Fort Montgomery State Historic Site — Attraction in Town of Highlands

Fort Montogomery State Historic Site is a hidden gem that you might miss (like we almost did) if you aren't looking for it along Hwy 9W a few miles south of West Point M.A. We got lost during a failed attempt to get up to the lookout point on Bear Mountain, after a mediocre quick visit to B.M. State Park; luckily, we stumbled into this delightful historical location & it totally redeemed our day.

This destination is rich in Revolutionary history with a nice little museum filled with authentic local artifacts, well-marked fort foundational remains overlooking the beautiful Hudson River, & a friendly, helpful, & knowledgeable on-site staff. Special thanks to the on-site historical reenactor (in period attire), Peter, who gave us a fantastic overview of the fort's story, with its notable past inhabitants & it critical contribution to the American campaign against the British. There was also a live demonstration by a blacksmith while we were there. There are easily-walkable trails through these ruins high up on the ridge with remarkable views & good information signs all along the path.

There is also a slightly steep, gravel path (watch your step here - a bit slippery but worth the walk) down the hill to the Popolopen Creek, where you can cross a pedestrian suspension bridge to the other side; the views here are spectacular for photo-taking & it's a peaceful place, even as the cars & the trains pass over the other two bridges beyond in the distance from the creek bank.

There is a good-size parking lot (free - but gates close promptly at 5:00 p.m. with or without your car inside), very clean bathrooms, & benches on a concrete patio outside the museum. This park is free but donations are appreciated & helpful, so if you visit & have a few bucks in your pocket to drop in the jar, that would be kind.

Fort Clinton is just across the highway, adding even more depth to your visit; unfortunately, we were unable to head over there this visit but will be sure to check it out next time. We spent about 90 minutes there but could have stayed a little longer. Visiting the sister fort next door would likely have added another 30-60 minutes, perhaps?

Very highly recommend this important point of interest in the Hudson Valley. Thank you, everyone at F.M.H.S. for a...

The Fort Montgomery State Historic Site is a nice historic site to visit. The site not only offers great history, but also offers great views of the Hudson River, Bear Mountain Bridge, and Hudson Highlands. The fort was built by the Americans and destroyed by the British during the American Revolution. The museum has a good movie about the history of the fort. After seeing the movie, take a walk around the museum inside. It has many artifacts from the fort and battle. The best part of the museum is probably the outside part of it. Here you can walk around and see the remnants of the fort. The views of the surrounding scenery also add a lot to this walk. Make sure to read the signs and displays for each part of the fort, they add much detail to the fort You can walk to the fort on a trail from Bear Mountain State Park, but it is much easier to drive to it. Admission to the fort is free; donations are suggested. The museum has a nice gift shop that has both novelties and serious books about the American Revolution. The staff at the fort was friendly and helpful. Make this a must see if...

Visited off season. This is the entry also to the suspension pedestrian bridge downhill from the Museum, walk around the museum bldg to the back. Its REAL EZ to miss its entrance from the main road, so SLOW DOWN and listen to your Google maps whgen it announces the upcoming turn from the limited access road. Reason for only 4 stars, They have removed all the trash barrels and designated it a carry out site only, C'mon PARKS dept, really !!?! . . Its a neat place to have a picnic lunch and hike on the trails for a great afternoon. Outside behind the bldg and always accessible off season also is a rolling meadow with a couple of rough hewn "colonial era" 1700's style benches with a fire "pit" in the middle, as shown in the attch'd pics, not a bad place to stop & rest after a hike on the trails, or down to the suspension bridge and...