Storm King Mountain
A challenging mountain hike in New York's Hudson Valley, offering stunning panoramic views and a thrilling rope ascent.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Epic fall foliage
Storm King Mountain
Best Time
Epic fall foliage
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A challenging mountain hike in New York's Hudson Valley, offering stunning panoramic views and a thrilling rope ascent.
"The views are out of this world, especially if you go in fall. "
Bring Gloves for Ropes
Gloves can be helpful for the rope section, offering better grip and hand protection. :athletic_shoe:
Arrive Early for Parking
Parking lots fill up fast, especially on weekends. Aim for an early morning start. :car:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Summit Views
Summit
Panoramic vistas of the Hudson River Valley and surrounding mountains. Absolutely breathtaking, especially in fall.
The Rope Section
Upper trail
A thrilling, steep scramble using ropes for assistance. A true test of your adventurous spirit!
Hudson River Valley Scenery
Various viewpoints
Enjoy stunning views of the Hudson River, railway lines, and the picturesque valley below.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Tackle the Ropes Section
Timing is Key for Parking
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Bring Gloves for Ropes
Gloves can be helpful for the rope section, offering better grip and hand protection. :athletic_shoe:
Arrive Early for Parking
Parking lots fill up fast, especially on weekends. Aim for an early morning start. :car:
Hydration & Snacks
This challenging hike requires energy. Pack plenty of water and snacks to stay fueled. :water_wave:
Consider a Day Trip
Combine your hike with visits to Storm King Art Center or Cornwall's charming main street.
Tips
from all over the internet
Bring Gloves for Ropes
Gloves can be helpful for the rope section, offering better grip and hand protection. :athletic_shoe:
Arrive Early for Parking
Parking lots fill up fast, especially on weekends. Aim for an early morning start. :car:
Hydration & Snacks
This challenging hike requires energy. Pack plenty of water and snacks to stay fueled. :water_wave:
Consider a Day Trip
Combine your hike with visits to Storm King Art Center or Cornwall's charming main street.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Storm King Mountain for its breathtaking summit views and challenging, rewarding hike, particularly the thrilling rope section. While not for beginners, the scenic beauty of the Hudson Valley and the opportunity for a combined day trip with art and local charm make it a highly recommended destination. Some find the steepness intense, and parking can be an issue on busy days.
"This hike is not for beginners but the views are nice. I would not recommend to anyone who doesn’t like to scramble up moderate rocks. I was fine doing it but probably won’t do it again. 😂 However, my dog and husband had a great time!
PS. Steeper scrambles at the beginning of the hike not pictured here bc I was too shook to document. Took about 2 hours to complete 2.7ish miles - with some rests in between. Good luck."
Jamelia Jones
"This is a fairly moderate hike to do. But the views are out of this world, especially if you go in fall. This is not too far away from Albany. During this hike you get to see the beautiful Hudson in her course and a railway line along the river. There are a couple of different places where you can park your car. The place we parked was right on the way. So be careful not to go past it. Or the detour could take away another half an hour."
Gagan N Kangovi
"This trail is quite challenging but in a fun way. Depending on which way you go, there are parts of it that require you to be on your hands and knees to boost yourself up over boulders. Near the top, there are a few sharp drop offs without much warning. The vista is absolutely worth the effort to get to. Make sure to bring snacks and hydration."
Lila
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Storm King Mountain is about an hour and 20 minutes to 2 hours from NYC by car.
While public transport options are limited, some users suggest it's feasible as a day trip from NYC.
The parking lot off Route 9W is a popular starting point for many trails.
Yes, the scenic Storm King Mountain Highway (Route 218) has reopened after restoration, offering beautiful views.
Hiking in winter is possible, but conditions can be icy and challenging. Proper gear and caution are advised. Check local weather reports before you go.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Storm King Mountain is part of a state park and generally does not require an entrance fee for hiking. Parking may have associated fees or restrictions depending on the lot.
As a state park, Storm King Mountain is typically open from dawn to dusk. It's always a good idea to check official park websites for any specific seasonal hours or closures.
No, advance ticket booking is not typically required for hiking Storm King Mountain itself. However, if you plan to visit nearby attractions like Storm King Art Center, booking tickets for those is recommended.
Dogs are generally allowed on trails in state parks, but they must be kept on a leash. Always check the specific park regulations for the most up-to-date information.
Storm King Mountain is considered a challenging hike, especially the final rope section. It's not recommended for beginners or those uncomfortable with steep climbs and scrambling. +1
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
The hike is generally rated as moderate to challenging. It involves significant elevation gain and a steep rope section near the summit.
The hike can take approximately 2 to 3 hours roundtrip, depending on your pace and how much time you spend enjoying the views.
Expect breathtaking panoramic views of the Hudson River, the Hudson Valley, and surrounding mountain ranges.
Restroom facilities may be limited or seasonal. It's advisable to use facilities before you arrive or be prepared for primitive conditions. Check park information for specifics.
Wear sturdy hiking shoes with good traction. Layers are recommended as weather can change. Consider bringing gloves for the rope section. :athletic_shoe:
📸 📸 Photography
The summit offers incredible panoramic views. The scenic overlooks along the highway also provide fantastic photo opportunities.
Yes, sunrise and sunset can offer dramatic lighting for photos, though fog can also create beautiful atmospheric shots.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive vistas. A telephoto lens can be useful for details of the river and distant landscapes.
Drone usage is typically restricted in state parks and protected natural areas. It's best to check the official New York State Parks regulations before flying a drone.
Fall foliage season provides vibrant colors, while clear spring and summer days offer sharp, expansive views.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Capture the sweeping panoramas of the Hudson River Valley from the summit or the scenic overlooks. Early mornings or late afternoons offer the best light for dramatic shots. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Thrill of the Rope Section
Many hikers recommend bringing gloves for this section, as the ropes can be rough on the hands.
Remember to move at your own pace and ensure a secure grip with each hand and foot placement. The sense of achievement after conquering this section is immense, and the payoff in terms of the view is unparalleled.
Beyond the Hike: A Day Trip Destination
After your hike and art exploration, the charming town of Cornwall offers a delightful respite. You can grab a coffee at a local cafe like Cornwall Coffee Co., browse the shelves of Good Books, or explore the quaint main street.
+1 This makes Storm King Mountain a perfect destination for a well-rounded day of outdoor adventure, art, and local charm.Don't forget to check out the scenic Storm King Highway (Route 218), which has been restored and offers stunning views of the Hudson Valley, especially during fall foliage season.
This combination of activities provides a rich and varied experience for any visitor. Navigating the Trails and Views
The white trail is often mentioned as a good option, leading to an overlook within about 35 minutes. Beyond the summit, the mountain provides numerous viewpoints overlooking the Hudson River and the surrounding landscape. These vistas are particularly stunning during fall foliage season, when the valley transforms into a tapestry of vibrant colors.
When planning your hike, be aware of different parking areas. One review mentions a potential detour if you miss your intended parking spot, so pay attention to signage.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit