Click to enlarge photo of Early Fall at the 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 5,067-acres (20.51 km2), is heavily forested and is primarily a day-use park offering magnificent scenery, photo opportunities and hiking trails for all levels of hikers.

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.

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.

In 1915 park employees crafted the two story stone Bear Mountain Inn using native materials, found on site. On the interior, heavy chestnut log posts and beams supported large stone fireplaces, rustic timber framing, paneling and ceilings, and light fixtures fabricated of native birch and hand-hammered iron. Paintings of river steamboats, Native American textiles and mounted birds and animal heads decorated the walls. Carpenters constructed sofas, chairs and tables from harvested chestnut trees, making the inn appear even more park like and rugged. The Inn was the epitome of rustic design and served as the example for the construction of similar buildings that we now associate with "park architecture". Throughout the Inn, the original chestnut and birch furniture, much of which is being restored or replicated by the Palisades Interstate Park Commission, gives each room a distinctive touch.

Press blue button for more about the historic Bear Mountain Inn.

Ice Activities and Attractions
Birthday Parties
Ice Rental
Skate Rentals

Ice Skating
Figure Skating in the center of the rink
Public Skating

Ice Hockey
Hockey Club

Press blue button for session hours and fees, holiday hours, skate rentals, private rental, birthday parties, hockey club, figure skating and more about ice skating at the Bear Mountain Ice Rink. Call (845) 786-2701 ext. 266 for more about ice skating at the Bear Mountain Ice Rink.

Click to enlarge photo of Hessian Lake at Bear Mountain Park.

Hessian Lake is located in Bear Mountain State Park. Hessian Lake offers a dock on the Hudson for mooring small craft, rental boats, and lake and river fishing. Looking for fun things to do in the summer? Plan a picnic followed by a boat ride or a hike around Hessian Lake.

Bear Mountain State Park, a 5,000-acre park, is situated in rugged mountains rising from the west bank of the Hudson River. Bear Mountain Park, flagship of the Palisades Interstate Park System, is renowned for its natural beauty. The park is located at Bear Mountain, New York 10911, just 45 miles north of New York City in the historic Hudson River Valley.

The park features playing fields, shaded picnic groves, a dock on the Hudson for mooring small craft, lake and river fishing access, a swimming pool, the Trailside Museum and Wildlife Center, hiking, biking, cross-country ski trails and ski-jumps. Ice-skate at Bear Mountain's outdoor rink open for ice-skating, weather permitting, from late October through mid-March. Also visit Perkins Memorial Tower atop Bear Mountain. Perkins Point affords spectacular views of the park, the Hudson Highlands and Harriman State Park.

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.

Things To Do at Hessian Lake in Bear Mountain Park
Boat Launches
Boat Rentals
Fishing (lake and river fishing)
Food
Hiking Trails / Walking
Merry-Go-Round Pavilion
Museum - Trailside Museum and Wildlife Center
Nature Trails
Picnic Tables
Playgrounds
Playing Fields

Winter Activities
Cross-Country Skiing
Ice Skating
Snowshoeing

Points of Interest for Kids
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.

Trailside Museum and Wildlife Center
The study of native animals and their habitat at Bear Mountain has a long history. In 1921, the American Museum of Natural History installed a facility at the Boy Scouts headquarters on Lake Kanawauke. Four years later, the same Museum began a program for the study of insects in Harriman State Park. The Commission added a bear den in 1926, which became a small zoo, as the facility took in more injured animals in need of shelter.

Press blue button for directions and more about Lake Tiorati.

Things To Do at Lake Tiorati
Beach
Biking
Boat Launch Sites
Campgrounds
Hudson Valley Fishing (NYS fishing license required)
Food
Group Camping
Hudson Valley Hiking
Picnicking
Scout Camping
Showers
Swimming

Winter Activities
Ice Fishing
Ice Skating

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.

The Merry-Go-Round 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.

Its rounding boards illustrate the park's early history with hand-painted scenes of the Hudson River, Perkins Tower, Bear Mountain Inn, etc. The music played during the rides was recorded at an original carousel in Rochester, New York, from a 1926 Wurlitzer Pipe Band Organ. Both parents and kids can select their favorite animal and enjoy a ride on this wonderful Merry-Go-Round.

The Journal News reported: "Tradition goes out the window at the Bear Mountain merry-go-round. Riders may perch themselves on the back of a frog, who sports a jaunty vest and bow tie. Then there’s that charming bear who has a honeycomb strapped onto his back, unaware of the bumblebee about to take a taste. This is not your everyday merry-go-round. The Bear Mountain merry-go-round was designed to represent the native animals in the Hudson River Valley. In addition to the animals, two highly decorated benches on the merry-go-round offer another way to ride, while also being easily converted into accessible seating for those in wheelchairs."

