Located in Cornwall-on-Hudson just over an hour from New York City, Storm King State Park is a largely undeveloped green space in New York state’s Hudson Valley region.
You won’t find a visitors center, bathrooms, campsites or gift shop here; the main activity at Storm King is hiking. Deer hunting is also allowed, but only to the west of Route 9W.
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There isn’t a lot of parking, but there are a few different options. We first tried a small lot on Mountain Road, which was full. Helpful signs there directed us to the Etsy and Hellie Stowell Trailhead at 42 Bayview Ave (Route 218). This is a large, free lot that leads you to the trails by way of a beautiful meadow.
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Click here for the park’s trail map.
The focal point of Storm King State Park is Storm King Mountain, the second-highest summit in the area at 1,340 feet. Writer Nathaniel Parker Willis is crediting with naming the distinctive rounded peak after remarking that clouds descending over the mountain were a clear predictor of imminent storms.
The tallest mountain is … looked upon as the most sure foreteller of a storm. When the white cloud-beard descends upon his breast in the morning … there is sure to be a rain-storm before night. Standing aloft before other mountains in the chain, this sign is peculiar to him. He seems the monarch, and this seems his stately ordering of a change in the weather. Should not STORM-KING, then, be his proper title?
Nathaniel Parker Willis
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Wondering where all of the art sculptures are? Don’t confuse Storm King State Park with Storm King Art Center! The 500-acre outdoor sculpture park is located just a few miles away in New Windsor.
More Activities Near Storm King State Park
- Hudson Highlands State Park Preserve
- Anthony’s Nose
- Bear Mountain State Park
- Harriman State Park
- Schunnemunk State Park
- Black Rock Forest
- Minnewaska State Park Preserve
- The village of New Paltz
We visited Storm King last October and the foliage was just starting to change color as fall set in. After a long winter, I’m excited to explore more state parks this year and soak up as much time outside as I can!
What’s your favorite state park? Let me know in the Comments!
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