Bear Mountain (Hudson Highlands) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bear Mountain |
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Bear Mountain from Long Mountain in late-May 2005
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 1,289 ft (393 m) |
| Prominence | 700 feet (213 m) |
| Geography | |
 Bear Mountain
Location in New York
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| Location | Orange County, New York, U.S. |
| Parent range | Hudson Highlands |
| Topo map | USGS Popolopen Lake |
| Climbing | |
| Easiest route | road |
Bear Mountain is a famous peak in New York's Hudson Highlands. It is located in both Orange County and Rockland County. The mountain gives its name to the nearby Bear Mountain Bridge and Bear Mountain State Park.
You can reach the top of Bear Mountain by a paved road. At the summit, there are great viewpoints and a picnic area. There is also an observatory called the Perkins Memorial Tower. Many hiking trails cross the mountain, including the oldest part of the famous Appalachian Trail.
Since 2006, the Appalachian Trail here has been improved. This helps prevent soil erosion and makes the trail better for hikers. The Trailside Museum and Zoo is at the base of Bear Mountain. This spot is the lowest point on the entire Appalachian Trail. It is about 124 feet [38 m] above sea level.
The eastern side of the mountain faces the Hudson River. This side has huge boulders, some as big as houses. There is also a 50-foot (15 m) cliff face. From the top, you can see far away places like Manhattan. You can even see the monument on High Point in New Jersey.
Discovering Bear Mountain's Past
Bear Mountain has a rich history. It was once known by other names, like "Bear Hill." Another old name for it was "Bread Tray Mountain."
Famous Visitors and Events
In 1921, Franklin D. Roosevelt visited a Boy Scout camp here. This was just before he became ill with a paralytic illness. Some people think his illness might have been connected to his visit to the camp.
Bear Mountain was once a top spot for ski jumping in the United States. Because of this, it was considered for the 1932 Winter Olympics. However, the Olympics were held in Lake Placid instead. The old ski jump run has not been used for many years. Its stone steps on the mountain are now crumbling.
During World War II, the Brooklyn Dodgers baseball team used Bear Mountain. They held their spring training here.
The Perkins Memorial Tower
In 1928, a steel fire lookout tower was built on the mountain. It was 60-foot-tall (18 m). This tower was taken down seven years later. It made way for the Perkins Memorial Tower. This new tower was built to honor George W. Perkins Sr. He was the first president of the Palisades Interstate Park Commission.
The Perkins Memorial Tower was a gift from Perkins's family. It was used as a weather station and to spot fires until 1953. In 1990, the Perkins family helped pay to keep the tower maintained. The tower was later fully fixed up and is now open to the public again.
