The first section of the Appalachian Trail was created at Bear Mountain, taking hikers south to the Delaware Water Gap. It opened on Oct. 7, 1923. The park is 5,067 acres in size and Bear Mountain is 1306', rising out of the Hudson River Valley.

Activities include hiking and sightseeing from the top of the mountain. There is a lodge at the foot of the mountain with a skating rink, boating in Hessian Lake and a zoo. The park is adjacent to Harriman State Park. Call the park office at (914)-786-2701 for more information.

Pictures below are from the Bear Mountain State Park and Dunderberg Mountain, using film and digital cameras. Dunderberg is the first mountain outside of the park. It is only 3 miles south on 9W from the state park, located at Jones Point. It typically has less visitors and yet offers many of the spectacular views of Bear Mountain.

Visit numerous other Parks and Cities by World from the Web.

From Bear Mountain, overlooking the Huson River and City of Peekskill.
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From the skating rink, looking east at Anthony's Nose Mountain across the Hudson River.
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From the Bear Mountain lodge, looking north across Hessian Lake.
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From the skating rink, looking at the Bear Mountain lodge.
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The Hudson River and valley from the hike up Dunderberg Mountain, near Bear Mountain, Experience # 4 in Fodor's Short Escapes near New York City.
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The Hudson River, valley and Peekskill from the hike up Dunderberg Mountain.
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Further information can be found at the Bear Mountain State Park page.