When is Perkins Memorial Drive at Bear Mountain open?
According to New York State Parks, Perkins Memorial Drive and Tower are open from April through late November, weather permitting. Outside that window the road is not listed as open. Seven Lakes Drive inside the park has been closed after severe storms in the past, so check the state parks site for current road status before you ride.
Bear Mountain State Park sits on the west bank of the Hudson in the Highlands. US 9W runs past it, with the Bear Mountain Bridge Circle as a main reference point for drivers coming from the north. Roads here change with the weather, so check first. The reward is worth it.
The rides
Perkins Memorial Drive
The drive climbs toward the summit and the Perkins Memorial Tower. It is open from April through late November, weather permitting, and closed through winter. Check the state parks page before heading up.
US 9W and the Bridge Circle
Coming from the north, take 9W south to the Bear Mountain Bridge Circle, then follow the park signs. From I-84 westbound, the park directions point to the second exit after the Newburgh-Beacon Bridge.
Seven Lakes Drive
Seven Lakes Drive runs through the park. After severe storms, parts of the park roads have closed, so check New York State Parks for the latest before you plan around it.
Season notes
Peak summer and fall weekends bring heavy traffic and full parking, and the park may limit access when it gets crowded. Spring can be damp and cool at elevation. Shoulder-season weekdays are the sweet spot.
Watch for
Tight curves, wet leaves, sand after storms and sudden closures. Weather at the summit can differ from the valley, so dress in layers.
Questions riders ask about Bear Mountain
Is Perkins Memorial Drive open in winter?
No. New York State Parks lists Perkins Memorial Drive and Tower as open from April through late November, weather permitting, and does not list it as open outside that window.
How do I get to Bear Mountain State Park from the north?
Take US 9W south to the Bear Mountain Bridge Circle, then follow the signs and take the second right to continue on 9W south. State Parks publishes full directions on its park map.
Roads, closures and seasonal hours change, so check current conditions before you ride. FJP is an online shop with no storefront or events in Bear Mountain. This guide is a free resource for riders.