Perkins Memorial Tower — Attraction in Town of Highlands

I recently had the pleasure of visiting Perkins Memorial Tower with my family, and I can’t stop raving about what a wonderful experience it was! Nestled atop Bear Mountain in Upstate New York, this tower offers a stunning view and a serene escape from our busy lives. We arrived on a beautiful weekend, and the weather was simply perfect—crystal clear skies with the sun shining bright, which made the vistas all the more breathtaking. The temperature was pleasantly mild, allowing us to comfortably hike up to the tower without breaking a sweat. The fresh air and gentle breeze added to the experience, making the hike invigorating and enjoyable. One of the best surprises was how less crowded the area was compared to my expectations. We enjoyed a peaceful morning exploring the trails and took our time soaking in the views without feeling rushed or squeezed by crowds. It felt like we had a slice of nature all to ourselves. Upon our arrival at Perkins Memorial Tower, we were greeted with a panoramic view that will remain etched in our memories. The sight of the Hudson River winding through the lush green valleys and the distant mountains was awe-inspiring. We spent a fantastic time at the observation deck taking pictures, marveling at the landscape, and just enjoying the moment together as a family. There's something incredibly bonding about sharing such beautiful experiences. The amenities at Perkins Memorial Tower also deserve mention. The picnic areas nearby were well-maintained, making it the perfect spot to enjoy a packed lunch while surrounded by nature. We found clean restrooms available, which is always a plus when traveling with family. Additionally, the staff on-site were friendly and informative, providing us with insights about the history of the tower and the surrounding area. To top it off, we took advantage of the various hiking trails in the vicinity, which cater to different skill levels. The views along the trails were stunning as well, dotted with native flora and the occasional wildlife sighting, which the kids loved! In summary, our visit to Perkins Memorial Tower was a delightful escape, filled with natural beauty, tranquility, and quality family time. I highly recommend this spot for anyone seeking a peaceful day surrounded by nature. Whether you’re a local or just visiting Upstate New York, this gem is...

Perkins Memorial Tower and Scenic Drive

Along the path of the Appalachian Trail (all of those stairs!) at Bear Mountain State Park is the Perkins Memorial Tower and scenic Perkins Memorial Drive, which is open from April to late November, weather permitting. With a ton of gorgeous views, many areas are along the path of the Appalachian Trail, and at the top of the mountain, there is a handicapped accessible section showing a majestic viewpoint. This is a great tranquil place to bring a picnic lunch (and make sure you take out what you bring in), for the whole family or group offering spectacular views of the Hudson Valley.

While The Tower itself was closed when I went, I spent most of my time on the scenic Perkins Memorial Drive. A faint view of the Manhattan skyline was visible on the day I went (and a horrible picture on my iPhone). The Bear Mountain Bridge Overlook showcases the Bear Mountain Inn and Overlook Lodge, Hessian Lake, many of the trails at Bear Mountain State Park, Trailside Zoo and Iona Island including the Iona Island Component Hudson River National Estuarine Research Reserve.

Perkins Memorial Tower is a 40-foot structure providing a view of up to 4 states and the Manhattan skyline, looking down over the Hudson River 1,305 feet above, and the views are spectacular! The tower itself was built in 1934 in memory of George Wallbridge Perkins, the founder and first president of the Palisades Interstate Park Commission.

With views that were pretty amazing, and really not knowing how accessible they were I was so happy I needed to share it with you. Seeing from Manhattan to West Point opened up the fact that this little slice of travel knowledge that I'm sharing, could take you a few hours to enjoy!

Perkins Memorial Tower and Drive are only a couple of the many things that can attract you to the Bear Mountain...

At the summit of Bear Mountain, standing against the wide Hudson skies, is the Perkins Memorial Tower — a monument to honor George W. Perkins, the visionary who spearheaded the protection of the Palisades. The tower serves as both a tribute and a lookout. It reminds you that the open hills, rivers, and woods were once very nearly lost to quarrying and unchecked industrial appetite, and that the views today are a product of deliberate care.

Inside, you’ll find tiled exhibits that tell the story of the park and its visitors — old photographs of riverboats bringing city families up the Hudson for a day in the fresh air, scenes from an era when nature was seen as both teacher and healer. Little border tiles along the walls show the plants and animals of the region, and small quizzes challenge visitors to look closer, learn more.

After climbing the stairs to the 4th floor, you get to see the 360 degree view. To the south, on clear days, you can spot the Manhattan skyline, a thin gray silhouette flickering on the horizon like the fading memory of a dream. Closer in, the Hudson River bends in lazy loops, while the solid, rugged wall of the Palisades rises like a guardian on the opposite shore. You might even see a Metro-North train threading its way along the riverbank, a small silver streak against...