Hook Mountain State Park
Undeveloped riverside park with trails for hiking & biking, offering stunning scenic overlooks of the Hudson River.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Hook Mountain State Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Undeveloped riverside park with trails for hiking & biking, offering stunning scenic overlooks of the Hudson River.
"The view at the top is absolutely stunning and makes the short hike completely worth it."
Park Entrance Fee
Expect an $8 per car fee for parking. It's a reasonable price for a full day of exploration. :moneybag:
Comfortable Footwear is Key
Wear sturdy shoes for the uphill hike; the trail is manageable but requires good grip. :athletic_shoe:
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.7 · 899 reviews
Type
State Park
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic Summit Views
Hook Mountain Summit
Reach the peak for stunning, almost 360-degree views of the Hudson River and surrounding landscape. Absolutely worth the hike!
Riverside Path
Along the Hudson River
Enjoy a scenic, flat walk or bike ride along the river, perfect for a leisurely stroll or a peaceful cycling route.
Wildlife Sightings
Throughout the park
Keep an eye out for beautiful deer and other local wildlife as you explore the natural beauty of the park.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for the Best Views
Navigating the Trails
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Proposal on a hike: recommendations?
Good day y'all! I am planning a proposal soon to my long time girlfriend and I would love to do it on a hike since we are both very outdoorsy and love hikes. We live in Jersey City and work in the city and have been to quite a handful of hikes in NJ and upstate NY but most were…
Park Entrance Fee
Expect an $8 per car fee for parking. It's a reasonable price for a full day of exploration. :moneybag:
Comfortable Footwear is Key
Wear sturdy shoes for the uphill hike; the trail is manageable but requires good grip. :athletic_shoe:
Rode the Tallman State Park path today and can’t believe I’ve wasted so much time on 9W
Forgive me getting mixed up riding back through and taking wrong turns lmao
Looking for recomendations in Tarrytown, sleepy hollow, nyack area please
Good Morning! Taking my wife on a fall trip to the tarrytown, sleepy hollow, nyack area. I can see all the "google" events but I want some recs from locals on bars/breweries, mom and pop shops, things to see or do. ​ What we have on the agenda so far is: Dinner…
Bring Snacks & Water
There are limited amenities, so pack your own refreshments for the hike. :water_wave:
Bike the Riverside Path
The path north of Nyack is great for biking, even with light gravel. Check conditions first! 🚲
What are your favorite routes to take to get out of the city? Best trails once you're out? (For touring/gravel biking)
When I’m biking up to Bear Mountain, I’ll ride through the Nyack Beach - Hook Mountain Greenway that connects Upper Nyack and Haverstraw. It’s a wide, twisting, gravel trail with some interesting topography. There are usually people strolling along the southern entrance, but…
Tips
from all over the internet
Park Entrance Fee
Expect an $8 per car fee for parking. It's a reasonable price for a full day of exploration. :moneybag:
Comfortable Footwear is Key
Wear sturdy shoes for the uphill hike; the trail is manageable but requires good grip. :athletic_shoe:
Bring Snacks & Water
There are limited amenities, so pack your own refreshments for the hike. :water_wave:
Bike the Riverside Path
The path north of Nyack is great for biking, even with light gravel. Check conditions first! 🚲
Sunset Magic
The park is a dream during sunset, offering incredible views and a magical atmosphere. :city_sunset:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Hook Mountain State Park for its stunning summit views and manageable hiking trails, making it a rewarding destination for a quick nature escape. The park offers a good balance of moderate challenge and scenic beauty, with the riverside path providing a gentler option for walks and bike rides. While parking has a fee, most find the experience well worth the cost.
"I enjoyed this hike very much. It was a 30-35 min drive from home. It definitely challenged me in some areas lol. but I enjoyed it very much for a Saturday morning. Would definitely do again. Very satisfying reaching the top"
prettie lissie
"Hook Mountain is one of my favorite hiking trails for a quick, peaceful escape into nature. It’s a beginner-friendly trail that's easy to follow and perfect if you're looking for a calm 30–45 minute hike. The trail itself is gentle and not too challenging, making it great for all levels.
