Brief History: Saving Hook Mountain and the Tappan Zee Riverfront
In the last quarter of the nineteenth century, quarrying, which started on the Jersey Palisades, spread upriver, threatening to deface Hook Mountain on the Tappan Zee and the entire riverfront . . . In 1872, the erection of a stone crusher at Hook Mountain signaled the beginning of large-scale operations. By 1900, this and 31 smaller quarries between Piermont and Nyack were operating. Sentiment was growing to stop this defacement . . .

George W. Perkins, president of the Palisades Interstate Park Commission, played an instrumental role in influencing the philanthropists of his time as to the importance of preserving the Palisades. He believed the forested Highlands of the Hudson, famous for their scenery and as Revolutionary strongholds, would become a recreational resource for the people of the metropolitan district. The acquisition of Hook Mountain by the Commission was made possible by generous contributions by members of the Harriman, Perkins, and Rockefeller families, who have been adding to park holdings even up to the present time. Press blue button for entire text from New York-New Jersey Trail Conference.

Visit Perkins Point, built in tribute to George Perkins. At Perkins Point you will experience spectacular views of the Hudson River, Bear Mountain Bridge, West Point, Storm King, and Fort Montgomery. Four states are visible (New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania), including the New York City skyline.

Park Attractions and Activities

Biking
Beautiful views as you bike along the Hudson River's edge. The bike path follows the river's edge from Haverstraw Beach State to Nyack Beach State Park in Upper Nyack. For more biking trails, visit biking in the Hudson River Valley.

Bird Watching
Hook Mountain State Park is best known as a hawk watch site. More about the Audubon Society and great spots for Birding.

Hiking
Enjoy scenic landscapes while hiking along the banks of the Hudson River.

Piermont Pier offers beautiful views and excellent springtime fishing. Rental boats, canoes, and kayaks, are available in the immediate area.

Piermont Pier extends one mile across the Hudson River, from Rockland toward Westchester County. You can bike, walk, jog, or drive (with a yearly parking permit) to the end of the pier. Fishing along the pier is popular (check the fishing rule limits) and often very rewarding, especially during the spring run of stripers.

Piermont Marsh
Piermont Marsh, part of the Hudson River National Estuarine Research Reserve and the Department of Environmental Conservation, is located on the west shore of the Tappan Zee Bridge, in the village of Piermont, Orangetown, Rockland County, NY. The site occupies two miles of shoreline south of the mile-long Erie Pier and includes the mouth of Sparkill Creek and extensive tidal shallows. For information about flora (plant life), fauna (animal life) and endangered species at Piermont Marsh, visit Hudson River Reserve, New York, Piermont Marsh Component.

Click to enlarge photo of Bench on Piermont Pier.

For your comfort, benches have been placed frequently on both sides of the path. Walk to the end of the pier as mild to strong breezes keep the air cool and delightful; even on the warmest days of summer. For summer evening and early morning walks you may need a light jacket.

Facing Westchester County, with Rockland County behind you; look to your left and see Hook Mountain in Nyack (another scenic spot along the Hudson River), the Tappan Zee Bridge, and Westchester County on the east side of the Hudson River. With Westchester County straight ahead, look to the right and you can see the New York City skyline; and the Piermont Marsh is to the far right.

Piermont Pier
Piermont Pier is located in Piermont, New York, Rockland County in the Hudson River Valley.
The pier is open from 6:00 am to 9:00 pm all year.
Parking is available at the beginning of the pier. Yearly passes that allow you to drive out on the pier are also available (but book early as they are limited).

Restaurants near Pier at Piermont
Several good restaurants (and a few exceptional restaurants) ice cream shops, and a coffee cafe, are located near Piermont Pier. Find more activities, attractions, and things to do in Rockland County and the beautiful Hudson River Valley.

7 Lakes Drive in Harriman State Park, built in 1913, runs approximately 20 miles between Sloatsburg, NY on the southern end to Bear Mountain State Park on the northern end. A scenic ride along Seven Lakes Drive passes lakes Sebago, Skanatati, Askoti, Kanawauke, Tiorati, Nawahunta and Silver Mine Lake.

Enjoy things to do in all seasons at one or more of these beautiful lakes. Go fishing in the summer or ice-fishing in the winter. Hike summer, spring, winter, and fall; especially in the fall when the air is cooler and you can see the stunning foliage of autumn in New York. The lakes that comprise 7 Lakes Drive, offer activities and attractions year round; including swimming, boating, fishing, and fabulous bird watching.

Click to enlarge photo of Lake Askoti in Harriman State Park.

Lake Askoti, approximately 41-acres in size, is located in Harriman State Park. Lake Askoti, a tributary of Lake Skannatati River in Orange County, is surrounded by hiking trails offering beautiful vistas and great hiking. Enjoy excellent fishing throughout the year, including the winter freeze, when many fisherman return for ice fishing on the lake. Lake Askoti also offers excellent bird watching sites.

