Beautiful views. Had a wonderful time with my family. Not too crowded.

This place used to be quiet few years ago. Now, its too crowded on weekends and hard to find parking. I love this place but would only go on weekdays now. Its not a good feeling when you go out to explore nature and see people all around taking pictures and throwing trashes here and there. Sharing pics taken during one of my weekday visit.

First off if you dont like people dont come here. if you like me and people are one of the reasons you like to hike. than this is your place tons of people. the state park offers some nice stone work on this trail. a stone tower at the top with some great views. an overlook about half way up before you make your push to the top. it get steeper from here. if you run out of water dont worry there a vending machines at the top with drinks and snacks. but before you go dont forget to take a ride on the carousel and get some ice cream.

Perkins Memorial Tower and Scenic DriveAlong the path of the Appalachian Trail (all of those stairs!) at Bear Mountain State Park is the Perkins Memorial Tower and scenic Perkins Memorial Drive, which is open from April to late November, weather permitting. With a ton of gorgeous views, many areas are along the path of the Appalachian Trail, and at the top of the mountain, there is a handicapped accessible section showing a majestic viewpoint. This is a great tranquil place to bring a picnic lunch (and make sure you take out what you bring in), for the whole family or group offering spectacular views of the Hudson Valley.While The Tower itself was closed when I went, I spent most of my time on the scenic Perkins Memorial Drive. A faint view of the Manhattan skyline was visible on the day I went (and a horrible picture on my iPhone). The Bear Mountain Bridge Overlook showcases the Bear Mountain Inn and Overlook Lodge, Hessian Lake, many of the trails at Bear Mountain State Park, Trailside Zoo and Iona Island including the Iona Island Component Hudson River National Estuarine Research Reserve.Perkins Memorial Tower is a 40-foot structure providing a view of up to 4 states and the Manhattan skyline, looking down over the Hudson River 1,305 feet above, and the views are spectacular! The tower itself was built in 1934 in memory of George Wallbridge Perkins, the founder and first president of the Palisades Interstate Park Commission.With views that were pretty amazing, and really not knowing how accessible they were I was so happy I needed to share it with you. Seeing from Manhattan to West Point opened up the fact that this little slice of travel knowledge that Im sharing, could take you a few hours to enjoy!Perkins Memorial Tower and Drive are only a couple of the many things that can attract you to the Bear Mountain State Park area.

Awesome hike with beautiful views. Exhausted.

This is a neat observation tower that lets you take in many scenic views of the landscape. Within the tower, you can see exhibits and quotes about the parks history. On a clear day, you can see as far as New York City. While its not wheelchair accessible duento access being stairs only, this is actually a good climb.

On time. Very professional and polite. Great service! Thank you BearMountain

Make sure it’s open with a phone call because they LIE on google maps. I came here to detox and meditate during this stressful time. Made the long drive just for it to be closed. The area is beautiful and has nothing to do with my one star review. Disappointed, not in nature but in the workers.

Intermediate to advanced hikers. Beautiful all around but you have to make it all the way to the tower and you will see Manhattan from up there!!! Push yourself and you’ll get it done. Very clean trail. Quiet and peaceful.

Great one day trip out of NYC. Preferably, hiking than driving in major Welch trail.

Perkins Memorial Tower was so worth it. There are many stairs so it definitely isnt wheelchair accessible, however, the view at the top is amazing. Even if one isnt able to make it it the top of the tower, the view from just the bottom is enough and has almost the same effect. Either way, beautiful view, but if you are to take pictures from up there, keep in mind that there will be a reflection from the windows.There are also pictures and texts along the walls of each floor as youre climbing up, giving information about the history of the tower and the people who sponsored the project. Cool experience.

This is a great place for early morning bike ride rides. The roads are well maintained, no traffic and tree lined all the way to the tower, with spectacular 360 views. There are a couple of Porta potties and a snack & beverage vending machine to help biological needs.

Views of this place are absolutely amazing. Definitely worth the trip and would highly recommend. There are many hiking trails as well as the ability to drive and park nearby.

