Storm King State Park

Storm King State Park is a nature reserve covering nearly 2,000 acres along the Hudson River, where thick forests and mountain trails meet steep hills with river views. The land offers several hiking routes of varying difficulty and open overlooks that showcase the river and surrounding ridges.

A landowner named Ernest Stillman donated about 800 acres in 1922 to preserve the landscape around Storm King Highway from development. His gift to a regional conservation commission established the foundation for the park that exists today.

The land was home to Lenape and other Native peoples before European arrival, and their presence still shapes how locals view the river valley. Walking through the park, visitors can sense the deep roots that these communities had in this landscape.

The park is open year-round with no entrance fee. Visitors should check ahead to avoid areas reserved for hunting during certain seasons.

A forest fire in 1999 led to a three-year closure while crews removed unexploded ordnance left from old artillery training activities. This unusual chapter shows how military history can linger in unexpected ways beneath the forest floor.

Location: Orange County

Inception: 1922

Operator: New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

Phone: +18457862701

Website: https://parks.ny.gov/parks/stormking/details.aspx

GPS coordinates: 41.42700,-73.98900

Latest update: December 9, 2025 18:43