The zoo serves as a permanent sanctuary for wildlife unable to survive in the wild due to permanent injuries.
The complex houses the only remaining segment of the original Appalachian Trail that has not been rerouted since the 1920s.
The History Museum building is constructed from native granite and timber, reflecting the rustic architecture of 1930s-era park infrastructure.
The Geology Museum features local mineral collections and displays explaining the glacial history of the Hudson River Valley.
The entire facility is managed in conjunction with the Palisades Interstate Park Commission.
Trailside Museums & Zoo is a wildlife and natural history complex located within Bear Mountain State Park. The facility focuses exclusively on native New York wildlife, housing animals that have been injured and deemed non-releasable to the wild. It comprises four distinct museums: the Herpetology House, Nature Study Museum, Geology Museum, and History Museum. The zoo section features outdoor exhibits for black bears, bald eagles, owls, and coyotes. The site functions as the primary educational arm of the Palisades Interstate Park Commission. It is strategically situated along the Appalachian Trail, serving as a landmark for long-distance hikers. Visitors can explore geological displays highlighting the formation of the Hudson Highlands. The facility emphasizes conservation and the ecological history of the local region. It operates as a pedestrian-only experience within the park grounds.
The viewing platform overlooking the black bear enclosure.
Wear sturdy walking shoes, as the paths are paved but involve significant inclines and declines.
Visit the Herpetology House first to see native snake and turtle species before moving to the outdoor animal habitats.
Combine your visit with a hike on the nearby Bear Mountain summit trails for panoramic views of the Hudson River.
Do not attempt to hike to the top of the mountain directly from the zoo if you are not prepared for a strenuous, steep climb.
Closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
Maintain silence near animal enclosures to avoid stressing the rescued wildlife; do not attempt to feed any animals.