The 1000 stairs hike from the Bear Mtn Inn is now one of the best hikes in the Northeast! Easily accessible and great hike to the tower to get your heart rate up. Bonus is views of NYC!!!

Great view on top of Bear Mountain. You can see the NYC skyline from hear which is pretty cool. Its about a 3.8 mile hike up to the tower on the white trail. Its mostly steps but its a beautiful hike, would definitely recommend it. The Appalachian trail is very rugged so I wouldnt recommend it unless you are experienced. However, the white trail is a great trail for anyone.

Great view from the top! Nice and cool breeze and the sight from the top is awesome! You can even see the NYC skyline!

Gate is closed which makes the second part of the trip up bear a bit nicer - no cars, less tourists. Beautiful views are the reward for all of the climbing

Stunning views! You can see skyline of NYC on a clear day. There are a lot of people there for sunset on weekends, but you can get the whole mountain to yourself on a sunrise.

The scene was as beautiful as a painting!

What a wonderful hike. Took the Major Welch going up. Its fairly rough and jagged and will test your stamina. Took the easier Appalachian trail back down. Great solo hike!

A place to take in Gods awesome glory and to escape the chaos.

The tower here is a mini historical site with some descriptions of the tower itself and the surrounding area. At he top of the tower, the view is very nice and you can see the New York City skyline as well as the surrounding mountains in the Hudson River area. There are no restrooms or water fountains up here, just a nearby vending machine near the tower. You can also drive up here if you want to skip the hike but also get the views. There is a decent number of people here when we got there in the early afternoon either resting or taking photos of the view, so be wary of that.

Always get in the summer to stop by and see the beautiful sights. You get to meet up with fellow bikers, bicycle riders, and tourists alike. They are great places to picnic, so bring a lunch. I believe there are porta potties, but dont count on it.

Very nice state park with Well kept grounds. Arrived on a Sunday around noon time and it was busy, there were police officers at the bottom conducting safety checks that I appreciated being on a motorcycle. Good views and can see the Manhattan skyline on a clear day.

Hiked on a Sunday morning! Gave me energy throughout the week. My husband rode here while me and my son drove. There were a ton of bikes by mid afternoon like a bike dealership. Great ride for them awesome views for me!!

I enjoy the nature hike up to the top. Beautiful scenery and awesome view of the NYC skyline in both Spring and Winter.

You can drive here! And the drive up is steep & very curvy... you absolutely have to be mindful of people on bikes & just walking because there are lots of them & LOTS of blind turns...OBEY the speed limit in this area!!! A nice place to get excellent views of Harriman & Bear Mountain State Parks. Historical location in the area. The climb up the tower is not strenuous but has no access for less able individuals...there is no elevator. The views from the top are great but then again you wont need to climb the tower for great mountain views & these are wheel chair accessible. Weekends are crowded during great weather. Expect lots of motorcycles! Bathrooms are port-o-potties.

Great end to some of the Bear Mountain travels. Great views of the surrounding area and even a little bit of NYC

This tower provides a magnificent 360 panoramic view of the Hudson River Valley! You can get here by hiking the Major Welch Trail. Its a big hike, but definitely worthwhile.Though Id like to give this a 5-star review, Ive given it 3 instead because the inside needs some major renovation. As you can see from my photos, it suffers from significance water damage and general cosmetic decay. If this were corrected, this would definitely be a 5-star spot.

Although the door to the top was closed the view and drive were phenomenal.

The best panoramic view you can sink in just over an hour drive from New York City.

This place is a good retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city. 46 mins from FortLee NJ. The drive is amazing and lush green. There are many trails. The pictures posted are from the heightist point. Car does go to top. Ample number of disabilities spots for parking. Its the bikers season so watch out. The lake has nice 1 mile leisure walk with small ups and down. I am not into fishing but i did see many people with fishing rods trying to get a good catch. This place is amazing for barbecue and camping. Very children and dog friendly. Bring your frisbee or soccer ball along.

Great hike even better view! Great place for a active date.

Magnificent view! But for a busy attraction like this, they should really done a better job, like a decent restroom, and a more suitable window for that poor tower. For me it feels like somebody didn’t pay much attention, just merely maintaining it.

