Off The Trails: A Hiker's Guide to the Outdoors

Note: Pictures taken during winter months

Located in Orange County, NY, Storm King State Park is situated along the Hudson River. This nearly 2,000 acre state park is largely undeveloped with the exception of a few trails and a parking area off 9W. The main attraction for the park is Storm King Mountain. At an elevation of 1,348ft, Storm King Mountain is most accessible via the Storm King Loop Trail (~3 miles). This trail is definitely moderate to challenging because of the elevation and rock scrambles. Because of the rock scrambles, I would recommend doing this trail clockwise. Once at the top, hikers are treated to a stunning view of route 218 snaking through the Hudson Valley. Also along the trail, hikers will be treated to a view of the Hudson River and Bannerman Castle. Both Henry Hudson and Dutch settlers had their unique names for the mountain. However, Nathaniel Parker Willis in the 19th century came up with the name that remains today. Willis noticed white clouds building around the mountain was an indication of a storm beginning to form. Because of this unique feature, and since the mountain was the tallest in the region, Willis named it Storm King. Overall this challenging hike offers something for everyone. Rock scrambles for the climber, views for the scenery lover and relaxing wooded walks for the nature lover.

Parking: Parking is situated off 9W. However, because 9W is a divided highway, hikers must come from the south and travel north along 9W. Missing the turnoff means traveling to Mountain Road before making a U-turn to travel back to the turnoff. I would recommend using a GPS to the point “Storm King Trail Parking Lot” to make sure you don’t overshoot the lot.

Alltrails: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/new-york/storm-king-mountain-via-storm-king-trail–4