The Appalachian Trail "The Appalachian National Scenic Trail, designated a linear National Park by the 1968 National Trails System Act, is a continuous, marked public footpath extending approximately 2,144 miles from Mount Katahdin, Maine to Springer Mountain, Georgia along the Appalachian Mountain range. It maintains a wilderness character by following the scenic ridges of the Appalachian Mountain ranges of the White, Green, Berkshire, Ramapo, Kittatinny, Blue Ridge, Great Smoky, and Nantahala Mountains. The Appalachian Trail is protected along most of its course by federal or state ownership of the land. The entire trail environment is maintained as a place for everyone to hike and enjoy the Appalachian Mountains, while at the same time conserving the natural, scenic, historical and cultural resources of this one-of-a-kind, linear park." Source: Signage at the Visitor Center Book Store on the Palisades Interstate Parkway, describing the Appalachian Trail.
In 1921, the idea for the Appalachian Trail originated with a volunteer forester Benton MacKaye. He conceived the Trail as a refuge from modern stresses, stretching along the spine of the Appalachian Mountains, where hikers could re-connect with the natural world. Once MacKaye's idea was published, over the years, volunteers from hiking groups in the Northeast made that dream a reality - a 2,144-mile-long hiking trail which is our nation's first National Scenic Trail.
Click to enlarge photo of the Bear Mountain Bridge taken from Perkins Memorial Drive.
The roadway of the Bear Mountain Bridge carries the Maine-to-Georgia Appalachian Trail. Note that the Bear Mountain Bridge has eight-foot-wide shoulders for pedestrians and cyclists to comfortably walk on both sides of the bridge.
Through a network of 32 hiking and trail clubs from Maine to Georgia, volunteers form the basis of a unique, volunteer-based, cooperative management system for this national parkland. Volunteers take an active role in safeguarding the quality of the Trail both for the hiking public and local communities. The private Appalachian Trail Conference oversees the volunteer effort along the Trail's length.
Click to enlarge photo of View of the Hudson River from Bear Mountain Bridge.
Experience wonderful views of the majestic Hudson River when walking the Appalachian Trail on the Bear Mountain Bridge.
The Appalachian Trail enters New Jersey at the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, and runs northward along the ridgeline of the Kittatinny Mountains to High Point State Park. There it strikes east along the NJ/NY state line, crosses the Wawayanda plateau, and enters New York state on the ridge overlooking Greenwood Lake. It traverses Harriman-Bear Mountain State Park (where the Appalachian trail was first conceived), crosses the Hudson River on the Bear Mountain Bridge, heading northeasterly towards and through Fahnestock State Park. Continuing northeast, it crosses into Connecticut near Kent, CT.
Click to enlarge photo of Popolopen Creek from the Bear Mountain Bridge.
The Popolopen Creek Footbridge, a bridge for pedestrians only, connects the trail between the twin forts, Fort Montgomery and Fort Clinton, and carries the Appalachian Trail on the western side of the Bear Mountain Bridge.
Popolopen Creek Popolopen Creek is a stream that is mostly fed by Lake Popolopen, Stillwell Lake, and Weyant's Pond. Eventually, the creek drains into the Hudson River. In 2002, New York's Governor George Pataki, dedicated a long suspension foot bridge that spans Popolopen Creek.
Click on photo of Appalachian Trail Sign.
Appalachian Trail Sign Look for this sign at the Rockland side of the tool booths of the Bear Mountain Bridge.
Bear Mountain Bridge
Bear Mountain State Park is located in Bear Mountain, New York within the Hudson River Valley, about 45 miles north of New York City. Bear Mountain Park, approximately 5,000 acres, is heavily forested and is primarily a day-use park offering magnificent scenery, photo, and hiking opportunities.
Click to enlarge photo of Early Fall at the Bear Mountain Bridge.
The Bear Mountain Bridge is a toll suspension bridge in New York State, carrying US-6 and US-202 across the Hudson River, from Bear Mountain State Park (at the northern tip of Rockland County) to the northwestern corner of Westchester County. The western approach to the bridge actually lies on the border of Orange County and Rockland County.
