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In 1908, prison authorities began looking for a new location for the Sing Sing prison and felt that the Bear Mountain would meet their needs. However, people lobbied against relocating the prison, and the state of New York eventually succeeded. The president of Union Pacific Railroad, E. H. Harriman, passed away that year, and his wife offered 10,000 acres and a million dollars if New York would turn it into a state park. Other prominent community leaders and benefactors like John D. Rockefellers donated a significant sum, too, contributing to the cause. Bear Mountain State Park was officially established and opened to the public in 1913.
The on-site Trailside Museum and Zoo treat and rehabilitate many injured animals, including bears, bald eagles, deer, and owls.
The closest large town is Haverstraw, which is about six miles to the south. The quiet town gained some fame when people learned that Haverstraw was Babe Ruth’s favorite retreat. Portions of a silent film in which Babe Ruth played himself were filmed in the town. Several homes and buildings in the town are historic, dating back to the early 1800s.
One of the closest state parks to New York City, Bear Mountain State Park is a popular destination to escape the summer humidity in the city. Adventurers enjoy a wide array of recreational activities, including boating, sailing, biking, and hiking. Excluding the Appalachian Trail, there are around 235 miles of trails winding and weaving through the serene woods. One of the trails ascends to the top of Bear Mountain. Hikers who successfully summit are rewarded with a view of the Manhattan skyline.
A portion of the Appalachian Trail, which stretches 2,200 miles from Maine to Georgia, passes through Bear Mountain State Park. Hikers may encounter weary “thru-hikers” on their very long journey. Although it’s not required, it’s traditional to offer snacks and water to these hikers.
When winter rolls around, the fun doesn’t stop. As soon as snow blankets the hills, the trails are opened back up to cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Children and adults alike enjoy sledding one of the dozen hillsides. Bear Mountain State Park also maintains an ice rink on which people can engage in spontaneous games of ice hockey and races.
Considering how close Bear Mountain State Park is to the city, it often surprises people how many wildlife roams the woods. In addition to white-tailed deer, the woods give shelter to shy black bears, foxes, coyotes, and raccoons. Though rarely spotted, the soft hoots of owls are often heard at dusk as they prepare to hunt. Overhead, bald eagles soar the skies in lazy circles, searching for easy prey to snatch up in its talons.
Rent a camper and wake up surrounded by beautiful nature. In the wee hours of the morning, watch a deer sip from a babbling stream. Or listen to the birdsong in the trees. RV camping at Bear Mountain State Park is no longer possible; it eliminated its campground in the 1970s. However, there are several other campgrounds in the area.
The Beaver Pond State Park RV campground near Stony Point may be a good candidate to consider. With around 125 sites to choose from, guests have a choice between waterfront sites, wooded sites, or open-space sites. There are restrooms with showers, too.
Alternatively, RV camp in Harriman State Park at Baker Camp. Though primitive, there are restrooms with showers for guests to use. The main feature of this campground is the easy access to Sebago Lake.
The local towns scattered around upstate New York are full of history and charm. Hop into a rental motorhome and find a favorite attraction. In West Point is the West Point Museum, the oldest military museum in the country. It houses tens of thousands of military-related artifacts, tools, documents, maps, and photographs, including Napoleon’s sword, President Washington’s pistols, and a gold-plated pistol that may have belonged to Hitler.
The Storm King Art Center is a not-to-miss destination in Cornwall. The center houses the works of up-and-coming and established artists from around the world. Some of the items they create are truly innovative and unique. Stroll through the manicured lawns and study some of the world’s largest abstract sculptures.
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