A park of enduring legend and popularity, Bear Mountain State Park was designed as a system of lakes, trails, and scenic drives. In addition to trails coursing through natural beauty, Bear Mountain’s signature attractions include large picnic and barbecue areas, an enormous outdoor, art deco swimming pool, an outdoor ice rink, boat and canoe rentals, and a landmark merry-go-round whose seats are hand-carved renditions of black bears, wild turkeys, deer, raccoons, skunks, and other local animals.

The park’s idyllic Hessian Lake is a terrific spot for a kid-friendly, 1.25-mile hike. With the historic Bear Mountain Inn behind you, walk clockwise along the paved path around the southern rim of the lake. Shortly after the boat- house the trail, which is blazed with red dots with white borders, gets quite wooded and covers some gentle hills. At a number of spots you can walk out onto boulders overlooking the lake. A rugged cliff is along the northern rim of the walk. (No official trail leads up the cliff and you should not attempt to climb it.) The route flattens out as you approach the lake’s western bank. Most of this side is flanked by the shady picnic and barbecue area that slopes gently toward the lake. This route is also excellent for bicyclists of all ages. Remember: You cannot swim in Hessian Lake, but you can cast a line in for trout, black bass, or pickerel (New York fishing license required).

Paddle or pedal-boat around Hessian Lake. Boat rentals are $5 per person per hour. You can also hike the first-completed link of the Appalachian Trail (Trip 88).

Restaurants, diners, and convenience stores are in nearby Highland Falls.