The Bear Mountain Bridge was completed in 1924; making it the longest suspension bridge in the world. A couple of years later, in 1926, the Benjamin Franklin (Philadelphia-Camden) suspension bridge became the longest suspension bridge in the world.
Click to enlarge photo of the Bear Mountain Bridge Tablet.
This Tablet hangs on the wall of the Bear Mountain Bridge Toll Plaza.
BEAR MOUNTAIN BRIDGE
The first highway bridge to span the Hudson River South of Albany Begun March 24th 1923 - opened Nov. 27th 1924
To all who With thought labor and loyalty have Contributed to the construction of This bridge and highway This tablet is inscribed
Total length of bridge = 2257 ft.
Length of suspended span = 1632 ft.
Height of towers = 355 ft.
Clear height above river = 153 ft.
Diameter of cables = 18 ins.
Number of wires in each cable = 7252
The roadway of the Bear Mountain Bridge has eight-foot-wide shoulders for pedestrians and cyclists. The bridge also carries the Maine-to-Georgia Appalachian Trail. Crossing the bridge on foot offers magnificent views, wonderful photo opportunities, and an invigorating walk. For equally beautiful views, walk both sides of the bridge.
From the walkway of the bridge, face northwest, and you can see 3 more bridges: the Popolopen Suspension Bridge, the Popolopen Creek Suspension Footbridge, and the MTA train tracks. All of these bridges cross Popolopen Creek.
Click to enlarge photo of View of the Hudson River from Bear Mountain Bridge.
Look ahead, facing north, as the Hudson River moves toward the hamlets of Manitou, a Metro North train stop, and Garrison, also an MTA train stop. Garrison on the water faces West Point. Look east and you will see the mountain known as Anthony's Nose, 900 feet up.
The Appalachian Trail is America's first National Scenic Trail. The trail stretches from Katahdin in Maine to Springer Mountain in Georgia. It was originally conceived as a greenway between these states in the 1920's and has become the most popular trail for day-hikers and thru-hikers alike that want to see the scenic wonders of the Appalachian Mountains. The Appalachian Trail is approximately 2160 miles; it is a well-maintained hiking only trail and has shelters conveniently spaced for overnight stays.
Popolopen Creek Popolopen Creek is a stream that is mostly fed by Lake Popolopen, Stillwell Lake, and Weyant's Pond. Eventually, the creek drains into the Hudson River. In 2002, New York's Governor George Pataki, dedicated a long suspension foot bridge that spans Popolopen Creek. The footbridge connects the trail between the twin forts of Fort Montgomery and Fort Clinton, carrying the Appalachian Trail on the western side of the Bear Mountain Bridge.
Popolopen Creek Suspension Footbridge The Popolopen Creek Footbridge, for pedestrians only, was designed to create an economic and esthetically pleasing river crossing of 140m on the Appalachian Trail in Bear Mountain Park. You can access the bridge on a path near the Bear Mountain Bridge toll booths. However, the Popolopen Creek footbridge is most easily accessed through Fort Montgomery. Just park your car at the Fort Montgomery Visitor Center off 9W, north of the Bear Mountain Bridge, and walk down to Popolopen Creek.
The American Revolution in the Hudson River Valley Fort Montgomery is just north of Popolopen Creek in Bear Mountain State Park. Fort Montgomery and its sister fort, Fort Clinton, were the scenes of fierce American Revolutionary War battles for control of the Hudson River and the Hudson Highlands. On October 6, 1777, the British captured both Fort Clinton and Fort Montgomery. Read excerpts from several moving accounts of the American Revolution and the battles that captured Fort Montgomery and Fort Clinton.
Today, Fort Montgomery is an archeological site and a historic ruin. Fort Montgomery State Historic Site is a genuine vestige of our nation's struggle for independence. Visitors will see the actual foundations of the fort's buildings and remains of the fort's earthworks. Visit Fort Montgomery and tour the remains of the 14 1/2 acre fortification, perched on a cliff overlooking the Hudson River.
Hessian Lake at Bear Mountain Park
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Click to enlarge photo of Hessian Lake.
