What Our Guests Are Saying About Their Stay Near Big Bear Mountain
“The house was beautiful and had everything we needed and more! The kitchen is fully stocked and we loved hanging out in front of the fireplace and being outside around the solo stove at night. The communication was quick and easy and we had such a great weekend staying here. Would definitely recommend!”
“We had a wonderful stay at this cottage. It’s very modern, clean, and spacious. The layout is well thought out, with plenty of room to relax and feel comfortable. Everything felt fresh, well maintained, and exactly as described. It was the perfect place for a quiet and comfortable getaway, and we would happily stay here again.”
“Great stay, very responsive hosts.”
“The Hemlock Cliff house did not disappoint! I chose this house in particular for its views and beautiful interiors. It was perfect place to end our year together as a family. The house was spotless and we all felt right at home.”
“The house was fantastic. They kindly decorated for Christmas prior to our arrival, making the stay feel like home for the holidays. The garden is fenced which made the dog very happy to play in the snow. The decor, cleanliness, and amenities were perfect for us!”
“This place was stunning and looked even better than the photos. Just beautiful!”
Big Bear Mountain State Park Map and Trails
Use the map below to get oriented before you arrive. In winter, it is your go-to guide for planning your ski day, with trail difficulty levels, lift locations, and terrain park areas clearly marked. In the warmer months, use it to get a feel for the mountain’s layout and elevation before exploring it on foot or by chairlift.
Image courtesy of Ski Map Org.
Discover Big Bear Mountain
Fifty miles north of Manhattan and about an hour from the Upper East Side, Big Bear Mountain State Park is one of the most rewarding escapes within reach of the city. This is not a ski resort weekend. It is something quieter and more lasting, a genuine natural landscape with serious hiking, sweeping Hudson River views, and the kind of unhurried setting that makes a weekend feel twice as long as it was. Here is what to know before you go.
The hike to the Big Bear Mountain summit delivers panoramic views over the Hudson River and the surrounding Highlands, with the Manhattan skyline visible to the south on a clear day. Perkins Memorial Drive also runs to the top for those who prefer to drive. Hessian Lake at the base is worth a quiet walk around any time of year, and the Trailside Museums and Zoo along the Appalachian Trail is an unexpected pleasure, home to rescued native wildlife and worth an hour of your afternoon.
Big Bear Mountain’s ski area is a welcoming alternative to the larger resorts, best suited for beginners and families looking to build confidence on snow. The outdoor ice skating rink on Hessian Lake is worth an evening of anyone’s time, one of the most atmospheric winter scenes. Trails around the lake stay accessible through the colder months for those who want to extend the day outdoors. After a day like this, coming back to a Red Cottage home makes the whole weekend feel complete.
Cold Spring, NY is the town worth saving energy for. About 20 minutes north along the Hudson, it is one of the most well-preserved river towns in the state, with a walkable Main Street, shops, and restaurants that exceed what you would expect from a town this size. For seasonal events, Anthony Wayne Recreation Area hosts a well-regarded Oktoberfest in early fall. Holiday weekends draw larger crowds, so earlier arrivals make a noticeable difference.
Hudson House in Nyack is the most polished dinner option in the area, with an elevated menu and a room that feels like a proper night out. For something more destination-worthy, Chateau Hathorn in Warwick is worth the drive, a castle setting with a kitchen to match. On weekends, book both before you leave the city. And when dinner is done, a Red Cottage home is exactly the kind of place you want to come back to.