Beautiful hike. Be prepared for a work out.

Beautiful views and the tower is very informative it lets you know where everything is at. You can drive up to the Tower or walk up as a mini hike. Its a hike up great for beginners. Its takes a while to get up there on foot so might as well bring some water and snacks if you are with younger children.

Not too overcrowded today. Plenty of parking. Only a few obnoxious people. Visibility of the mountains, Hudson River and NYC was better than I had expected with the humidity factor.

Awesome stop while on motorcycle. Great alone or w/a group. Todays weather was perfect. Id highly recommend it to everyone. Alot if different riders out here Male, female, sport bikes, cruisers & cafes. The twists & turns are fun too!

Great place. Specially enjoyed the drive. Also awesome view

Great views. Too many people around taking selfies for it to feel peaceful. A good hike. Dont do it if you hate climbing stairs though.

Great place for hiking and looking at the beautiful Hudson Valley.

Great views and awesome hikes

I drove on whiteface mountain and Mt. Washington auto road so compare to that this was nothing but so close to NYC, this is the best auto road on the top of mountain in bear mountain state park. Views are fantastic and NYC is visible in the distance on clear day. You can easily spend an hour or two on the top and few trails are around for you to hike. Top of the tower gives you 360 degree view of surroundings. You can use low gears while going down the mountain to avoid overheating of your breaks. They should post signs for recommending lower gears. When you are coming down, take a scenic route exit to go to overlook that gives you amazing view of Hudson river, bear mountain bridge, Anthonys nose, and Hessian lake. I would recommend people who loves going on the top of mountain.

Amazing place .. i was a little late to see the fall colors .. but still breath taking views... parking spot available near the tower..

If you plan to enjoy the fall color, please plan early. We managed to get a view from perkins tower, but by the time came down, all other entrance including lake were closed.

Awesome place with gorgeous scenic drive/trail.

Beautiful views! Great for hiking, or just sitting relaxing and having a picnic!

Been to the rocks below the tower several times, first time tower happened to be open - stairs seemed a bit narrow and intimidating at first but theyre actually great and the views from the top are really breathtaking. Was extra lucky it was a clear enough day to see New York City. History (photos mostly black and whites displayed as tile murals) and inspirational quotes dot the inside of each landing of the tower as you ascend, a nice touch. Bear mt. is still more than worth the visit when the tower is closed, but the tower is a worthy addition if youre lucky enough to catch it open on a clear day. Pic is holding my galaxy out of a happened to be open window a floor or two before the top of the tower - couldnt resist the shot w no glass or window or building in the way

Beautiful view. You can see the city skyline on a clear day!!

Love the Palisades Parkland? Get at a glimpse at the man behind it. The scene at the top is magnificent!

Awesome. You can view the nature from top of the hill but careful for drive . There is trial for walk. Its makes little adventure for my family. I love and enjoyed this place.

Very beautiful. Didnt get to go inside and look out as it was closed by the time I arrived. Several benches to sit on and look out over the mountains. Can see NYC in the FAR distance

Worth the trip up the stairs. Beautiful views, lots of information and great historical photos. Sadly, it seems neglected. No one on site as a docent or guide, which is probably why theres trash around in the tower. Beautiful scenic drive to the tower with great spots to stop and admire the area.

Its really enjoyable for seeing the view of natural beauty...

Very cool, beautiful view, good trail.

Nice place to go hiking. Excellent view

Amazing views, interesting historical information. Even the 12 yr old was impressed.

We were hiking bear mountain and stumbled upon this tower at the end of the climb. Theres not really much to say about it, its a tower, has historical information inside it, you can see a decent overlook view once you get to the top. Personally, I found the view from the rock area a few steps away to be much nicer (and no dirty windows).There are no [working] restrooms or any cafes or anything of the sort, just a tower.

Whether you hike to the top or drive, it is worth the trip. The views in the fall are spectacular! Climb the tower and see the neighboring states. Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy the coolness of the day. You will likely encounter some of the local wildlife!

