The Bear Mountain State Park Trailside Museum and Zoo

My companion and I spent a pleasant day at Bear Mountain State Park, located off of Route 9W or the Palisades Parkway in New York. Bear Mountain hosts a bunch of activities for both the young and old. You can rent a paddle boat and paddle around Hessian Lake. You could take the kids on a vintage Merry Go Round ride, go swimming in the pool, or just sunbathe on the immense lawn. The best part of Bear Mountain is the Trailside Museum and Zoo. All of this for a parking fee of $7.00. The second best part is that the Appalachian Trail leads you into and around the Zoo. At the beginning of the zoo, you are met by a statute of Walt Whitman, famous poet and writer, best known for "Leaves of Green." The zoo hosts a bunch of animals that have been either injured by motor vehicle accidents or shooting accidents. There is a American Bald Eagle, Owls, Otters, Beavers, a bobcat, snakes, turtles, white tailed deer, and a red fox. But don't forget to spend awhile at the bear den. The day we went there were three bears. The bears were basking in the sun, playing under the sprinklers and taking baths in a wading pool. The American Black Bear is indigenous to the Northeast. Trust me, the kiddies will love this small zoo. There are many interactive kiddie friendly displays. Also don't forget to take advantage of the many lookout areas: the views of the Hudson River and the Bear Mountain Bridge are amazing. The Appalachian trail follows the paths for approximately one mile. There are many other trails leading from Bear Mountain, including the Major Welch Trail. So, my advice is: pack a picnic basket and enjoy your day at Bear Mountain.