3.8 miles | 1,014 ft gain | Difficulty: Medium | Rating ★★★★★

“Bring spikes!” they all said. “Lot’s of ice!” I trust my hiking community and arrived at the sunny, mostly dry trailhead prepared with our crampons, but couldn’t figure out why. We tucked them into our backpack and started up the steep assent to Butter Hill, on our way to the top of Storm King mountain, with stunning view points along the way.

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The trails around Storm King Mountain offer a bit of everything with high reward for moderate effort. If you wanted, you could climb to the top of Butter Hill, offer 360 degree views to the Catskills and beyond, and turn around having achieved the beauty of all the Hudson Valley has to offer in just under 2 miles. There’s rock scramble, forest paths, waterways, and at this time of year a bit of mud from so much melted snow.

While the summit of Storm King lacked a clear view, just a little ways past we looked north up the Hudson with beautiful views of Pollepel Island and Bannerman Castle’s ruins. It wasn’t until we dropped back down into the woods and curved towards the north side of the mountain that we understood the need for spikes.

ICE. At first it seemed possible to skirt around with careful and intentional steps. I immediately dawned my spikes, while Sean held off for a few minutes. In just that time I was able to put 15 or so meters between us and he almost certainly suffered some ice burn. He caved and put on the spikes. Literally sheets and cliffs of ice.

Ten or so minutes into our journey we came across three separate groups bear-booting the trek and slipping and sliding all the way. They had already suffered a half mile, while we only went a few tenths. We collectively decided it was probably best to continue, rather than turn around. Once past the ice, we ran into a group of adults with several children. I’m hoping they heeded our advice to do the trail out and back.

I am not an expert on the Hudson Valley’s history, but am excited to learn more (reading recommendations anyone?). It seems that most trails go through or just near mansion ruins. As we continued our loop around, we stopped to explore the ruins of foundation and perhaps a well just off trail.

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Storm King is such a staple in the Hudson Valley. It’s crazy to think this is the first time we finally summited it. Prior to having a car, many of our hikes were limited to the east side of the river, accessible by MetroNorth. I’m certainly excited for the freedom and wealth of “new” trails to explore.

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