Hessian Lake at Bear Mountain Park offers activities such as: fishing, paddle boat and rowboat rentals, and picnicking at Hessian Lake. For more activities and attractions go to Bear Mountain State Park.
Bear Mountain State Park is situated in rugged mountains rising from the west bank of the Hudson River. The park features a large play field, shaded picnic groves, a dock on the Hudson for mooring small craft, lake and river fishing access, a swimming pool, a zoo and nature, hiking, biking and cross-country ski trails, and ski-jumps. An outdoor rink is open to ice skaters from late October through mid-March. The Perkins Memorial Tower atop Bear Mountain affords spectacular views of the park, the Hudson Highlands and Harriman State Park.
Activities and Attractions at Bear Mountain Park Biking Boat Rentals cross-country Skiing Fishing Hiking Ice Skating Merry-Go-Round Museum Nature Trail Picnic Tables Playground Playing Field(s) Pool
Perkins Drive, also known as Perkins Point and Perkins Memorial Tower, stands at the summit of Bear Mountain State Park, 1,305 feet above the Hudson River. The tower was completed in 1934 and dedicated to George Walbridge Perkins, the first President and widely regarded founder of the Palisades Interstate Park Commission (PIPC). Perkins Memorial Tower and Drive were built with funds provided by the descendants of George Walbridge Perkins. Perkins Memorial Tower, atop Bear Mountain, provides spectacular views of the park, the Hudson Highlands, and Harriman State Park.
"The sinuous and steep drive, which leads to the Tower 1,305 feet above the Hudson River, was blasted off the mountain by 1,500 workers using 50,000 tons of dynamite. The tower, built to serve as a weather station and fire lookout, served those purposes until the 1950s. Work began in 1932, thanks to labor provided by the NYS Temporary Relief Administration. The drive and tower were inaugurated in 1934."
Hike, bike, or drive to Perkins Point, just be sure not to miss this attraction. Perkins Point is an absolute must see when vacationing or planning a day-trip to Bear Mountain. Walk the four sets of stairs in the tower (landings have benches to stop and rest between floors) to the observation floor where the views are documented and described in detail.
"With its 360-degree panorama, the Perkins Memorial Tower offers spectacular views of the Hudson River, the Bear Mountain Bridge, U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Storm King, and Fort Montgomery. Four states are visible (New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania), as well as the New York City skyline. The observation floor has interpretive displays that describe the distant views, including several mountain ranges: the Taconics, Ramapos, Shawangunks, and even the Catskills. Perkins Memorial Drive and Tower truly are a highlight of any visit to Bear Mountain."
Popolopen Creek at Bear Mountain
Click to enlarge photo of Popolopen Creek from Bear Mountain Bridge.
The Bear Mountain Bridge offers spectacular views of the Hudson River Valley. The bridge's roadway has eight-foot-wide shoulders for pedestrians and cyclists and incorporates the Maine-to-Georgia Appalachian Trail. Crossing the bridge on foot offers magnificent views, wonderful photo opportunities, and an invigorating walk.
On the walkway facing northeast, you can see 3 bridges from the Bear Mountain Bridge: the Popolopen Suspension Bridge, the Popolopen Creek Suspension Footbridge, and the train tracks. These bridges cross Popolopen Creek.
Popolopen Creek Popolopen Creek is a stream, that is mostly fed by Lake Popolopen, Stillwell Lake, and Weyant's Pond. Eventually, the creek drains into the Hudson River. In 2002, New York's Governor George Pataki, dedicated a long suspension foot bridge that spans Popolopen Creek. The footbridge connects the trail between the twin forts and carries the Appalachian Trail on the western side of the Bear Mountain Bridge.
Popolopen Creek Suspension Footbridge The Popolopen Creek Footbridge, a bridge for pedestrians only, was designed to create an economic and esthetically pleasing river crossing of 140m on the Appalachian Trail in Bear Mountain Park. The Popolopen Creek Suspension Footbridge is located in Fort Montgomery in Bear Mountain Park. You can access the bridge on a path near the Bear Mountain Bridge toll booths. Or, you can get to Popolopen Creek from Fort Montgomery. Parking is available at the Fort Montgomery Visitor Center off 9W, just north of the Bear Mountain Bridge, where you can hike down to the creek.