Things To Do
Birding
Fishing spots in the Hudson Valley (NYS fishing license required)
Hiking trails in the Hudson Valley

Winter Activities
Ice Fishing

Click to enlarge photo of Lake Skannatati in Harriman State Park.

Lake Skannatati, approximately 36.3 acres in size, is located in Orange County in the Town of Tuxedo, New York. Lake Skannatati is located very near Lake Askoti and is one of 31 lakes and reservoirs in Harriman State Park.

The parking lot, located adjacent to Lake Skannatati, provides convenient parking close to the boat launch site and provides easy access to several hiking trails.

Lake Skannatati offers hiking trails for all levels of hikers, including trails, at varying elevations, around the lake. Launch your boat and enjoy kayaking, canoeing, and fishing. Fish species present include Largemouth Bass, Brook Trout and Pan fish.

Things To Do
Birding / Bird Watching
Boat Launch Site (next to parking lot)
Boating (canoeing, kayaking, row boats)
Fishing in the Hudson Valley (NYS fishing license required)
Hiking trails around the lake

Winter Activities
Cross-Country Skiing
Ice Fishing

Lake Tiorati Beach in Harriman State Park is located in Orange County, New York

Lake Tiorati was formed by clearing swampland in Harriman State Park and constructing a concrete dam to make two ponds into one large lake. Surrounded by meadows and rolling, wooded hills, the park offers excellent swimming, fishing, boating and picnicking. In winter, if conditions allow, the lake may be used for ice fishing. Bona fide groups may use the pioneer campsites near the lake.

Things To Do
Beach
Biking
Boat Launch Sites
Campgrounds
Fishing spots in Hudson Valley (NYS fishing license required)
Food
Group Camping
Hiking trails in Hudson Valley
Picnic Tables
Scout Camping
Showers
Swimming

Winter Activities
Ice Fishing

Directions
Directions: Bear Mountain Bridge to 7 Lakes Drive

1. Head west on US-202 W/US-6 W/Bear Mountain Bridge Rd toward Circle DrContinue to follow US-202 W/US-6 W - 0.4 miles

2. At the traffic circle, continue straight onto US-6 W - 2.6 miles

3. Take exit 18 for US-6 toward NY-17/I-87/Central Valley/Seven Lakes Drive - 0.3 miles

4. At the traffic circle, take the 2nd exit onto 7 Lakes Drive - 3.4 miles

Things To Do
Biking
Hiking Trails / Walking
Picnic Tables
Playing Fields

Winter Activities
Cross-Country Skiing

Things To Do
Biking Trails in Hudson Valley
Hiking trails in the Hudson Valley
Picnic Tables
Playing Fields

Winter Activities
Cross-Country Skiing

Press blue button for park description, hours of operation, directions, pets, fees, and more about the Anthony Wayne Recreation Area of Harriman State Park.

* Harriman State Park, located in Rockland and Orange counties, is the second-largest park in the New York State parks system, with 31 lakes and reservoirs, 200 miles of hiking trails, and more.

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 Point,

Of interest to hikers, the historic Appalachian Trail is carried across the Bear Mountain Bridge and the Popolopen Suspension Bridge. 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. The historic Bear Mountain Inn, situated in Bear Mountain Park, overlooks Hessian Lake and provides food and overnight accommodations. Food is also available at several vendors around Hessian Lake and in other areas of the park.

Bear Mountain Park attractions and activities include: a large playing field, picnic groves, rowboat docks on Hessian Lake, swimming pool and bathhouse, nature trails including key segments of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail and the Long Path, basketball court, Trailside Museums and Zoo, Iona Island Estuarine Reserve and Bird Refuge, Perkins Tower, and the Merry-Go-Round. Many winter activities are available at Bear Mountain Park, including an outdoor rink that is open for ice-skating from late October through mid-March.

Perkins Memorial Tower sits 1,305 feet above the Hudson River, atop Bear Mountain. Perkins Point and Perkins Memorial Tower afford spectacular views of the park, the Hudson Highlands and Harriman State Park. Driving, biking, or hiking along Perkins Memorial Drive offers breathtaking views from many vantage points leading to Perkins Memorial Tower perched at the top of the mountain. Bring a picnic lunch to enjoy at one of many picnic spots that are available along Perkins Memorial Drive.

Click to enlarge photo of sign - Popolopen Creek Trail to Fort Montgomery.
	Popolopen Creek Trail to Fort Montgomery Walk the Popolopen Creek Trail to Fort Montgomery where you will "standon the site of Fort Clinton, which was built along with Fort Montgomery to prevent British ships from sailing up the Hudson River during the Revolutionary War. On October 6, 1777, the British captured both forts and destroyed them shortly thereafter. "This trail leads down to the Popolopen Creek and across the Popolopen Suspension Footbridge to Fort Montgomery State Historic Site. Fort Montgomery is an archeological site and a historic ruin. Interpretive signs and an audio tour are available to help understand the history of the fort and the battle."

