Rescheduled: Bear Mt. Park, Dock, Zoo & Ft. Montgomery Hist. Site 3 Bridge Hike

Lets' enjoy Bear Mt. Park before the summer crowds and heat return.

This approx. 3-4 hour approx. 3-4 miles slow/moderate paced hike(with lots of stops and early outs if needed), has a little bit of everything; a short visit to the zoo, spectacular scenic Hudson River views, a visit down to the dock, the suspension bridge, a walk across the Popolopen bridge(Rt 9W), for Postcard Picture shots, a stop at the Ft. Montgomery historic site, the Bear Mt. bridge and breaks to take it all in!

The hike is on paved paths with a few gentle and moderate inclines with one optional short, descent on a rocky woods trail to the suspension bridge and up to the Ft. Mont. historic site. (they also have a gift shop so bring credit cards, cash, etc.)

Hiking boots or shoes are recommended as the pavement can be hard on the feet. Hiking poles are suggested if you plan to hike down to the suspension bridge. Bring WATER which is mandatory, Bug spray, sun protection, snacks, binoculars and don't forget those cameras!
Bring cash and credit cards, etc. as the gift shop at the park and Ft. Montgomery should be open. Donations are always welcome at the zoo entrance donation box. DRESS in layers as it can get breezy on the bridge.

Meet in front of the Inn by the little bear statues on either side of the front doors. (circular driveway with flag)

Come early to check out the gift shop which is usually open until 6pm or after the hike if there is time. There are also some unique gift opportunities at the Ft. Montgomery site.

There is a $10 per car parking fee unless you have a state park pass. NYS seniors over 62 are free during regular weekdays.

Optional dinner at The Pancake Factory which has pancakes and everything else.

As with all of our events, you are responsible for your own safety and the safety of your guests. Hiking can be dangerous and injuries can occur, sometimes fatal. Trail blazes can sometimes be missing so there is always the possibility of getting off trail and possibly lost. Knowing this you agree to hike at your own risk and we cannot be held responsible for any injuries you or your guests may incur.

Inclement weather cancels. ALWAYS check the day of an event for possible changes.

For Directions go to: https://visitbearmountain.com/about-us/maps-directions/ from the Bear Mt. Park website

FYI:

Popolopen Bridge, Suspension footbridge across the Popolopen Creek and the Bear mt bridge.

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.

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 (http://www.hudson-river-valley.com/direct.html?http://www.westchestertowns.com/htm/lnk/Link0043.html) is an archeological site and a historic ruin. 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.