American Revolution Fort Montgomery and Fort Clinton, forts on each side of Popolopen Creek, were the scenes of fierce American Revolutionary war battles for control of the Hudson River. On October 6, 1777, the British captured both forts; destroying Fort Montgomery in the days that followed.
Today, Fort Montgomery is an archeological site and a historic ruin. Fort Montgomery State Historic Site is a genuine vestige of our nation's struggle for independence. Visitors will see the actual foundations of the fort's buildings and remains of the fort's earthworks. Visit Fort Montgomery and tour the remains of the 14 1/2 acre fortification, perched on a cliff overlooking the Hudson River.
Popolopen Suspension Footbridge
Popolopen Creek and the Popolopen Suspension Footbridge is located in Fort Montgomery, NY 10922 in Orange County. Fort Montgomery was the scene of an American Revolutionary War battle for control of the Hudson River. Fort Montgomery and Fort Clinton were built to secure the Patriots control of the Hudson River. On October 6, 1777, British troops, with the help of Hessian and Loyalist forces, attacked the Forts.
During these American Revolutionary battles, there was a pontoon bridge connecting Fort Clinton to the south and Fort Montgomery on the north side of Popolopen Creek. Today, Fort Montgomery State Historic Site stands in memory of the Battles of Forts Montgomery and Clinton.
Click to enlarge photo of Popolopen Suspension Footbridge.
Popolopen Creek Popolopen Creek is a stream, mostly fed by Lake Popolopen, Stillwell Lake, and Weyant's Pond, that drains into the Hudson River. In 2002, New York's Governor George Pataki, dedicated a long suspension footbridge that spans Popolopen Creek. The footbridge connects the trail between the twin forts of Fort Montgomery and Fort Clinton, carrying the Appalachian Trail across Popolopen Creek.
Popolopen Creek Suspension Footbridge The Popolopen Creek Footbridge, for pedestrians only, was designed to create an economic and esthetically pleasing river crossing of 140m on the Appalachian Trail in Bear Mountain Park. You can access the bridge on a path near the Bear Mountain Bridge toll booths. However, the Popolopen Creek footbridge is most easily accessed through Fort Montgomery. Just park your car at the Fort Montgomery Visitor Center off 9W, north of the Bear Mountain Bridge, and walk down to Popolopen Creek.
Scenic Bear Mountain Park
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The 5,000-acre Bear Mountain State Park, flagship of the Palisades Interstate Park System, is renowned for its natural beauty and rugged mountains. Bear Mountain State Park is located at Bear Mountain, New York 10911; just 45 miles north of New York City in the historic Hudson River Valley.
Lakes, ponds, forest, hills, and mountains abound at Bear Mountain. Bear Mountain is heavily forested, offering the natural beauty of sights such as Perkins Memorial Tower. Bear Mountain is primarily a day-use park with magnificent scenery, photo opportunities and hiking for all levels of hikers.
Click to enlarge photo of Hessian Lake at Bear Mountain Park.
Hessian Lake is located in Bear Mountain State Park. Activities at Hessian Lake include a dock on the Hudson for mooring small craft, lake and river fishing access. Enjoy a picnic at the lake followed by a row boat ride.
Click to enlarge photo of View at Perkins Point.
Perkins Drive, also known as Perkins Point and Perkins Memorial Tower, stand at the summit of Bear Mountain State Park, 1,305 feet above the Hudson River. The tower was completed in 1934 and dedicated to George Walbridge Perkins, the first President and widely regarded founder of the Palisades Interstate Park Commission (PIPC). Perkins Memorial Tower and Drive were built with funds provided by the descendants of George Walbridge Perkins. Perkins Memorial Tower, atop Bear Mountain, affords spectacular views of the park, the Hudson Highlands, and Harriman State Park.
