Storm King Mountain Loop Hiking Guide
Storm King is the west-bank gatepost of the Hudson Highlands gorge, the mountain whose defense against a Con Edison power plant in the 1960s launched Scenic Hudson and modern environmental law. A short, steep loop from a small Route 9W lot climbs Butter Hill, which at 1,380 feet is actually higher than Storm King's main summit, then runs the ridge with views straight across the river to Breakneck Ridge.
The Loop
From the Route 9W lot, the orange-blazed connector climbs fast to Butter Hill. Expect very steep, rocky ground in the first half mile where you will use your hands. At the top of the orange trail, turn right onto the yellow Stillman Trail and follow the ridge east past several river viewpoints toward the Storm King summit, then drop back to the lot on the white Bypass Trail. Mapping apps list 3.5 miles and about 1,100 feet of gain; a hiking blog that walked the shorter Butter Hill version measured 2.6 miles and about 740 feet.
What You See
Butter Hill has a 360-degree view over the Highlands, and the state calls the park's views of the Catskills and the Hudson Valley unsurpassed. From the ridge you look across the river to Breakneck Ridge and down on Pollepel Island and the ruins of Bannerman's Castle,. Storm King's own summit is a little over 1,340 feet.
Parking and Season
Storm King State Park is undeveloped: there are no toilets and limited parking. The Route 9W lot holds roughly two to three dozen cars and fills early on fall weekends. There is no posted fee. The park permits big game hunting only west of Route 9W and none on the east side,; a bright layer during deer season costs nothing.
History on the Mountain
Dry-summer fires in 1999 burned across the mountain and exposed unexploded military ammunition left from West Point training. The trails stayed closed until removal finished in October 2002.
Dogs
Dogs are commonly hiked here. Storm King's park page does not post its own pet rule, so follow the standard NY State Parks and Palisades Interstate Park requirement of a leash no longer than six feet. The scramble at the start is hard for small or older dogs.
Hiking tips for Storm King Mountain Loop
- Turn right where the orange trail ends; turning left takes you away from the loop.
- Keep your hands free for the first half mile; it is a real scramble.
- Arrive before mid-morning on fall weekends or plan for a full lot.
- Bring a bathroom plan; the park has no toilets.
- Carry extra water in summer; the ridge rock is open to the sun.
Nearby trails to explore
- Bear Mountain Loop via Major Welch Trail
- Breakneck Ridge Long Loop
- Mount Beacon Fire Tower Trail
Hike this trail with TrailMates
Storm King packs a scramble and a river view into a short morning. Use TrailMates to find Hudson Valley hikers heading to Storm King. Download the TrailMates app to connect.