Drive to the top of Bear Mountain via the Perkins Memorial Drive for 360-degree views of the Hudson River Valley. ©www.myharriman.com
“It is one of the most inspirational places in the entire Hudson Valley. It feels a world apart when you get to the top of the mountain.” Timothy Englert
It’s an easy drive to the top of Bear Mountain State Park*, right next door to Harriman State Park, via the scenic Perkins Memorial Drive (closed in winter).
To Drive to the Top of Bear Mountain:
Going North, Take Exit 19 on the Palisades Interstate Parkway toward Perkins Memorial Drive/Bear Mountain Park, and follow Perkins Memorial Drive uphill.
Or, from Bear Mountain Inn, go south on Seven Lakes Drive for nearly two miles, and then take a slight right onto Perkins Memorial Drive and head uphill for two miles, to the top.
Directions to the top of Bear Mountain, pained on a rock along the Appalachian Trail. ©www.myharriman.com
At the top, you’ll find viewing benches and telescopes, three vending machines (water, energy drinks, snacks), and the Perkins Memorial Tower, with spectacular 360-degree views of the Hudson River, Harriman State Park, the Palisades, and beyond.
A Few More Facts About the Perkins Memorial Tower:
- It has its very own Facebook page.
- On October 29 , 2010, the Empire State Building was illuminated in green lights to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Harriman Gift: 10,000 acres and $1 million.
- At the end of November, a holiday star is placed on top of the tower to celebrate the end of the year.
Perkins Memorial Tower affords the visitor 360-degree views of Harriman State Park, the Palisades, and even the Empire State Building. ©www.myharriman.com
*But it’s a curvy, steep drive, too. Don’t text-message, and pay attention, so you don’t meet the same fate as a Pearl River woman who drove off the cliff.
