Bring a flashlight and join a Trailside Museums and Zoo educator for a sundown walk around Hessian Lake at Bear Mountain State Park! Learn about the Hudson Valley's local folktales and legends during this saunter under the stars!

Make memories and take pictures. Leave only footprints.

The trail from the parking area at Bear Mountain to the main entrance of the zoo, along with the trail through the zoo itself, is fully paved and suitable for strollers, wheelchairs, walkers, and other mobility aids.

Bear Mountain State Park is situated in rugged mountains rising from the west bank of the Hudson River. The park features a large play field, shaded picnic groves, lake and river fishing access, a swimming pool, Trailside Museums and Zoo, hiking, biking and cross-country ski trails.

Sep 28, 2023 · If you aren't aware we have a wonderful zoo in the Hudson Valley that is open year-round. The Trailside Museums and Zoo at Bear Mountain State Park's mission is to connect and protect the plants and animals of the Hudson Highlands.

Apr 19, 2024 · Big Beave won't be the only animal happy to see warm-weather patrons return to the Zoo. Alfredo the Virginia Opossum has been waiting all winter to entertain visitors to the Trailside Museum.

Seven Lakes Pkwy, Appalachian Trail Bear Mountain, NY United States Get Directions

In 1927, Trailside Museums and Zoo was founded to guide visitors to Bear Mountain State Park in learning about the local environment and its geology and history. Trailside is the nation’s first self-guided nature trail.

The Bear Mountain Zoo, through which the Appalachian Trail passes, is the lowest elevation on the 2,100-mile (3,400 km) trail. There are six miles (9.7 km) of the AT located in the park.

Trailside Museums and Zoo is a paved nature trail with exhibits of native wildlife, museums & Hudson River views. Parking is available at Bear Mountain State Park. No picnics, No pets. Visit TrailsideMuseumsAndZoo.org for more information.