in boating the Hessian Lake or having a picnic in some of the scenic spots. It is all fun. Come winter, the park turns into a winter wonderland,
providing some great cross-country skiing and an outdoor rink for ice skating. Seriously, nothing beats outdoor evening skating surrounded by the cool winter air!
Facilities
There are many facilities in the park that will help you during your visit. Long stretches of beaches offer clean restroom facilities, plenty of parking, and a myriad of picnic areas equipped with both tables and BBQ grills. To stay a while, the Bear Mountain Inn provides cozy overnight accommodations. Fantastic food is also available at the inn’s restaurant, and views over the dining area are to die for.
A Little Humor
I even brought my binoculars and took them on a “wildlife safari,” telling the out-of-state kids, “We are bound to see a bear. No bears, but we did have a grumpy squirrel steal our cookie at the picnic site. We called him “Squeaky the Bandit,” and this ended up being one of the highlights of our journey. So, you may not spot bears, but there is never a dull moment in the wildlife department!
So, all in all, Bear Mountain State Park is the perfect mountain getaway you must visit to get out into nature. The park has something for everyone—whether you’re hiking to the summit for the excellent views, visiting the nature center, or just lounging by the lake. Right there you have the perfect day: picnic basket packed, hiking boots ready…all that is left is a trip to Bear Mountain State Park!
Safety and Practical Tips
Bear Mountain State Park is a haven for those who love the outdoors, hikers, and families seeking an authentic nature experience. However—safety first, right? Read on for my favorite tips to make the most of your Bear Mountain State Park weekend.
Stay on Marked Trails
Trail tips: First off, stay on designated trails. Bear Mountain hosts a system of trails that runs the gamut from easy to difficult. It may seem appealing to wander through the dark into an undiscovered light, and yes it is, but believe me it gets harder to get back from those thick woods. It also keeps the natural environment safe.
Wear Proper Footwear
Bear Mountain terrain can get rocky & choppy. You’ll need some decent hiking boots—even the easy trails. I made this mistake once by wearing one of my old running shoes, man!!! By the end of the day, my ankles were pissed at me.
Check the Weather
Always Check the Weather Before You Head Out As always with mountains, the weather can deteriorate rapidly. One time, I was caught in a sudden rainstorm with no lesson definitely learned there! A small raincoat and layers are your friends on this hike because it can be hot one minute, then cold and wet the next!
Stay Hydrated and Pack Snacks
Lots of water (if you are planning to hike) There are some water fountains to re-fill your bottle, but you’ll need to be a good few twits up. And don’t forget snacks! Hiking gets pretty tiring; a few rapid snacks on the trail do miracles. Additionally, nibbling some trail mix while staring out at the view from the summit is one of my favorite experiences.
Wildlife Safety
The mountain, rightly named, did have some bears living on it. Although sightings are very rare, it is important to know what you should do if you do encounter one. Be noisy while you are hiking (clicking walking sticks together, talking loudly, singing) so as not to surprise any animals. Note: If you do encounter a bear, stay calm, slowly back away, and never run. The only issues I ran into on my visits were overly friendly squirrels, seeking a handout.
First Aid Kit
Keep a simple first aid kit in your car. It doesn’t have to be anything extensive–just a few band-aids, antiseptic wipes, and painkillers. You never know when you might need it! I, for one, have had to put mine to work treating a few too many busted blisters.
Plan Your Visit
This is a very busy park, especially on weekends and holidays. Be there early so you can park orderly and relax all these things before the crowds come. I adore the 6 am hikes; there is something almost mystical about the park with its early morning mist and less human traffic.
Facilities and Amenities
Bear Mountain State ParkGreat views, restrooms, picnic facilities, and visitor center. Be sure to take advantage of all these facilities. At the visitor center, you will find maps and information to help plan your day. If you do love a good picnic like me, the designated areas for that purpose make for a nice and relaxing break.
A Little Humor
Final nugget of wisdom, children = impromptu “adventures.” Before: Once, my smallest declared every rock she saw a “climbing mountain” and pointed out that all the walking sticks were magic wands. It certainly slowed us down but it was also a laugh and magical trip.
Finally, while Bear Mountain State Park is amazing to explore, do be prepared and stay safe. Just remember these tips and you will have a great time! Grab those hiking boots, and a daypack and prepare for an adventure! Happy hiking!
