Hudson Valley On The Water: Circle Line Bear Mountain Fall Cruise

HUDSON VALLEY, NY — One of the best ways to see autumn colors in the Hudson Valley is from the water and for a few weeks in the fall, one of the best ways to do that starts in the most unlikely of places.

What could be better than heading to Bear Mountain State Park to celebrate Oktoberfest? Celebrating Oktoberfest on the way to Bear Mountain State Park.

The Circle Line is most famous for its cruises that, wait for it, circle the island of Manhattan, but for a few weeks in the fall, that circle is temporarily broken and the Hudson Valley becomes the star of show. Of course, fall foliage and Oktoberfest-themed fun, including a live German Polka band, share the spotlight.

The 50-mile cruise up the Hudson passes Hudson River Palisades, the George Washington Bridge and the Mario Cuomo Bridge, before docking just before the Bear Mountain Bridge.

A seasonal menu with bratwurst, Bavarian pretzels, pork schnitzel and German potato salad help set the mood for the journey up the river (and back), but with Sam Adams Oktoberfest and Warsteiner lager available, it's officially an Oktoberfest party.

At Bear Mountain, passengers can disembark for two to three hours to explore the park.

Fall is the perfect time to visit Bear Mountain. (Jeff Edwards | Patch)

The park is nestled in mountains that rise steeply from the west bank of the Hudson. The park's most famous features include a grand lawn, lake and river fishing access, hiking and cross-country ski trails and even a zoo and museums.

The Merry-Go-Round at Bear Mountain State Park features hand-painted scenes of the park and 42 hand-carved seats of native animals, including black bear, wild turkey, deer, raccoon, skunk, Canada goose, fox, swan, bobcat, rabbit and more native species.

An outdoor ice rink is open to skaters from late October through mid-March.

IF YOU GO:

• The Circle Line's annual Bear Mountain Cruises run Sept. 18 until Oct. 31.
• The cruises are roughly eight hours, round-trip.
• Tickets are $69 for a standard adult ticket.
• One cruise departs daily every Saturday and Sunday, as well as on Oct. 11.
• Boarding starts at 8:30 a.m. for a 9 a.m. departure. The boat returns at 5 p.m.
• Passengers must be vaccinated to board and are asked to wear masks indoors while not eating or drinking.

SEE ALSO:

• On The Water: Long Island Sound's Most Peculiar Private Island
• Hudson Valley On The Water: The Birds Of Huckleberry Island
• Hudson Valley On The Water: Walkway Over The Hudson
• 1-Tank Adventure: Bear Mountain State Park