0 In North America/ Photo Feature

Storm King State Park

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. 

storm king state park

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.

storm king state park

My Photo Feature series focuses less on words and more on images. See more here.

storm king state park
storm king state park

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.

storm king state park

You Might Also Like: Letchworth State Park

storm king state park
storm king state park

Click here for the park’s trail map.

storm king state park

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

storm king state park

You Might Also Like: Green Lakes State Park

storm king state park

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.

storm king state park
storm king state park

More Activities Near Storm King State Park

new paltz ny
New Paltz, NY
storm king state park

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!

storm king state park
storm king state park

What’s your favorite state park? Let me know in the Comments!

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