You can walk across the Bear Mountain Bridge along pedestrian footpaths on both sides of the bridge, which have interpretive panels at various points.
Ceremonially named the Purple Heart Veterans Memorial Bridge, the Bear Mountain Bridge carries the Appalachian Trail over the Hudson River between Bear Mountain State Park and Cortland, New York.
Roadside parking is available at the eastern end of the bridge on Route 9D, although it can be busy on weekends.