Winter Fun at Bear Mountain State Park

During the cold winter months, most parks are left empty. This is not the case at Bear Mountain State Park. Bear Mountain State Park is located Bear Mountain, New York only 45 miles out of New York City. The park is surrounded by rugged mountains, and the Hudson Valley flows just below. During the winter the park offers many activities.

From late October through March, the park offers and outdoor ice-skating rink. Public skating sessions are open on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and noon to 1:30 pm. On Fridays you can state from 8:00 p.m. to 9:30 PM, and on Saturdays and Sundays the rink is open from 10 AM to 9:30 p.m. If you are interested in private skate sessions these are available on Thursdays and Fridays from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. You must make reservations in advance by contacting the Bear Mountain Office at (845)786-2701. Private skate sessions cost $165.00 an hour.

Keep in mind that the skating rink is completely outdoors and uncovered. Dress in clothes that will keep you warm during these cold months. The rink does offer lockers and refreshments for purchase.

Even if you do not skate, you must pay a fee to enter the building. The cost is $4.00 per adult and $3.00 per child. Those who are only going to watch, and not skate, must pay $2.00. You can bring your own skates or rent skates once you arrive at the rink. Skates are $4.00 per rental. If you bring your own skates the employees will sharpen your blades for the cost of $5.00.

Once you enter the building you will have one hour and thirty minutes to skate. At the end of the session you will be given time to get off the ice, change into shoes, and gather your belongings before the next group of people enters the rink. Since the facility is closed to those who do not pay, it limits the number of people who are coming and leaving the building during your session. This makes for a much safer environment.

If you are looking for an indoor activity to do, the Merry-Go-Round is also a great winter activity. This is a new building but has a very rustic and historic feel. The 8,000 square foot building has a viewing area for parents, a warm fireplace, a snack bar, restrooms, and an arts and crafts section for your child. The Merry-Go-Round features 38 carved animals that can be found living in the Hudson River Valley. These include raccoons, deer, bear, foxes, skunks, turkeys, swans, river otters, eagles, and bobcats. The rounding boards tell the story of early life in the Hudson Valley and show case many of the activities that can be found at Bear Mountain State Park.

The Merry-go-round is open from June 21^st through Labor Day, seven days a week. The hours of operation are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. After Labor Day the merry-go-round is open only on weekends and holidays. The cost per ride is $1.00 and adults are welcome to hop on with their child.

If your child has a birthday during the winter months, you can have their party here as well! To schedule your party call (845)786-2701.

If it is too cold to even get out of your car, the park still has something to offer. Perks Memorial Drive is a scenic drive that takes you to the top of Bear Mountain. There are many photo opportunities both on the way up, and down the mountain. Wildlife especially loves this area in the winter months because the tourism is much slower and there are not as many people to scare them away. At times it is possible to see twenty or more deer on this drive. Bring your camera, bring binoculars, and drive slowly to enjoy the trip. Once you arrive at the top of the mountain you will have an amazing view of the Hudson Valley and surrounding mountains. On a clear day you can even see the skyline of New York in the far distance, peeking out from between two mountains.

If you are going to ice-skate or take a ride on the merry-go-round, you may have to pay a parking fee of $6.00. The park usually only charges a parking fee during holidays and weekends, but it is still good to be prepared for this charge.

If you want to do an indoor activity, hop on the Merry-go-round, grab a cup of hot chocolate, and select a craft to do inside the heated pavilion. If outdoor sports are more for you, and you don't mind the cold, grab a pair of skates and make your way around the rink. If getting out of your car isn't even an option, then crank up the car heater and enjoy the scenic view to the top of Bear Mountain. Bear Mountain State Park offers a little something for everyone during these cold winter months. If you are going to be in the Hudson Valley, don't miss this scenic attraction!