Storm King Mountain

Storm King State Park,
Orange County,
New York

Trails:
Stillman Trail: Yellow Blaze
By-Pass Trail: White Blaze

Map: West Hudson Trail
Trail Map 7

Total Time: 1:35 hr
Estimated Distance: 2.3 Miles

Storm King Mountain is one of my favorite mountains in the area. Its dramatic landscape and sweeping views are outstanding. This was a picture perfect autumn day - the trees had just started changing color, and there was not a cloud in the deep blue sky. Rarely have I seen a day with such exceptional visibility. The Catskill Mountains were beatifully visible despite being many miles distant.

I had left an umbrella in West Point a few weeks prior so that is why I decided to hike Storm King, so I can pick up the umbrella as West Point is on the Way to Storm King. Before I describe the trail route, I will take this liberty to maledict the cruel and nefarious map makers of 3rd Edition (2000) of the West Hudson Trail. The trail listing is extremely poor and its accuracy is just awful. Shame on you!! I have heard the new edition is much improved, so on my next availability will purchase the updated maps.

I started at the main parking area on Route 9W, opposite Butter Hill, and headed up the Stillwell Trail. Climbed up this short but good climb to the top of Butter Hill, which offers stunning views of the Crow's Nest and the south. Continued along trail past the view along to the west with Schunnemunk, and then along the northern ridge of Storm King with its outstanding viewpoints of Cornwall, Newburgh, the Hudson River, and Beacon Mountain. From there took the By Pass Trail, and then took the unmarked trail past the end of the Bypass Trail back to the trailhead.

Map of the Route

At the Trailhead looking east to the Storm King Summit.
Breakneck Ridge is in the distance across the river.

The summit of Butter Hill from the trailhead.

Looking down at Route 9W over the Crow's Nest.
Facing South from atop the summit of Butter Hill.

Me at the top of Butter Hill

Facing north at the Hudson Valley at the view past Butter Hill.
A birdwatcher placed this electric owl on a bamboo pole to
view the migratory patterns of the birds.

Facing northwest. The Catskills and Gunks are in the far distance.

At the north view near the summit.
Standing atop the Hudson River at Newburgh Bay

Newburgh from the summit. Facing northeast.

Beacon Mountain. Facing northwest.

Cornwall and the Hudson Valley, with Gunks in distance.
Facing west.

Facing south from the south summit view.
Overlooking the quarry at Bull Hill, the Hudson, and Cold Spring

Facing south at the Crow's Nest.

Me at the south summit view.