Lake Taghkanic -> Bear Mountain

by BKClark

This ride is around two hours in length, and can be a bit of a “bear”. The traffic can get somewhat heavy going through Beacon — this is where most of the traffic lights are. Some of the riding is a little challenging, but there are some nice parks and attractions along the way, and a big beautiful panoramic payoff at the end! From the Perkins Memorial Drive there is a secondary scenic route, but the road is extremely rough. If you watch the ForkCam video between 9:30 and 14:15, you will see how bad this road is, but the views are incredible!

Gallery

From Lake Taghkanic State Park head south on NY route 82 to Hopwell Junction. Turn left on county route 28 (Old Hopewell Rd.) heading west, then turn left on US route 9D heading south. Turn right to go over the Purple Heart Memorial (Bear Mountain) Bridge and bear right to enter the traffic circle. Follow the circle around to the left and take the exit for Palisades Parkway South. Take the exit for Perkins Memorial Drive/Bear Mountain State Park.

Tips: To take the scenic ride on Perkins Drive is a hard turn around back to the left and up the hill — use caution.

Shorthand: Lake Taghkanic State Park – NY82[S]-> Hopewell Junction, NY – R-Co 28[W]-> Hughsonville, NY – L-NY9D[S]-> Bear Mountain – R-US6[W]->Pallisades Parkway[S]-> Bear Mountain State Park

Ride Details

  • Ride Type: Linear
  • Time: 1:55
  • Distance: 78.4 mi. (126 km)
  • Average Speed: 41 mph (66 kph)
  • Road Type: US Route, State Routes and County Routes
  • Road Condition: 7 Average (a few rough sections)
  • Date Ridden: 5/9/2019
  • Maximum Elevation: 800 ft.
  • Traffic Lights: 15
  • Stop Signs: 3

Gas:
Stewart’s Pine Plains
Stewart’s Hopewell Junction

Food:
All City Grill
Sonny’s Restaurant & Pizzeria
Daddy O’s

Lodging:
Evergreen Pines
Cottonwood Motel

Camping:
Lake Taghkanic State Park
Bear Mountain State Park

Repairs:
Clove Branch (Auto)
S&V Auto Repair (Auto)
Johnny’s Auto Repair (Auto)

Attractions:
Lake Taghkanic State Park
Bear Mountain State Park
Ancram Opera House
Buttercup Farm Audubon Sanctuary
Millbrook Vineyards & Winery
Trevor Zoo
Hudson Highlands State Park
Castle Rock Park/Unique Area

Connections:
Olana-Burger Hill Loop