A Bit of History about the Merry-Go-Round
The Merry-Go-Round at Bear Mountain State Park is a building anchored in a distinguished history. The stone-and-timber pavilion reflects the Adirondack "Great Camp" architectural style that became the model for other Palisades Park buildings such as the 1915 Bear Mountain Inn and, later, the National Park System. The 8,000-square-foot pavilion includes a viewing area, fireplace hearth, catering facilities for small receptions, and snacks and restrooms.

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."

Things To Do at Perkins Point
Biking (Advanced bikers can ride to the top of Perkins Point.)
Birding
Hiking Trails / Walking
Museum at Perkins Tower
Nature Trails
Picnic Tables
Scenic Views

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 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 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.

American Revolution
Popolopen Creek and the Popolopen Suspension Footbridge are located in Fort Montgomery, NY 10922 in Orange County; adjacent to Bear Mountain State Park. The Battle of Fort Montgomery was the scene of an American Revolutionary War battle that was fought for control of the Hudson River. Fort Montgomery and Fort Clinton were built to secure the Patriots control of the Hudson River.

"On the afternoon of October 6, 1777, the British began an assault on both forts, which were defended by no more than 700 men. At Fort Montgomery, the Americans kept the British at bay as the two sides exchanged musket fire. When the Americans refused to surrender, the British stormed both forts. Taking advantage of the growing dark and the smoky haze from the battle, many of the Americans escaped, but as many as 275 were taken as prisoners to New York City where they remained for much of the war."

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.

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.

Today's Trailside Museums and Zoo occupy 40-acres on a bluff 250 feet over the Hudson River. The trails, including the first section of the Appalachian Trail, are among the oldest in the country; they link the various homes of Samantha, the eagle, and other birds of prey, the bear den, as well as habitats for beavers, a river otter, foxes, coyotes, and more.

Children enjoy the various presentations of indigenous wildlife, geology and herpetology. On display are Native American artifacts, models of Revolutionary War battles fought on-site, and an exhibit of the origins of the Boy Scouts, and four Museum buildings. See the bald eagle, black bear, owl, river otter and more animals local to Bear Mountain.

The Trailside Museum and Wildlife Center also highlight the history of the area. Learn about the importance of Bear Mountain in the American Revolutionary War. Visit historic 1777 & 1779 Trails that retrace the routes taken by the British army during the American War of Independence. Visit Fort Montgomery, a Revolutionary War fort built to defend the Hudson Highlands and protect American control of the Hudson River and learn about the Battle of Fort Montgomery and Fort Clinton.

Young children, older children, and adults all enjoy visiting each of the Museum buildings that house different exhibits. Visit the Local Reptiles, Amphibians, and Fish Museum, the Geology Museum, History Museum and Nature Study Museum.

Features
Hand launch
Parking = 8 cars
No gas motors

Location
Off 9W east on Tailroad Avenue (Co Rte 94) becomes Grassy Point Rd. (Co Rte 108)

Features
Two concrete ramps
Parking = 50 cars and trailers
Fishing pier accessible to people with disabilities

Location
Haverstraw Bay County Park. Off 9W east on Railroad Ave (Co Rte 94) becomes Grassy Point Rd (Co Rte 108), right on Gagan Rd (Co Rte 109)

Go swimming at Bowline Point Park offering an Olympic size pool with a diving well and wading area, two water slides, a newly re-designed toddler pool, a toddler playground, a handicap accessible water spray area, a handicap accessible playground, one refurbished tennis court, regulation size volleyball courts, walking paths and a fishing pier with a spectacular river view. There are also numerous picnic tables and grills throughout the park for picnics and a covered pavilion and gazebo for parties.

Press blue button for more about activities and hours at Bowline Point Park in Haverstraw, NY.

Things To Do at Bowline Point Park
Fishing pier (scenic views)
Pavilion and Gazebo (Covered area - permits available for parties)
Picnic Tables (Picnicking is available throughout the park)
Playground (Accessible)
Playground for Toddlers
Pools (Olympic size pool and toddler pool
Tennis Court
Volleyball Courts
Walking pathsWater Spray Area

Cheesecote Park offers 217 acres of parkland with picnic areas, hiking trails, camping grounds and a 6-acre lake for fishing. A permit is needed for over-night camping.

Press blue button for more about activities and attractions at Cheesecote Mountain Park.

