Flying a Drone at Bear Mountain State Park

Quick Answer: Bear Mountain State Park is approximately 50 miles north of Midtown Manhattan in Rockland County, accessible via the Palisades Interstate Parkway. It is well outside the NYC Class B airspace core. However, New York State park rules govern drone use and policies may restrict or prohibit drone operations. As of May 2026, check current state park drone policies and LAANC ceilings before visiting.

Location and Accessibility

Bear Mountain State Park is in Rockland and Orange Counties, approximately 50 miles north of Midtown Manhattan (60-90 minutes by car). It sits well outside the NYC Class B airspace core with generally more permissive LAANC ceilings.

State Park Drone Rules

Bear Mountain is managed by the Palisades Interstate Park Commission. New York State has its own policies regarding drone use in state parks that may vary by park or region. Verify current policies directly with the park administration or NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation before planning a flight. Policies can change.

Airspace Considerations

Practical Considerations

Terrain includes hills, forests, and Hudson River waterfront. Varied topography can affect GPS reception and visual line of sight. Wind conditions at elevation may differ from ground level. Heavy visitor traffic on weekends and holidays may affect operations over people under Part 107 Subpart D.

NYPD Permit Not Required

Bear Mountain is outside NYC. The NYPD drone permit is not required. Federal regulations (Part 107, Remote ID, airspace authorization) and New York State law apply. State park-specific rules apply independently.

Primary Sources: FAA B4UFLY | FAA LAANC | 14 CFR Part 107 | Information current as of May 2026. Check state park rules before flying.

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