Bear Mountain Cruise
8 HOURS
PIER 83, MIDTOWN
Cruise up the Hudson River to Bear Mountain State Park on New York's floating Oktoberfest! Enjoy live music, fall foliage and brews on a fun-filled day trip.
- German-themed food
- Beer
- Live Music
- Hiking
Cruises starting Wednesday, November 29
New York City's #1 Floating Oktoberfest!
Fall in love with the Hudson on our Bear Mountain Cruise!
Take a fifty-mile cruise up the Hudson River to Bear Mountain State Park while enjoying autumnal sights and Oktoberfest-themed experience, including German food specials, Oktoberfest beers (available for purchase) and live music.
Our huge, outdoor decks are perfect for getting some fall sun, fresh air and 360-degree views.
The Hudson River Cruise goes under two of the most impressive bridges in New York State, the mighty George Washington Bridge and the modern Mario Cuomo Bridge, aka Tappan Zee Bridge. You'll pass Hook Mountain, which rises to nearly 800 feet straight up from the Hudson River with sheer cliffs, covered in bright autumn foliage, surrounded by ravens, hawks, ospreys and the occasional Bald Eagle before arriving at Bear Mountain. Once you're there you'll be able to get out, walk around paved trails for two hours, enjoying the main Bear Mountain facility, the lake, the zoo and the Merry Go Round.
Please note, that all mountain trails (including the trail to the top of the Mountain) are closed until further notice due to the damaging summer storms.
Live Music Schedule
With a mix of 2 different bands this year, traveling up the Hudson has never sounded better! You can expect Divining Rod to play both Americana and country rock, a heady mix of soulful originals and eclectic covers. Street Beats Brass Band adds an element of traditional Oktoberfest polka music plus a variety of classic hits and singalongs.
Weekend Schedule:
Sep 30 + Oct 1: Divining Rod
Oct 7 - Oct 9: Street Beats Brass Band
Oct 14 - Oct 15: Divining Rod
Oct 21 - Oct 22: Street Beats Brass Band
Oct 28 - Oct 29: Divining Rod
Nov 4 - Nov 5: Street Beats Brass Band
Nov 11 - Nov 12: Divining Rod
Premier Seating Package
The all-inclusive way to get the most out of our Bear Mountain Cruise! Premier guests will receive:
- Unlimited Soda, water, coffee & tea.
- Your Choice of 1 German-style food platter.
- In-seat Food Service- no waiting in lines, no missed views!
- Private Bar for Premier Guests only.
- Private Restrooms for Premier Guests only.
- Exclusive Seating Area on the highest deck!
The Amazing Beauty of the Hudson River
What You'll See
Bear Mountain Hudson River Cruise Route
Departing Pier 83, you'll pass under the George Washington Bridge, marvel at the majestic Palisades and the modern Cuomo Bridge, continuing up the Hudson to Bear Mt
Mario Cuomo Bridge
This dual-span twin bridge was completed in 2018 at a cost of nearly $4 billion connecting Westchester and Rockland counties.
Hudson River Palisades
The Palisades are a line of steep cliffs rising up from the Hudson River to about 540 feet.
Cloisters
This museum is in Fort Tryon Park in northern Manhattan. Pieces were brought over from Europe and it was completed in 1939 .
GW Bridge
The world’s busiest suspension bridge spans the Hudson River and carries over 103 million vehicles per year.
Peak Fall Foliage hits between September 30 - October 22nd!
Courtesy of Smoky Mountains National Park, the 2023 Fall Foliage Map is the ultimate visual planning guide to the annual progressive changing of the leaves. While no tool can be 100% accurate, this tool is meant to help travelers better time their trips to have the best opportunity of catching peak color each year.
MIDTOWN ON THE HUDSON RIVER
Our Location
It's easy to find us wherever your travels take you in New York City. Our cruises currently depart only from our midtown location. Welcome aboard!
| MIDTOWN WEST |
|---|
Pier 83, West 42nd Street |
| Get Directions |
Things to Know Before You Go
- Boarding is at 8:30 AM for a 9:00 AM departure; the boat returns at approximately 5:00 PM, depending on tides and weather conditions.
- Walking at Bear Mountain State Park lasts from approximately 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM. Pay close attention to the Captain's announcement about the departure time from the Park. You don't want to be left behind!
- Please note: The walk begins with a steep walk up a hill that can be very difficult for some guests. Please wear appropriate foot wear suitable for a hike.
- No outside food or beverage allowed.
- Onboard amenities including outdoor deck space, heated/air conditioned indoor seating with large windows made for sightseeing, and restrooms.
- If we have to cancel a cruise due to foul weather, we'll provide you with a refund or the opportunity to re-book for another date.
Oktoberfest Food Menu
- Bavarian Pretzels with Cheese Sauce
- Traditional or Chicken Bratwursts
- Vegan Sausage with Mustard Gravy (Vegetarian)
- Smoked Pork Belly (Gluten Free)
- Pork Schnitzels with Mushroom Gravy
- German Potato Salad (Vegetarian)
- Beets Salad (Vegan)
- Red Cabbage
- Sauerkraut
The Bear Mountain Dock
On rare occurrences, stormy weather and high tides submerge the dock at Bear Mountain which makes it inaccessible.
Guest safety is our #1 priority, so our highly-trained Captain & Crew will make the right call closer to the docking area. If we cannot dock, the vessel will simply turn around and head back to Manhattan a few hours earlier than anticipated. But don't fret, the Oktoberfest onboard party will continue for the entire time!
If we're anticipating this to occur ahead of your cruise, we will notify you in advance.