Iona Island is one of four sites in the Hudson River National Estuarine Research Reserve.
Nestled in Bear Mountain State Park, Iona Island is a 556-acre bedrock island surrounded by meadows, marshes, shallows, and mudflats. A variety of waterfowl, wetland birds, deer, muskrats, turtles, frogs, fish, and crabs call the marshes of Iona Island home. Bald eagles often roost on the island in the winter.
In addition to serving as an important site for research and education, Iona Island has been designated a National Natural Landmark by the National Park Service.
Iona Island is part of the New York State Birding Trail, which highlights world-class birdwatching opportunities across the state.
Guided canoe programs are available in the summer, but there is no public canoeing or kayaking allowed in the marshes surrounding Iona Island. Within the Iona Island site, visitors can observe marsh wildlife along the causeway which is accessible by car or on foot.
For more information on Iona Island, including the site map, rules, restrictions, and guidelines for allowed uses, visit the DEC website.
Open for Recreation: Year-round
Fee: Free
Allowed Uses: Parking, Paddling (Reserve-led canoe programs only), Wildlife Watching. Allowed uses may be seasonal or subject to other restrictions.
Visit Iona Island
Directions
All coordinates provided are in decimal degrees using NAD83/WGS84 datum.
Iona Island Parking Area
Provides scenic overlook (41.302794°N, 73.978351°W) Google Maps.
From the west: On the west side of the Hudson River just south of Bear Mountain Bridge, Iona Island is accessible by car via a two-lane causeway from Route 9W/202 across Salisbury Meadow. Travel to Bear Mountain traffic circle and turn right onto 9W south. About one mile south of the turn-off for Bear Mountain Inn, the road flattens out. Look for and make a left-hand turn onto Iona Island Causeway. This road cuts directly through the tidal wetlands. Drive about ½ mile. There is parking just before the railroad tracks near the kiosk.
Bear Mountain Parkway Parking Area
Provides scenic overlook on the east side of the river with excellent views of Iona Island (41.311966°N, 73.970621°W) Google Maps.
