Crows Nest Mountain/Howell Trail from Route 9W

Storm King State Park

Storm King Mountain and the Hudson River from Crows Nest Mountain - Photo by Daniel Chazin Storm King Mountain and the Hudson River from Crows Nest Mountain - Photo by Daniel Chazin Storm King Mountain and the Hudson River from Crows Nest Mountain - Photo by Daniel Chazin Storm King Mountain and the Hudson River from Crows Nest Mountain - Photo by Daniel Chazin View of Storm King Mountain - Storm King State Park - Photo credit: Trail Conference View of Storm King Mountain - Storm King State Park - Photo credit: Trail Conference

This loop hike climbs to the North Peak of Crows Nest Mountain, with many spectacular viewpoints over the Hudson River and the Highlands.

41.414925, -73.993714

At the north side of the parking area, you will notice a triple blaze that marks the start of the Bobcat Trail. Follow this white-blazed trail, which descends steadily through an oak forest with an understory of blueberries. At the base of the descent, it crosses a stream on stepping stones, bears left, and soon begins to follow a faint woods road. About half a mile from the start, the Bobcat...

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Avenza App Map: West Hudson 113

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Trip Reports

rate experience
June 18, 2019
5
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!
SandyDandy
August 03, 2018
5
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.
GenieA1
December 09, 2016
0
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!
GenieA1
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