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Prior to 1924 the only
way to cross the mighty Hudson River anywhere between
New York City and Albany was via small private ferries.
Then, in 1924 the Bear Mountain Bridge was erected
connecting Orange County just below West Point with
Westchester, mere feet south of the Putnam County
line.
The Bear Mountain Bridge
is a classic suspension bridge in a very non-classic
setting. On its western end lies Bear Mountain State
Park and the northern terminus of the Palisades Interstate
Parkway. Just to the north is the impressive United
State Military Academy, West Point. On its eastern
end however, the Hudson Highlands raise themselves
vertically in a solid wall of stone. From its eastern
end, Route 9D heads north, to the left, into Putnam
County past Manitoba, Boscobel and Cold Spring. To
the right Route 6/202 crawls up and over the highlands
heading south into Peekskill.
The Bear Mountain Bridge
is also the crossing point of the Appalachian Trail
over the Hudson. Yearly hundreds of intrepid adventurers
trek across the bridge enjoying the panorama, stopping
in Bear Mountain State Park. As you cross the bridge,
slow down and enjoy the unparalleled beauty of this
section of the Hudson River as it traverses the imposing
Hudson Highlands. |
