Circle Line: 8-hr Bear Mountain Oktoberfest Cruise
Description
Experience the ultimate autumn getaway on the water with a scenic 50 mile voyage through the Hudson River Valley straight to Bear Mountain State Park. Surrounding you are brilliant fall foliage colors combined with an authentic Bavarian festival atmosphere right on the deck. Traditional German Fare: Feast on classic comfort dishes including Pork Schnitzel, savory Bratwursts, and warm oversized Bavarian Pretzels. Craft Beer Selection: Sip premium pours from collectible souvenir mugs, featuring authentic German brews like Warsteiner and Spaten alongside seasonal Pumpkin Ales and Sam Adams Octoberfest. Live musical performances throughout the journey, while award winning local guides share fascinating history about the passing landscapes. Upon arrival, enjoy two full hours of free time to hike stunning forest trails, relax by the lake, or visit the local trailside zoo before embarking on the relaxed return trip to Manhattan.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Get off the boat and walk around, enjoying a beautiful mountain lake and easy to walk trails.
This dual-span twin bridge was completed in 2018 at a cost of nearly $4 billion connecting Westchester and Rockland counties.
The Palisades are a line of steep cliffs rising up from the Hudson River to about 540 feet.
This museum is in Fort Tyron Park in northern Manhattan. Pieces were brought over from Europe and it was completed in 1939 .
The world’s busiest suspension bridge spans the Hudson River and carries over 103 million vehicles per year. You'll pass under the George Washington Bridge
This mountain rises 689 feet up from the Hudson River. It was known as Verdrietige Hook, "Tedious Point", to Dutch settlers.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Boarding is at 8:30 AM for a 9:00 AM departure; the boat returns at approximately 5 PM, depending on tides and weather conditions.
- Our onboard Oktoberfest menu brings German classics with a Hudson Valley twist. No outside food or beverage allowed.
- The hike begins with a steep walk up a hill that can be very difficult for some guests. The area between the dock and entrance to the park sometimes floods. Please wear appropriate foot wear - hiking shoes are recommended
- The pathway from the dock to Bear Mountain State park begins with a .6 mile hike uphill. This pathway is not ADA compliant or wheelchair accessible.
- 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.
- Food and drinks are NOT allowed to be brought on board
- For children/infants under the age of 3, please ask at the box office for an infant ticket; it is free of charge.
Reviews(209)
If you’re looking for the perfect fall day trip from New York City, the Circle Line cruise to Bear Mountain is a must. The ride itself is absolutely beautiful — surrounded by vibrant fall foliage that paints the Hudson River in golden, red, and orange hues. On board, there’s plenty to enjoy: great music, friendly faces, and lots of food and drink options. I especially loved the apple cider mimosa — it was the perfect fall treat. For $45, you can even grab a refillable cup and enjoy beer throughout the journey, both going and returning. Once we reached Bear Mountain, the scenery was breathtaking, though there weren’t many food concessions open. Still, the peaceful walk, crisp air, and photo-worthy landscapes made it worth it. A quick tip: the best seats are on the top level, right-hand side, near the big window — second row. The views there are unbeatable. Just note, the seats are simple folding chairs, close together, so come prepared for comfort. It was truly a day full of laughter, music, and unforgettable views — a perfect escape with my coworkers and a reminder of how magical New York’s fall season can be. 🌿🍂
the boat ride was great the food was excellent and the staff was amazing loved the different Beers price of the Beer cup in reasonable
Security guard was very rude with us…that’s not good… but the tour was good …it’s really enjoyable….
Wonderful day so beautiful and relaxing We enjoyed the view is a memorable experience. We will go again next year.
We had a great time, it was a very organized event. Everyone was having fun and enjoying the weather. Alexa was wonderful. I missed the polka’s band.
That was a very harmonious, and beautiful day. I was suspicious about this trip if i have to go or not. Many ppl in the comments have written that they didn't like it because of October fest or because of loud music, or someone wanted to walk more on the mountain. My feeling is: 1) First of all, the weather was amazing. Fresh November day. Just dress accordingly and be comfortable 2) Music. If you do not like music, you simply go to the other deck. Music was played on the second deck, and it is absolutely ok. 3) Tour guide was amazing, crew was amazing 4) October fest. People were happy, some drinking, some not. It was absolutely ok, people were happy, some were dancing, some singing. I was happy to see happy people. Everything was absolutely fine. 5) If you need to walk more you can stay overnight there. For me it was enough: 9am-12.30pm - from NY to mountain 12.30-15.00 walking free time on the site 15.00-17.20 - back to NY 6) There was two food courts: tea and muffins on the first deck, and warm food on the second deck. I had coffee on the first deck, i did not eat on the second deck because i am vegetarian. I ate in a café in the mountain itself. They sell different oatmeal, i had bagel with cream cheese. Very very good day. Thanks to the team!
Love going under the bridges and being on the boat. I would have the music playing throughout the boat.
Taking a boat ride with friends is wonderful fun because you can drink, eat & laugh without worry about driving & going to a beautiful destination is even better. The food aboard was very good & very reasonable. The bathrooms started out clean but was messy at the end. I had an extra ticket but I couldn’t sell it back & circle line would not refund me🥲
My experience was incredible. Everyone was amazing. The crew from the bartender Jose on the second floor to Shadde from the food restaurant on first deck was sooo nice and accommodating. It was very enjoyable experience.
Amazing view of fall foliage ...wording for what's in included is misleading on circle line website feast plate is for premier tickets only..…. Bake good died a month ago ( stale and disgusting). Map to this site bear mountain does not show actual pathway. There are no trails just a path to a sad zoo. Tourist trap🪤
I’m sorry to hear about your experience. It’s frustrating when expectations aren’t met. Feel free to reach out to us at GuestServices@nycl.com to discuss further.
