I went back to Perkins Tower for the first time in many years. I used to love hiking up from the base of the mountain when I was much younger. I recall the many nights I spent camping in those mountains as a young man and truly enjoying my time there. Returning brought back many memories of friends and experiences I had there in the 70's and 80's. Reminiscing can be very satisfying and I'm very grateful for the good times. read more

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PROS: This was one of my favorite hikes in this area. Nice uphill hike with stone stairs to get to this monument, loads of parking above and below this mountain, vending machines and bathrooms are available, parking spaces. If you can't hike the trail than you can drive to the top. As you walk up the historic tower they have images on the wall of the place back in the 1930s CONS: Parking at the bottom of the mountain costs $10. OVERALL: I will definitely come back to this hike and walk up this trail again. However, there is no shame to drive up to the tower if you physically cannot hike read more

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Havent been to Bear Mountain before as our first attempt was a failure lol (too much traffic so we turned around). So i was happy to be able to visit this time. Unfortunately it rained while we were heading there and it slowed as soon as we arrived. There were parking spaces available at around 3:30pm and the crowd was bearable. The tower looked abandoned all by itself though but it somehow still looked beautiful in a way. We walked around a bit to get the feel of the place but did not climb up the tower. I liked that there were wooden chairs all over the place so people can rest if they need to. From up there, there is a good view of nature but personally I didnt find it spectacular. Maybe coz it was rainy and cloudy? Or perhaps early September isnt the perfect viewing time to go idk but regardless im glad i got to visit and see how this place looks. read more

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Perkins Memorial Towers at the top of bear mountain but its currently under construction. The view around is amazing and you can either drive or hike up. The easiest way to hike up is the white trail but it's quite boring and alot of stairs to climb but if you like a challenge try the going up the Major Welch trail (trail markers white with red circle) but be cautious in the winter as the trail can be slipper and iced otherwise have fun and enjoy the views. read more

Perkins Memorial Tower - View from side of the mountain - Parks Near Me - Bear Mountain, New York

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Another nice weekend and this time it calls for visit of the outdoors. Its not the peak of fall yet but I am having this urge to be one with the nature again. :D We stopped by on the top of bear mountain before proceeding to woodbury commons outlets for another weekend of shopping galore. I didnt expect its going to be a crowded weekend at the top and I was planning to take a nice landscape photo but the crowd will ruin my image. Well, I guess I will come back again maybe on a weekday. read more

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In Bear Mountain State Park. Beautiful 360 degree view from up there. On a good day you can see Manhattan. It can get a bit crowded so try and go on off times. I try and bring family and friends up there so they can get some good snaps of the views and landscape of our beautiful area! It is closed after a certain time of the year (around Thanksgiving, I think) so just know that once winter comes, this isn't an option. read more

Perkins Memorial Tower - Parks Near Me - Bear Mountain, New York

Perkins Tower at Bear Mountain is a great scenic lookout. Be aware that sometimes throughout the year it is closed due to weather or maintenance. It's free to get to this part of the park, as you dont need to park by the Inn. The road up the mountain is a steep one and kinda creepy if you don't like heights, but the views from the top are breathtaking. You can see north up to Newburgh and all the way south down towards Manhattan. It can get kinda crowded on nice days but there is a pretty decent amount of parking up top. Great spot to chill and have a picnic. I would recommend coming during the week since weekends get all the city ppl and tourists. read more

This tower offers a truly spectacular view. You have the option of driving or hiking to the top of Bear Mountain (it's about 1, 300 feet). When you get to the top, in addition to there being a nice park with benches and gorgeous view, there's this lighthouse-like tower which anyone can walk up and get an even better view from. Along the walk up, there are articles and old photos posted on the wall. Note there is no elevator or escalator (so walking up stairs is your only option). And at the top, you have a 360 degree view. If you know which direction to look in, you can see New York City (which is about 45 miles away). You can see so many miles of the Hudson River. Or you can look in other directions and see endless mountains. The tower offers coin operated binoculars. I can't imagine anyone being disappointed with this view. read more