The tower has great views, but the window design is not optimal. The windows are too short vertically and the glass produces strong glares.The tower doesnt allow food or drinks, but I dont see anybody enforcing that.There are no water fountains, but there are some vending machines. The stairs up are narrow and its basically impossible to have people going up and coming down at the same time.People will all be at the highest floor. Nobody at any of the lower floors despite the views being very similar.

Ive always loved the view (you can see the City). Just a gorgeous spot.

Amazing views, great place for hiking

Most Beautiful Views in the World.

Great views, nice Park Ranger, kept an eye on my bike.

Great place to overlook many spots in upstate NY.

Amazing view and wonderful place. Can go for fall drive and must go on the top of the tower.

Just a beautiful place and the view you get from there is to die for

Great hike up to the tower. There are different trails, some harder than others.

Beautiful hiking place.! ! Car goes to all the way . dont forget to take picture scenic view

Five stars, would drive up there again

The view is especially rewarding after coming up through the major Welsh trail. Vending machines dispense water, soda, Gatorade, and chips.

Great view... amazing drive....

Wonderful view and you can see New York city on a pretty clear day. The tower has a bit of steps that can be a bit narrow for going up and down but it has a lot of history. The best part is just driving to get up here has some amazing scenery and the views in the fall are breathtaking.

The view from the tower is very beautiful

This place is too beautiful for words.. and had amazing views.. We came to bear mountain to do a hike and didnt know what the tower was but kept flowing the trail all the way up...After a 2 hour hike we reached the top but then realized we could have drove up there. But either way the hike was worth it.i would definitely recommend doing the hike preferably on a cooler day because its a tough climb.

Very nice outlook. You can take the easy way and drive up, or the more challenging and hike up! Ive done both. Its a great view and nice for a short visit.

Its Absolutely beautiful

Nice place for hiking for beginner. half of the mountain they created some stairs with the rock. it is really easy to go up. even granny can climb to the top of the mountain.

On a nice day, you can see Manhattan from this picturesque lookout spot!

Beautiful view at the peak. Worth it whether you hike up or drive up.

Surroundings are beautiful, the tower isnt that special. At least parking & everything was for free - a rarity in America ;)

Fantastic view at sunset! Awsome

Beautiful view over the Hudson Valley, you can see Manhattan on a clear day

Nice tower view all over the NewYork manhatton city from tower. All around green every where.

Beautiful views, family destination!

Its an awesome place for enjoying the nature.

Awesome hike took us around 90 minutes to get to top.

Great for hiking and taking in the views

Stunning place Good view

A fantastic view of the Hudson Valley area. You can hike up here from the inn or drive up

Beautiful view on surroundings andManhattan skyline

This place talks to you, when youre up there just listen to it. One of the best place to visit!

2/20/2020 hiked from Bear Mountain Inn to the tower. Beautiful. Stone stairs all the way up. It took us about 90 minutes to the tower.

The trail is beautifully maintained and the tower has a cute photo display inside. The trail to the top is steep but worth the climb. You can definitely take kids up the Appalachian Trail path to the top. Its basically just a super long stone staircase to the top of the mountain. The photo display in the tower was interesting and provided an interesting background for the area.

Nice view, could see Manhattan. The tower is really nice. Have been 3 times so far, but never seen it clean. Very informative displays and good views!

A beautiful must see vista. Have been going up to the tower since I was a little boy and have some amazing memories of Gods great earth with my family.

Love coming back here time and again. We have done all the trails in bear mountain park and i find the major welch trail to be the most adventurous one. You will find great views from the peak as well as from many different points on the trail.

You can hike or drive to the summit to climb the tower. Gorgeous view of the Hudson River from the top. We always were able to park at the summit when we drove there, though it could be busy at times. Popular place with bikers.

Beautiful views of the surroundings and new York skyline... Nice area to relax and take in nature. Easy to get to by car, much more difficult by bike or hike. Its a climb to get up there..

Visited on the most perfect day. The view to NYC simply amazing. Climbing the tower, makes it even greater. Tons of parking. Lots of hikers. The ride up is good to, just take your time.