As reported here at the New York Almanack recently, Bear Mountain and parts of Harriman State Park were closed due to damage from a heavy rainstorm and flash floods on Sunday, July 9th.
As of August 23rd, Bear Mountain State Park has reopened for limited use:
The recreation area near the main Bear Mountain parking lot is open and restrooms are available. The Carousel will reopen this weekend. The picnic ground and path around Hessian Lake are open, and paddle boat rentals and concessions will resume operation in the coming days. Restrooms are open for the public, but there is currently no drinking water at the park and a boil water order is in effect.
All trails are currently closed, including the Appalachian Trail and there is no vehicular access to Perkins Memorial Tower and the Bear Mountain summit. Here is a map of current conditions. The Bear Mountain Inn and Trailside Zoo & Museums remain closed until potable water is restored to the Park. Seven Lakes Drive remains closed inside Bear Mountain State Park and parts of Harriman State Park. The Bear Mountain Pool will remain closed for the remainder of the season.
Most sites within Harriman State Park are open including Lake Welch Beach and the Reeves Meadow Visitor Center, but some trails are closed or rerouted because of storm damage. Recovery efforts have been made possible by the efforts of New York State Parks and Palisades Interstate Park Commission employees that have spent the last six weeks working to repair and reopen the facilities.
You can donate to support recovery of Bear Mountain State Park here.
Photo: Damage to Bear Mountain State Park vehicles after July 9 2023 storm.
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