Crowd and Popularity
Bear Mountain State Park, in rugged mountains rising from the west bank of the Hudson River while you keep one foot inside a car only 1 hour by train or car from New York City. And popularity equals one thing: CROWDS! It is challenging to evade the crowds at this park, similar to dodging a table with no people in a crowded café, but there are tricks you can use to have an enjoyable visit.
Timing is Everything
For one, your timing can be everything. The crowd on Bear Mountain can be like a parking lot on weekends, and even worse during peak visitation months such as fall foliage or spring bloom. I have seen the lines of cars of what one would think to be a busy day in the middle of New York City during rush hour! A weekday visit is the best option if you are like me because I love to avoid crowds and a little bit of solitude. Early mornings are another great time, in the early hours you typically have the trails all to yourself, and the bonus sunrise views are amazing enough to make waking up at 4 am worth it.
Popular Spots
Bear Mountain has certain hot spots.
Key attraction: Perkins Memorial Tower, allowing sweeping panoramic vistas. I mean it is a must-attend, but just get ready to be surrounded by a crowd. On one of my visits, it seemed like half of New York had thought a visit to the tower en masse was a good idea. To me, it looked like a concert, without the music, of course.
Another popular spot is the lake region, which includes an enchanting carousel and the ability to rent a boat. It is also very family-friendly, particularly in the summer. It can be a bit of a party zone, so if you desire seclusion, then you might want to look elsewhere. Or… do what I usually do—get some ice cream, sit on a bench, and people-watch. Nature Reality TV.
Hidden Gems
But not all of Bear Mountain is chock-full of people. Yet, there are secret places where you can enjoy a little bit of solitude. The Appalachian Trail also goes through the park, so there are some less crowded trails to take.
For those times when you simply need to hear the sound of rustling leaves and your own thoughts, these trails are ideal. I once stumbled upon a quiet place by a stream that felt like my private sanctuary.
Navigating Crowds with Kids
For those kids in tow, the crowds are a double-edged sword. In some ways, that is good—the active parts of the park offer a number of different distractions and games to keep them busy. On the other hand, it can seem like herding cats. My strategy? Embrace the chaos. Take the kids to play in the playground and on the carousel, then slip away for some family hiking on less traveled trails.
Parking Woes
The biggest issue with Bear Mountain drawing large crowds is parking. The parking lots fill quickly, and I have even seen people circling like vultures for a spot to open up. The earlier the better. The last thing you want to do is crank your car by hand for an entire hour (back-and-forth, back-and-forth) just to mess with some prick who got there after you.
A Little Humor
Funny side story: I have been to Bear Mountain on a very crowded fall weekend once. I vividly remember a companion saying to me, as I was trudging up a vertical stretch of trail: ‘Is this some kind of race that we are on? Man, that blue shirt dude has been around here like 3 times already! We laughed and pushed on, bypassing a few ‘competitors’ as we went.
Finally, I must admit that Bear Mountain State Park did live up to the hype. The things that make it pretty and a haven for a variety of outdoor activities also is what makes it the wild tundra close to home. Yes, of course, it can be overly crowded depending on the day and time of day, but as long as you plan a bit beforehand and know in advance what the park offers, then there is no reason that you cannot get enjoyment from your visit. Embrace the chaos, seek the solitude, and take in all that goes on around you. There is a reason that it´s a favorite for so many people—you will quickly figure out why after your first visit.
Nearby Attractions
Bear Mountain State Park in itself is pretty amazing,
but don’t we all need a little variety sometimes? Fortunately, the Bear Mountain area is loaded with great sights, and that can easily turn a day trip into an adventure. These are a few places near us that you might find interesting. pulvinar dapibus leo.
West Point Museum
A short drive from Bear Mountain is the West Point Museum. It is a virtual cornucopia of military history and a wonderful slice of the rich story that makes up the United States Military Academy. With an arrant assembly of artifacts and exhibits, the museum will grab anyone’s attention—even if you aren’t interested in history. The collection of antique weapons is one I distinctly remember liking. Nothing can compare to sticking your head into a real cannon — just go easy on the daydreams!