Point of Interest for Kids and Adults The Merry-Go-Round Pavilion at Bear Mountain features hand-painted scenes of the park while the merry-go-round itself features 38 carved renditions of Hudson River Valley animals, including raccoons, bear, deer, eagles, foxes, river otters, and bobcats.
Sunset at Bear Mountain 202W/6W
Click to enlarge photo of Sunset on Bear Mountain road.
Drive along Route 202W/6W and enjoy spectacular views of the Hudson River. Park the car at this scenic view point one mile from the Bear Mountain Bridge. The bridge spans the Hudson River between Rockland County and Westchester County and carries a section of the world famous Appalachian Trail.
Bear Mountain Bridge The Bear Mountain Bridge is a Suspension bridge. It was completed in 1924. According to the New York State Department of Transportation, the Bear Mountain Bridge carries approximately 20,000 vehicles per day across the Hudson River. In addition to carrying one 12-foot-wide lane in each direction for US 6 and US 202, the roadway has eight-foot-wide shoulders for pedestrians and cyclists that accommodate the Maine-to-Georgia Appalachian Trail. To discourage through trucks from using the bridge, the NYSBA prohibits rigs weighing more than 56 tons from using the span.
Scenic Bear Mountain
Scenic Bear Mountain
Bear Mountain, the flagship of the Palisades Interstate Park System, is renowned for its naturally beautiful landscape. The heavily forested Bear Mountain State Park is set against rugged mountains in the historic Hudson River Valley and is virtually a photographer's dream. Everywhere you turn presents new and stunning views; all set in the natural landscape of nature, just 45 miles north of New York City. Imagine!
Lakes, rivers, ponds, forest, hills, and mountains abound at Bear Mountain. This 5000 acre parkland offers stunning sights including Perkins Point, views from the pedestrian walkway of the Bear Mountain Bridge, and the Appalachian Trail.
Perkins Point and Perkins Memorial Tower
Hike, bike, or drive up Perkins Drive to
Perkins Memorial Tower at the summit of Bear Mountain State Park. Experience breathtaking views as you make your way to the top to Perkins Point. Upon reaching Perkins Point you will be rewarded by one of the most beautiful views imaginable. The steep drive leading to Perkins Memorial Tower is 1,305 feet above the Hudson River. With its 360-degree view you can see the Hudson River, the Bear Mountain Bridge, U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Storm King, and Fort Montgomery. The observation floor of the tower offers displays describing the distant views, including the mountain ranges of the: Taconics, Ramapo, Shawangunk, and Catskill Mountains.
The Appalachian Trail
Of interest to hikers, the historic Appalachian Trail is carried across the
Bear Mountain Bridge, and the Popolopen Suspension Bridge.
The Historic Appalachian Trail
In 1921, the idea for the Appalachian Trail originated with a volunteer forester Benton MacKaye. Benton conceived the Trail as a refuge from modern stresses, stretching along the spine of the Appalachian mountains, where hikers could re-connect with the natural world.
On October 7, 1923 the first section of the Appalachian Trail was finished at Bear Mountain. This part of the trail took hikers south to the Delaware Water Gap and served as a model for the many trails that followed. Trails were later joined to comprise the now famous
Appalachian Trail. Today, the Appalachian trail spans 2,167 miles, and is the first National Scenic trail in the United States.
Bring the children and let them experience the wonders of nature and the adventure of Bear Mountain Park. The kids will love the many activities at Bear Mountain Park; including the beach, biking, fishing, nature trails, recreation programs, zoo, and Merry-Go-Round Pavilion. Winter activities include: snowmobiling, snowshoeing, an outdoor rink (from late October through mid-March), and more.
The scenic campground, formed along the park’s natural rock ridges, provides alcoves of privacy and tranquility for campers. Each of the 80 campsites has a picnic table and fire ring. Additionally there is an area for RV camping. On weekends, park staff organizes hikes and craft activities. Movies are shown on Saturday evenings.
Bear Mountain is most easily accessed by car. Although campgrounds and lodging are available, Bear Mountain Park is primarily a day-use park offering magnificent scenery, photo opportunities, and great hiking for all levels of hikers.
Perkins Point & Perkins Memorial Tower