More fun and educational attractions for kids include the Trailside Museum and Zoo, and the Merry-Go-Round featuring 42 hand carved seats of native animals. After a ride on the merry-go-round, visit the zoo and see how many native animals you can recognize. (Perhaps your children can help name the animals.) .

Great kids Attraction - Merry-Go-Round
The Merry-Go-Round at Bear Mountain features 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, rabbit and more.

Great kids Attraction - Trailside Museum and Zoo
There are four museums at Trailside. The Reptile and Amphibian House is home to a variety of turtles, snakes, frogs, toads, salamanders and skinks as well as many species of fish. The Nature Study Museum houses specimens originally created by the Museum of Natural History to educate people about animal identification. Visitors can learn about geologic formations of the Hudson Highlands in the Geology Museum and local Native American and early settler culture in the History Museum.

Things To Do
Biking Trails in Hudson Valley
Boat Rentals
Dockage
Fishing (lake and river fishing)
Food at park and at Bear Mountain Inn
Hiking Trails / Walking
Merry-Go-Round Pavilion
Nature Trail
Perkins Memorial Drive & Tower
Picnic Tables
Playground
Playing Fields
Pool (very large pool)
Swimming
Trailside Museums
Zoo and Nature Park

Winter Activities
Cross-Country Skiing
Ice Skating

Things To Do
Biking Trails in Hudson Valley
Boat Launch Sites
Boat Rentals
Bridle Path / Horseback Riding
Cabins
Campsites
Fishing spots in Hudson Valley
Food
Hiking trails in Hudson Valley
Museum & Visitor Center
Picnic Tables
Playing Fields
Showers
Tent / Trailer Sites

Winter Activities
Cross-Country Skiing
Ice Fishing

Press blue button for park description, hours of operation, getting there, fees, and more about Harriman State Park.

Lake Tiorati Beach in Harriman State Park is located in Orange County, New York

Lake Tiorati was formed by clearing swampland in Harriman State Park and constructing a concrete dam to make two ponds into one large lake. Surrounded by meadows and rolling, wooded hills, the park offers excellent swimming, fishing, boating and picnicking. In winter, if conditions allow, the lake may be used for ice fishing. Bona fide groups may use the pioneer campsites near the lake.

Things To Do
Beach
Biking
Boat Launch Sites
Campgrounds
Fishing spots in Hudson Valley (NYS fishing license required)
Food
Group Camping
Hiking trails in Hudson Valley
Picnic Tables
Scout Camping
Showers
Swimming

Winter Activities
Ice Fishing

Press blue button for directions and more about Lake Tiorati.

Scenic Drives
7 Lakes Drive in Harriman State Park, built in 1913, runs approximately 20 miles between Sloatsburg, NY on the southern end to Bear Mountain State Park on the northern end. A scenic ride along Seven Lakes Drive passes lakes Sebago, Skanatati, Askoti, Kanawauke, Tiorati, Nawahunta and Silver Mine Lake.

Things To Do
Biking
Boat Launch Sites
Fishing
Hiking Trails / Walking
Picnic Tables

Winter Activities
Cross-Country Skiing

The park offers two Olympic-sized swimming pools and two kiddies pools for swimming on the hot days of summer. After a swim, enjoy a picnic at the picnic tables and grills. The park also offers a car-top boat launch and boat rentals, hiking trails with breathtaking views of the Hudson Valley, six tennis courts and two golf courses. Anglers can fish Rockland Lake for bass, perch and norlunge; walkers and joggers can use the fitness trail around the lake. Winter visitors enjoy designated cross-country ski trails and sledding slopes.

Things To Do
Biking
Boat Launch Sites
Boat Rentals
Fishing
Food
Golf
Hiking Trails / Walking
Nature Trail
Picnic Tables
Playground
Swimming (2 Olympic sized pools and kiddies pool)
Tennis

Winter Activities
Cross-Country Skiing
Ice Fishing
Sledding

Things To Do
Biking
Boat Launches
Fishing spots in Hudson Valley
Hiking trails in Hudson Valley
Picnic Tables

Winter Activities
Ice Fishing

Scenic Drives
7 Lakes Drive in Harriman State Park, built in 1913, runs approximately 20 miles between Sloatsburg, NY on the southern end to Bear Mountain State Park on the northern end. A scenic ride along Seven Lakes Drive passes lakes Sebago, Skanatati, Askoti, Kanawauke, Tiorati, Nawahunta and Silver Mine Lake.

Things To Do
Biking
Hiking Paths / Walking
Picnic Tables
Playground
Playing Fields
Showers
Swimming (pool)
Tennis

Winter Activities
Cross-Country Skiing