The best part? The view at the top. It’s absolutely stunning and makes the short hike completely worth it. Whether you're hiking solo or with friends, this trail is a great go-to for a quick nature fix."
Shakeem Gentles
"Very nice and scenic hike. Start at base where the parking lot is. Lower deck is quite small but there are 2 levels. $8 per car which isn’t bad. The hike up was moderate intensity, nothing spectacular to see either besides some very pretty deer. It’s not a constant incline too so it’s very manageable for even kids. Once you hit the peak the views are pretty darn nice. Worth the hour hike up for sure for an almost 360 view. The hike down was a breeze, then you have that last 2-3 miles walk on flat land along the river. Overall took my group 3 hours including snacking and taking pics. I’d come back! Bathrooms are relatively clean too. Not much seating btw, lots of people fishing along the path."
James Chen
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Hook Mountain State Park is accessible by car, with a parking lot at the base of the main trail. It's about a 30-35 minute drive from home for some visitors. For those looking for alternative routes, the riverside path north of Nyack is recommended for biking, potentially connecting from Tallman State Park via paths like the Esposito trail.
The park is generally easy to locate, especially if you're heading towards Nyack. The main parking lot is at the start of the primary hiking trail.
Information on public transportation options is limited, but it's advisable to check local transit schedules for routes that may get you close to the Nyack area, from where you might be able to access the park.
For biking, consider the riverside path north of Nyack. It's known to be great, even with light gravel sections, and can be accessed from areas like the Nyack Beach path.
Yes, there is a parking lot at the base of the main trail. It has two levels, though the lower deck can be small.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, there is a parking fee of $8 per car. This fee is considered reasonable by visitors for access to the park's trails and views.
Specific operating hours are not detailed, but parks are generally open from dawn to dusk. It's best to plan your visit during daylight hours.
No advance booking is typically required for general park entry. The fee is usually paid upon arrival at the parking area.
Information on discounts is not readily available. The standard $8 per car fee is generally applied.
It's generally recommended to visit during daylight hours for safety and to fully enjoy the scenery. Park access after dark may be restricted.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The main trail leading to the summit is popular for its moderate intensity and rewarding views. For a more relaxed experience, the riverside path offers a flat, scenic route perfect for walking or biking.
The hike to the peak typically takes about an hour, depending on your pace. The entire visit, including the hike up, enjoying the views, and the walk back, can take around 3 hours.
Yes, there are restrooms available, and they are described as relatively clean by visitors.
Yes, the hike is manageable for children as it's not a constant incline. The scenic views and potential for wildlife sightings make it enjoyable for families.
The summit offers beautiful, almost 360-degree views of the Hudson River and the surrounding landscape, making the hike well worth the effort.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no dining facilities directly within Hook Mountain State Park. Visitors are advised to bring their own food and drinks.
Picnicking is possible, especially along the riverside path. However, seating is limited, and many people opt to fish along the path. It's best to bring a blanket.
The nearby town of Nyack offers a variety of restaurants and cafes. You can find diverse culinary options there before or after your visit to the park.
Absolutely. Given the lack of onsite dining, bringing your own snacks and meals is highly recommended to ensure you have sustenance during your visit.
While not in the park itself, Nyack has a vibrant food scene. Exploring local eateries in Nyack would be a good way to experience the area's culinary offerings.
📸 📸 Photography
The summit offers breathtaking panoramic views, especially during sunrise and sunset, making it prime for landscape photography. The riverside path also provides scenic shots of the Hudson River.
Golden hour, during sunrise and sunset, provides the most dramatic and beautiful lighting for photography. Weekday mornings offer fewer people for unobstructed shots.
It's ideal for landscape photography, capturing the expansive river views and natural scenery. Wildlife photography is also possible, with sightings of deer being common.
For general personal photography, no special permit is usually required. However, if you plan on commercial photography or large-scale shoots, it's best to check with park authorities.
Don't miss the expansive views from the summit, especially as the sun rises or sets. The changing light on the Hudson River is spectacular.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit