Upstate New York, Part 10: State Parks, Bear Mountain State Park

Upstate New York, Part 10: State Parks, Bear Mountain State Park

Once the home of Sing Sing prison Bear Mountain located to the west of the Hudson River in the Orange and Rockland counties New York. Bear Mountain State Park alone has all the proper outdoor enthusiasts activities as well does the surrounding areas including Iona Island Bird Sanctuary which is nestled on the northern edge and on the eastern edge running its length Harriman State Park.

In January of 1809 New York State purchased 740 acres of Bear Mountain at which point work commenced of building the prison. Despite several attempts by conservationists who would rather the mountain be turned into a preserve construction continued. This project infuriated and scared those who loved the area for its scenic beauty, wildlife, recreational attributes and its many historical values as well. Years and years went by and attempts were made to stop the construction of such an eye sore that would soon house inmates and all was done in vain until October of 1910. In 1910 a Yale student by the name of W. Averell Harriman known for being a late Governor of New York State presented a deed to the Palisades Interstate Park system for 10,000 acres of Bear Mountain and a check for one million dollars at which point the completion of the prison was no longer in the future of this beautiful region. Developments for the new park were started immediately and the prison plus its stockade were demolished first thing.

First thing to be erected on Bear Mountain was a dock for visitors to the park who came via steamboat. In 1915 the rustic Bear Mountain Inn was constructed and in 1922 a 2,000 mile long trail was proposed now known as the Appalachian Trail. The Appalachian Trail winds through fourteen states from Maine’s Mount Katahdin to Georgia’s Mount Springer Mountains to follow were seven other park trails. Along all Bear Mountain State Park’s trail ways pristine lakes have been formed, cabins have been built on the shorelines for campers to enjoy and old mine roads, Indian paths and military vehicle roadways have formed now hiked and explored.

Today Bear Mountain State park sees its fair share of visitors and for those who do get by that way the rustic Bear Mountain Inn that was built so many years ago offers up its hospitality's. Over the years camping has become very popular here tenting grounds have been established and the old rustic cabins that originally lined the lakes shorelines have been restored for camping use.

After a good night’s sleep visitors can utilize the surrounding communities for their daily meals or instead they can eat in camp fashion in the comfort of their own camp site or by enjoying Bear Mountain Inn’s dining establishments.

In between meals hiking, boating, fishing, skiing, sledding and swimming can be enjoyed all throughout the park. A zoo that houses injured wildlife is available for tourists and campers. The zoo subsequently has increased in size over its many years of life; originally it was a large bear den. Historical war museums and equipment can be found along the many hiking trails and there is plenty of shopping to do in the surrounding areas as well.

Oh I almost forgot Bear Mountain State Park’s most notable feature, its carousel. This special feature was added to Bear Mountain State Park in 2001; the carousel is made up of 3 rows and 36 figures and 2 chariots. The 36 figures were originally designed to portray all the wildlife creatures you could encounter on Bear Mountain. The carousel its self-depicts the scenery of Bear mountain and in whole is an amazing site.