One of my favorite ride stops is at the Perkins Memorial Tower, located at the very top of Bear Mountain. The views are pretty scenic, you get good views of the Hudson River and Iona Island. Most hikers end up here at the top, where there are restrooms, and of course the tower. The tower tends to smell, and there isn't much but a few sets of binoculars at the top. This is probably also the most crowded section of Bear Mountain, because you can actually be lazy and drive up here instead of hiking the trail. Call me lazy, cuz for every time I've made the hike from the parking lot by Hessian Lake, I must have taken my motorcycle up at least 5 times. It's a good spot to enjoy the view and light up a hookah read more

This is a great place to enjoy the outdoors. I have only been inside the tower a handful of times but to be honest there isn't much to do inside. There are tidbits of information scattered inside and there is a nice vantage point at the top, but I typically stick to walking around outside. If the weather is nice you're bound to find a myriad of bikers taking a break at the top and for good reason. The air is fresh and the views are fantastic. There are plenty of trails to be hiked if you're into that sort of thing. Bring some food and have a picnic while you're at it (no grilling though!). There are port-a-potties and vending machines as well. Not sure how they are as I've never made use of them. This place is certainly worth checking out, especially if you're on two wheels. read more

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Great experience here. Up in the bear mountain area. You will see a sign along the main road for the tower and follow that up to the parking area. From what I can gather, there is no parking fee to see this area. Once you park you can take a couple of little trails and view the tower. The tower is a few flights of stairs up with posters containing of information of the surrounding area, including bear mountain bridge, along the way. Great views once you are up there. On a clear day you can partly see the NYC skyline. I saw port a pottys and a bathroom area with a few vending machines as well. You can picnic but no grilling/cooking is allowed. This is a great area to stop to catch the views and take in some fresh air. read more

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Nice spot. 1) The Tower offers a panoramic, 360 degree view of the Hudson River Valley. 2) There are maps all around the tower to aid you in picking out the names of adjoining towns and mountains. 3) It is completely free. read more

Make your way to the top of Perkins Drive to Perkins tower. You can make it up by taking the 10-minute drive up, by biking, or the 1-hour hike up along the Appalachian Trail. When you get to the top, witness majestic views of Bear Mountain and the surrounding area. Meander along to the South facing side of the tower and you can walk along big rock boulders to get a nice view of the water and mountains. Just be sure to watch your step so that you don't slip and break something. Have a snack or lunch? There's plenty of old wooden benches in the area that you can sit and relax on. And one last thing. Try to come before 11 AM to secure yourself a spot. Crowds usually start to come by then, and by mid afternoon (~2 PM), the lot can be packed and you'll be forced to park along the road if available. read more

Amazing 360 view that will take your breath away! My family came here last week for a quick picnic atop Bear Mountain. The view is amazing and we were able to see all the way to NYC skylines because it was a clear day. There's plenty of picnic areas and photo ops. We will be back to view the fall foliage in mid October. Afterwards we also took a stroll around Hessian Lake and the bottom of Bear Mountain, which was also a beautiful sight to see. read more

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very nice views, and great motorcycle ride up that mountain, the view by the rocks is beautiful. enter the tower for some history about the place and panoramic views of the valley.. many motorcycles up there and some wearing their colors ...its a show place for motorcycle riders and many fancy cars that tend to go up there.. sit relax enjoy a sandwich and enjoy the rest of the park read more

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Personally, I found the view from the rocks in front of Perkins Tower offer a better view than from the top of the tower itself. I think there is something about the glass separation that takes away somewhat from the experience. But with that said, Perkings Tower offers a panoramic, 360 degree view of the Hudson River Valley - and there are maps all around the tower to aid you in picking out the names of adjoining towns and mountains. read more

The road up here is a must if you are a cyclist! Some great view and nice challenge for your legs.....the ride down is even better.

You can drive up and park there and has beautiful views all around. Only a few dirty porta johns though!!

Excellent views, when open. The building is in great shape and there's plenty of history to read and to engage the visitor. I've lived in the area for over ten years and have, surprisingly, always found parking at the Tower. It is a popular place, but the facility can handle the volume of visitors well. The only issue I have is that the tower is often closed for what appears to be no reason. read more