Things To Do at Cheesecote Mountain Park
Camping Grounds
Fishing (lake and river fishing)
Hiking Trails / Walking
Nature Trails
Picnic Tables

Emeline Park is located in the Village of Haverstraw, Rockland County in the southern Hudson River Valley. This park offers 0.5 miles of walking paths winding through 3 waterfront acres, with gazebo, pavilion, benches and a play area for children.

Emeline Park is set on the western shores of the Hudson River. This Rockland County riverfront park looks out across the Hudson at the river's widest point. Haverstraw Bay is a sweeping expanse of water, the very widest section of the Hudson River. Emeline Park is co-owned by Scenic Hudson and the Village of Haverstraw, and offers spectacular views of the bay and its many boats.

Things To Do
Children's Play Area
Scenic Vistas
Walking Paths

Directions
Heading south on Route 9W in Haverstraw Village, turn left on New Main Street and continue to the end.

Press blue button for Scenic Hudson, hours of operation, parking information, maps, photos and more about Emeline Park.

When you are ready to eat, select from one of many excellent restaurants in Rockland County and nearby areas.

Press blue button for more information about free summer day camp for youngsters age 6-12 or contact the Town of Haverstraw at (845) 429-2200.

Things To Do at Rosman Park
Free summer day camp
Playing Fields

About the Coffee
"We strongly believe that each cup of coffee we make is not only the freshest cup you can get but also the best. We take our time freshly grinding your recently roasted coffee. We then brew it perfectly, each cup individually. We don’t believe coffee should sit for any amount of time before it is served. So you can expect an intimate, a fresh, a delicious, and a beautiful experience at Art Cafe."

Restaurant Review

The word is Dine at Art Cafe of Nyack, serving organic vegetarian options in a warm and cozy space. Find organic eggs, milk, yogurts and more organic selections, all at affordable prices. Enjoy sitting outside in the warm weather or enjoy a hot latte in the inviting indoor dining areas. "Delicious Israeli cuisine."

Press blue button for information about Habersham Furniture, and more about antiques and art at Circa 2000.

After a day of antiquing, be sure to visit one of the excellent restaurants in Nyack; a quaint Hudson River village.

Press blue button for great clothes including, sweaters, pants, skirts, dresses, and SALE items. Find Eileen Fisher Boutique, Outlet, and Lab stores.

From Elmwood Playhouse "Through all the phases of Elmwood’s history, we have been able to provide to our 99-seat audience a wealth of entertainment. We have staged over 300 main stage productions, including 70 musicals, 1 opera, and 4 original world-premiere shows. We run a performing arts class for children, stage workshops every month, and have a mentoring program for many production staff positions, We have had approximately 1,570 people onstage, 91 Directors of plays, 116 people as Producers, 215 people served on our Board of Directors, with 23 of them as President, and entertained more than 250,000 audience members in our history." by Mike Gnazzo, Elmwood historian

Press blue button for the Elmwood season schedule, tickets online, workshops, classes, and more about Elmwood Playhouse in Nyack, a River Town in Rockland County.

For excellent dining options in Nyack and neighboring towns, visit Restaurants in Rockland County, NY.

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.

Restaurant Review

The word is Friendly pub, more like a Sport Bar.

A Bit of History about 66 Main Street in Nyack
For more than a century, there has been a tavern at 66 Main Street, serving Nyack folks, a daily share of good cheer and fine spirits. . . . on a summer's day in 1909, local tradesmen might be toasting workday's end with tourists just completing the twenty mile trip up the river from New York City, or commuters debarking from ferries that crossed the as-yet unbridged Hudson from Tarrytown." Press blue button for photos and more history about the Tavern on 66 Main Street.

Restaurant Review

The word is Great neighborhood pub with good food and a very friendly waitstaff serving the "best veggie burger" and fish & chips, and a "near perfect pint of Guinness where the head is creamy and the stout is fresh" but it gets "super crowded on the weekends".

Restaurant Review

Aquatics
The YMCA is America's favorite swim instructor. Every year at the Rockland County YMCA we teach over one thousand students of all ages and abilities to swim. We provide a year-round aquatics program, both instructional and recreational, for all ages, levels, abilities and interests. Our aquatics program lays a foundation of water skills and safety guidelines so participants can enjoy a lifetime of safe and healthy aquatic activities. Our programs are designed to allow members to master skills at their own pace, while encouraging their progress and building self confidence.

Features
Children's Birthday Parties

Restaurant Review

The word is The food and the service is wonderful at this charming and intimate restaurant located on the banks of the Hudson River; with views of the Tappan Zee Bridge (small parking lot between you and the view).