NY: Hudson Highlands Nature Museum
Hudson Highlands Nature Museum, Cornwall (Best for kids too!) Educational but interactive hands-on exhibits with a focus on the natural History of the Hudson Highlands region. The Wildlife Education Center has something for all ages, from the smallest live animals to large interactive displays. My favorite part? Seeing the shock and awe in kids’ eyes when they actually see a live snake close up. Spoiler alert — it will make you jump too!
Storm King Art Center
Art lovers, rejoice! A 500-plus-acre outdoor sculpture park in New Windsor, the Storm King Art Center. Imagine taking a walk in a massive outdoor museum, but everything you will come across is oversized displays. The vast scenery and monolithic artistry combine to provide a surreal, tranquil setting. While wandering around the park, you will be reflecting on the profound ideas behind the pieces or taking pleasure in their odd beauty. Either way, it is a well-hidden place from the chaos for you to take a break and get some culture in your life.
Woodbury Common Premium Outlets is
For those shopaholics out there, visiting the Woodbury Common premium outlets is imperative. As part of the Hudson Valley Region, one of our favorite shopping destinations is Woodbury Common Premium Outlets, located only a short drive from Bear Mountain and home to more than 200 designer and brand-name stores. This place is a great way to spend time and lose track of money. There was a time when I went in just to look around and left with bags of things that I never knew I needed. But a good deal is a good deal, right?
Cold Spring
There is also the quaint village of Cold Spring nearby to explore Complete with a charming Main Street, antique shops & cute cafes, this village is the perfect stop to unwind post-hike. The Hudson River views are just beautiful and there are many lovely seating areas to sit read and take in the view. Slow down for coffee, walk the town, and let its small-town charm work its magic. Oh, and the quality of the Ice Cream Shop there is next level. I promise you, it is worth every single calorie.
Peekskill Brewery
An adult-friendly food pairing experience can be offered at the Peekskill Brewery as well. 4 Peekskill Brewery; Peekskill If you’re passionate about craft beers and locally sourced ingredients, this brewery located a town over is well worth checking out. It is the perfect spot to unwind, have a beer, and possibly catch some live music. On another occasion, I made the mistake of going in one afternoon and I must have had 20 different brews while talking to the incredibly friendly staff. A place where you walk in as a stranger and leave like they know your name (like the TV show Cheers).
A Little Humor
Here’s a fun fact: during one of my trips to Bear Mountain, I decided to hike over to the adjacent Goose Pond Mountain State Park. The whole time I was hiking, I kept hearing this weird honking sound. And then I watched a group of geese fly overhead, and it hit me—this is where I was meant to be. If you are trying to quench your bird-fix, Goose Pond is a welcome stop along the way.
In the end, Bear Mountain State Park has plenty of things nearby for all interests. Or are history, art, shopping, nature, or the best beer brewed here more your style? Do you share in that sentiment or even not? Let me clear it up for you next time, if at all. If you planning a visit, extend your stay to experience these amazing places. You won’t be disappointed.
Personal Experience
Bear Mountain State Park: Ambiguous Adventure and Peaceful Retreat Walking along the tree-shaded paths, I felt like my very own princess (without a fairy godmother though).
I have many favorite moments and the one I am going to tell you about is when decided to tackle Perkins Memorial Tower. We climbed and climbed, me wheezing every step of it, but the view at the top was worth all of my gasps. And the overly aggressive squirrel who thought my backpack contained an endless supply of food). Spoiler Alert: It was not but I virtually high-fived him for persevering. I just loved how the park was chaotic (but in a fun, unexpected way) one moment and then calm and beautiful the next…I really love this place!
After everything, Bear Mountain State Park is a gem, to say the least, for any outdoor lover and family. It may change every year, so always check with the Lemberg Forestry Office before heading out Credit: Getty Bochumin also has great mountain bike trails to explore. This park is a veritable dream for hikers, picnickers, and landscape lovers alike. Plus,
Let’s face it: there are few things more delightful than seeing a squirrel or taking a leisurely walk on the lake, am I right? Well, look no further than Bear Mountain if you need a place to get away from it all and breathe fresh air in your lungs at the same time. Pack up that backpack, well broken-in comfy shoes, and grab a beanie because, as mentioned before, always brings layers since the weather can/will change unexpectedly. You’ll thank me later!
