New York state plans to spend $25 million on a rehabilitation project that is due to get underway shortly at Bear Mountain State Park. The park covers 5,205 acres in Rockland and Orange counties and much of the work will take place in the area close to the Bear Mountain Inn on Seven Lakes Drive. The state says that the park had more than 2.3 million visitors last year.
In addition to updating infrastructure, the $25 million project will create a new accessible playground, expand picnic areas, and add public restrooms.
“This $25 million investment ensures the park’s facilities not only meet the needs of today but will serve generations to come,” Gov. Kathy Hochul said. “By expanding access, upgrading infrastructure and enhancing recreation opportunities, we’re making it easier for everyone to get offline, get outside and enjoy time together in one of New York’s most beloved state parks.”
According to New York State Parks Commissioner Pro Tempore Randy Simons, “Bear Mountain has long been a vital resource for people in the metro New York City area and the lower Hudson Valley to get outside and enjoy healthy recreation. This project will create more space for visitors to spread out and enjoy Bear Mountain like never before.”
Construction will start after Labor Day, with completion expected during the Summer 2027 recreational season. While the park will remain open during construction, some capacity restrictions will be in place.
Bear Mountain State Park features more than 50 miles of hiking trails, including the original section of the Appalachian Trail. It also includes lake and Hudson River fishing access, a swimming pool, and Trailside Museums and Zoo. An outdoor rink is open to ice skaters from late October through mid-March. Perkins Memorial Drive and a tower that offers views of the countryside are open from April through late November, weather permitting. The park features a merry-go-round that has 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, and rabbit.
In July 2023, the park suffered severe damage from a storm that caused flooding and washouts. It wasn’t until September that there had been sufficient repairs to allow partial reopening of the park. Approximately $20 million was spent on recovery from the storm. Bear Mountain Park was established in 1908. It is managed by the Palisades Interstate Park Commission.
