Trailside Museum and Zoo at Bear Mountain State Park

Trailside Museums and Zoo began as a joint effort between the American Museum of Natural History and the Palisades Interstate Park Commission in 1927. It began as a single stone museum and a nature trail. Over the years, as people brought wildlife in distress to Trailside, it became a home to native, non-releasable species. This makes Trailside different from other zoos. Trailside's purpose is to introduce visitors to the plants, animals and local history of the Hudson Highlands, as well as Bear Mountain & Harriman State Parks. Historical, geological, and natural history museums are located within the zoo, as you walk one of the orignal sections of the Appalachian Trail. This famous 2,184 mile long hiking trail passes through Trailside. At an elevation of 120 feet, the area surrounding the black bear exhibit is the lowest spot along the entire length of the AT. During the American Revolution, Fort Clinton occupied most of the land that Trailside stands on 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. April through October 10:00-4:30, November through January 10:00-4:00. Closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas.