Bear Mountain Park Begins Reopening 7 Weeks After 'Devastating Blow'

BEAR MOUNTAIN, NY — The damage to Bear Mountain State Park during July 9's fatal rainstorm was so bad that only the picnic grounds and one small trail have reopened seven weeks later, parks officials announced.

The torrential rains in the Hudson Valley July 9-10 also caused one death, severely damaged the United States Military Academy at West Point, and damaged or destroyed homes, roads, cars, train tracks, bridges, parks and hiking trails.

"July's unprecedented flooding dealt a devastating blow to our trail system in Bear Mountain and Harriman State Parks, causing extensive damage that destroyed trails and vital structures, wiping some trails completely off the map," Josh Howard, Executive Director of the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference, told Patch. "Our staff continues to assess the aftermath, working closely with our network of volunteers and park partners to develop a comprehensive restoration plan."

At Bear Mountain Park, the Hessian Lake Paddle Boat concession and the Bear Mountain Carousel — which features hand-painted scenes of the park and 42 hand-carved seats of native animals — are scheduled to reopen on Saturday.

You can only get into the park through its main entrance off Route 9W near the Bear Mountain Bridge. All others are closed. Repairs to the damaged parking areas continues. Parking is limited.

Public restrooms are open; however, as a boil water advisory is still in effect, park officials will provide drinking water from a portable tanker located near the carousel. Visitors are invited to bring their own reusable water bottles and fill up.

Usually the park features a large play field, shaded picnic groves, lake and river fishing access, a swimming pool, Trailside Museums and Zoo, plus hiking, biking and cross-country ski trails.

Officials hope to reopen the museums and zoo by Labor Day, The Journal News reported.

The pool was severely damaged by the torrential rains and run-off.

Most of the trails are closed, as are many parking areas at trailheads.

"We are hopeful for the gradual reopening of some trails in time for the upcoming fall hiking season," Howard said.

The Bear Mountain Inn remains closed, having canceled months of booked events. The inn's General Manager Levon Bedrosian told TJN reporter Nancy Cutler that he was working on special events for 2024.

Efforts by the Trail Conference are likely to extend beyond the next year, as staff and volunteers work to ensure they are rebuilding resilient trails capable of withstanding today's increasingly severe weather, Howard said. "Our community's support will play a pivotal role in providing essential funding needed to restore access to our local trails."

To support the Trail Conference via volunteering and donations go to nynjtc.org.

SEE:

• HV Flood Timeline July 9: People Trapped, Cars Flood, Roads Collapse
• Hudson Valley Flooded: Road Closures Continue Two Days Later
• Biden OKs Disaster Declaration For Hudson Valley