Trailside Museum and Zoo at Bear Mountain State Park

Trailside Museums and Zoo was set up in 1926 in conjunction with New York State and the Palisades Interstate Park Commission. Trailside is different from other zoos in the respect that it only houses native animals from New York. This is done to create a more natural feel for visitors and to keep it in check with the environment of the Hudson Highlands. In addition, historical, geological, and natural history museums are located within the zoo itself. A section of the 2,184 mile long Appalachian Trail also passes through Trailside and offers passing hikers sights seldom seen along the trail. At an elevation of 120 feet, the area surrounding the black bear exhibit is the lowest spot along the entire length of the AT. At this location, too, the first section of the trail was created. In 1923, a section of the AT was opened in Bear Mountain and Harriman State Parks. During the American Revolution, Fort Clinton occupied most of the land that Trailside exists in today. The fort was orginally created in 1776 by American forces, but was later captured by the British. The only surviving piece of the fort is the western redoubt that is open to visitors; the rest was destroyed by the British upon their departure. Artifacts from the fort and the battle that took place here in 1777 are on display in the historical museum. General Information Open year round from 10:00-4:30. Closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas. GPS Coordinates to Bear Mountain: N 41' 19.163 W 73' 59.482