Features
Hand launch
Parking = 10 cars

Location
Parelli Park off Piermont Ave (Co Rte 1) just north of pier

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

Things To Do at Piermont Pier
Birding | Bird Watching
Fishing in the Hudson Valley
Hiking / Walking
Scenic Views

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.

The word is : One of the best music venues in the Tri State region . . . the jazz is great and the blues are hot!

The Stony Point Battlefield marks the "Battle of Stony Point" and the victory of the American light infantry over the British in a daring midnight raid.

Visit the site of the Battle of Stony Point, one of the last major Revolutionary War battles in the northeastern colonies. This is where Brigadier General Anthony Wayne led his corps of Continental Light Infantry in a daring midnight attack on the British, seizing the site's fortifications and taking the British garrison as prisoners on July 16, 1779.

By the late 1770s, the war had been raging for four years and both sides were eager for a conclusion. Sir Henry Clinton, commander of the British forces in America, attempted to coerce General George Washington into one decisive battle to control the Hudson River. As part of his strategy, Clinton fortified Stony Point. Washington devised a plan for Wayne to lead an attack on the fort. Armed with bayonets only, the infantry captured the fort in short order, ending British control of the river.

The site features a museum, which offers exhibits on the battle and the 1826 Stony Point Lighthouse, as well as interpretive programs, such as reenactments highlighting 18th century military life, cannon and musket firings, cooking demonstrations, and children's activities.

Attractions at Stony Point Battlefield
Children's Activities
Costumed Interpreters
Demonstrations
Educational Services
Group Tours
Museum and Visitors Center
Picnic Area

Features
Hard surface ramp
Parking = 10 cars and trailers
Electric motors. Permit and key required, available from park manager of Beaver Pond Campground.

Location
Harriman State Park. On Route 106, 6 miles west of Stony Point

Golf Course Attractions
Golf Club
18-hole regulation length course
Back tees = 6502 yards / par 71
Course rating / slope = 70.7 / 137
Greens = Bent grass
_____________________

Club rental
Carts - riding cart rental
Dress code
Driving range (lit at night)
Lessons
Locker rooms
Pro shop
Practice green
Restaurant

The top of a lighthouse is called the lantern. The inside of a lantern is called the lens. In 1856, a fifth-order Fresnel lens was installed and a larger, fourth-order lens installed in 1902. The lens in use now is a period fourth-order lens on loan from the United States Coast Guard.

Lighthouses were operated by keepers who had to make sure that the lights were burning and fogbells were ringing in bad weather. A keeper's house was either built into a lighthouse or constructed separately close by. Nancy Rose, the Keeper of the Stony Point lighthouse, kept the light for 47 years, from 1857 to her death in 1904.

A Bit of History
"Clausland is named after the "Clever Indian", Jans Claus, whose Indian name was Tackamack. He acted as an agent for the sale of land to Dutch settlers. Clausland Mountain Park was purchased in 1969, funded by local donations, County funds and a Federal grant. Three adjoining tax delinquent parcels were acquired in 1981. In 2000, two more parcels consisting of 50 acres, were purchased in cooperation with Scenic Hudson Land Trust Inc., Clausland Mountain Preservation Association, Town of Orangetown, NYS Department of Parks & Recreation and Columbia University."

Press blue button for parking and directions; click map for hiking trails.

Things To Do at Clausland Mountain Park
Birding
Hiking / Walking
Nature Walks
Scenic Views

Things To Do
Birding | Bird Watching
Geological Studies
Hiking / Walking
Nature Study
Scenic Vistas

Access
Off Nike Lane, Upper Grandview

Directions
From Route 59 take Route 303 south, left Spruce Street (CR 28), turns into Clausland Mountain Road. Make a right on Tweed Blvd. Right on Nike Lane. Bear left at the fork on Nike Lane. Park entrance is on the left.

Press blue button for Scenic Hudson, wildlife in the park, hours of operation, parking information, maps, photos and more about Clausland Mountain Park.

When you are ready to eat, select from one of many excellent restaurants in Rockland County.

Features
Hand launch
Parking = 25 cars
Permit required - available from Park Manager

Location
Nyack Beach State Park, Northern Broadway, Upper Nyack

Things To Do
Birthday Parties (parties for kids and adults)
Bowling coupons
Bowling lanes (20)
Bowling leagues
Bumper bowling for children
Moonlite bowling
Open bowling
Pro Shop
Scoring (automatic)
Specials
Tournaments
Youth programs

Refreshments
Lounge
Snackbar