Hike Reviews
June 18, 2019
Howell Trail from 9W
Great views all throughout the climb. About 1 mile up the blue trail from 218 I spotted a large black bear grazing on something right in the center of the blaze. Thankfully it didn't see me so I went off the trail and around. Always a good reminder to be alert and be prepared!
August 03, 2018
Still Wonderful, Even in a Downpour
My husband and i did this hike yesterday (Aug. 2, 2018) starting at noon. We got caught in a downpour just as we were starting up from the "Pitching Point!" Nowhere to hide, so we just kept going through intermittent storms. It was still gorgeous, and we got several great photos in the rain, in the clouds, and in the sunshine. This should be rated strenuous, in my opinion.
December 09, 2016
Crow's Nest Hike
This is my favorite of all the wonderful hikes in this area, just seven miles south of my home. One thing i think is not stressed enough: After reaching the top of that steep, steep climb from Rt. 218 and then heading north over what i would call a meadow, it can be very confusing if you're not familiar with the hike. It's sparsely blazed and -- what the heck? Now it seems to be going downhill, into a valley, when you know Rt. 9W is "up there" to your left! You might be (I was, during my first hike of Crow's Nest) afraid that you have somehow gotten lost. But trust these directions and stay with it, and you'll find yourself at that fun boulder (now with lots of graffiti on it) that means the rest of the hike is just a stroll. Enjoy!
August 25, 2016
Another way up
<p>I agree, hiking up then coasting down works much better for me too. One caveat though, this stretch of route 218 is currently (summer 2016) closed, so you need to park on 218 in Cornwall on Hudson and walk along 218 to get to the Stillman memorial. A distance of about one and a half miles, but with gorgeous views of Breakneck Ridge and Taurus/Bull across the river.</p>
June 30, 2016
Route 218 at that point is
<p>Route 218 at that point is 33.6 meters, the trailhead is 334.5 meters. So 300 meters or 987 feet - sure felt like it!</p>
June 16, 2015
love this hike!
<p>I just recently did this hike the past weekend and I consider it a hidden gem among the more popular and crowded trails over at Storm King, Breakneck and Bear Mtn. I rarely saw anybody else doing this hike.</p>
<p>There are several viewpoints where you can see Storm King, Breakneck, Sugarloaf and Mt. Taurus together!</p>
<p>I also started from Rt. 218 climbing up the steeper Howell Trail and then coming down to a more gradual descent of the Stillman Springs trail.</p>
<p>One thing though, I noticed it's hard to find the trail markers (white) for the Stillman Springs trail if you're starting from route 218. As it says from the description above, it's about 100 ft. right of the Stillman Memoral Springs and the rock w/ the carved inscriptions, and also just after the metal guard railing. You have to look a little hard towards the woods to see some of the white blazes of the Stillman Springs trail.</p>
September 19, 2014
Another idea
<p>You can also park at the bottom of this loop, on Rt 218. There is a parking area just across from the Stillman memorial. Hike up the hard way, then come back down as described in the route.</p>
August 18, 2014
Reversal
<P>If you would rather descend steeply than climb steeply, you can always take the first blue trail to your right from the woods road. The blue trail follows the ridge then descends to rt. 218 where you can climb back up via the less steep white/blue/white trails. It all depends on your preference. I plan to take my family and backtrack rather than descend the blue trail.</P>
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October 15, 2013
A very enjoyable hike
<p>This was pretty easy going down and not too hard going up.</p>
<p>Some great viewpoints on the way up to stop and relax if it gets too tough!</p>
<p>The trails were very well marked and description is accurate.</p>
<p>It would be hard to get lost on this hike.</p>
<p>Does anyone know the actual elevation gain from Route 218 to the parking lot on 9w?</p>
September 19, 2013
Great Hike
<p>Did this yesterday. Great weather, great trail, great time.</p>
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<p>Thanks!</p>
November 23, 2012
another nice hike in Storm King State Park
<p>This hike is lovely, and I'm glad I discovered this hike after hiking up Storm King numerous times. The Stillman monument, views of Storm King Mountain, Little Stony Point, Constitution Marsh are some of the highlights of this hike. I enjoyed this hike because it was off the beaten path, where there was less of a crowd. This was quite a good workout with almost one thousand plus feet of elevation gain. </p>
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July 04, 2012
4th July Hike!
<p>Did this hike today with the wife and 13 & 11 year olds. We did the hike exactly as described - had no problems following the route at all - aided in the field by a GPS and the NYNJTC map. It was a hot day so we took our time, enjoyed the views and took frequent breaks. Back at the car the GPS said we hiked 4.25 miles in 3:15 with a total ascent of 1250'.</p>
<p>This is a very nice hike and there's a lot of interest packed into the short 4 miles. The trails are well maintained, the route is easy to follow and the views spectacular. "medium to strenuous" is about right and the 800' ascent in short distance is tough (especially on a 90F day) but no serious challenge. Views rival those available next door at storm king but there's more chance of solitude on these lesser known hills. Very recommended!</p>