This drive summits Bear Mountain for sweeping valley views

Open daily until 4:30PM, with the bears and coyotes going off exhibit at 4:00, the Bear Mountain Zoo and Trailside Museum is a perfect experience to add to your trip. All of the animals found here are rehabilitating from injuries or are unable to survive alone in the wild, which is an amazing concept and is absolutely worth the suggested $1 donation for entrance. Four museums are on the property, ready to educate you about native reptiles and amphibians, geology, Native Americans, and the area's special Revolutionary War ties. This is the perfect day activity, with plenty to entertain!

The Bear Mountain Bridge is a toll suspension bridge, which for over a year after completion held the record for longest suspension bridge in the world. It connects Palisades Interstate Parkway and US 9W on the west bank near Bear Mountain Inn to New York State Route 9D on the east. With pedestrian walkways on both sides, the view from the bridge is breathtaking, no matter the time of the year. It carries the Appalachian Trail and New York State Bicycle Route 9 across the Hudson River and even contains a cute little toll house, currently used as an information center.

When visiting Bear Mountain, your trip isn't complete until you drive up the mountain on Perkins Memorial Drive, where a tower greets you at the top. From the tower, you have drop-dead gorgeous views of the skyscrapers of Manhattan to the south, and the Catskill Mountains to the north! This half-day excursion costs very little money, and even contains trails along the way if visitors feel like taking a break from driving. Maps around the tower can even guide you in identifying the various towns and mountains you see.

Try to get there early in the day for a peaceful sightseeing experience before the afternoon rush!