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Hudson Highlands State Park wilderness guide
State Park · NY

Hudson Highlands State Park

Hudson Highlands State Park offers a diverse outdoor experience within a mere hour's drive from New York City. It is a favored destination for hiking with scenic views overlooking the Hudson River.

State Park7,6694+ Trails

Designation

State Park

Total Wilderness Area

7,669

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Hudson Highlands State Park

Hudson Highlands State Park offers a diverse outdoor experience within a mere hour's drive from New York City. It is a favored destination for hiking with scenic views overlooking the Hudson River.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Hudson Highlands State Park is a sprawling natural area in New York spread over several thousand acres along the eastern shore of the Hudson River. With its rich geological features, the park includes rugged mountains, rolling forests, and moist, shaded ravines. The area is an ecological treasure hosting diverse flora and fauna, making it ideal for nature enthusiasts. Historically, the park land has been significant since colonial times and offers several historic landmarks, including remnants of old military routes. Its extensive network of trails includes the renowned Breakneck Ridge, which promises challenging terrain and rewarding vistas for experienced hikers. Other recreational options include bird watching, fishing, and peaceful kayaking on the Hudson. Its accessibility and variety of natural landscapes attract both weekend adventurers and seasoned outdoorsmen, providing a rejuvenating escape from urban life.

Field Guide · State Park
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Hudson Highlands State Park

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 30 miles.

Discover Storm King Mountain★ 7.2⌖ 1 miHiking
Storm King Mountain

Discover Storm King Mountain

Explore Storm King Mountain in Cornwall, NY, offering moderate hikes with captivating views of the Hudson River. Birdwatching and photography opportunities abound. Best visited in fall for vibrant foliage. Located within Storm King and Hudson Highlands State Parks.

Discover Hudson Highlands: A New York Retreat★ 8.2⌖ 1 miHiking
Hudson Highlands State Park

Discover Hudson Highlands: A New York Retreat

Explore Hudson Highlands State Park, offering challenging hikes like Breakneck Ridge with panoramic views of the Hudson River. Enjoy kayaking for a serene river perspective. Best visited in spring and fall. Suitable for adventure seekers; expect steep terrain and historical sites.

Hiking the Scenic Summit at Storm King State Park—Howell Trailhead★ 8.5⌖ 2 miHiking
Storm King State Park— Howell Trailhead

Hiking the Scenic Summit at Storm King State Park—Howell Trailhead

Hike the moderate Howell Trail loop in Storm King State Park, Cornwall-On-Hudson, NY. Enjoy rocky granite formations, hardwood forests, and panoramic summit views of the Hudson River. This family-friendly trail offers birdwatching and nearby kayaking for a well-rounded outdoor adventure.

Panoramic Beauty at Beacon Overlook★ 8.2⌖ 3 miHiking
Beacon Overlook

Panoramic Beauty at Beacon Overlook

Explore Beacon Overlook in Hudson Highlands State Park. With moderate trails and stunning views of the Hudson River, it's popular for hiking and photography. Watch for rare plant species and historical sites along the journey.

Discover Bear Mountain's Fall Splendor★ 8.5⌖ 9 miHiking
Bear Mountain

Discover Bear Mountain's Fall Splendor

Bear Mountain offers stunning fall foliage and hiking along the Appalachian Trail. Located near Highlands, NY, it's perfect for photographers and nature lovers. The park also features a zoo and museums. Best visited in fall for vibrant colors.

Natural Beauty at Bear Mountain State Park near Tomkins Cove, NY★ 8.2⌖ 10 miHiking
Bear Mountain State Park

Natural Beauty at Bear Mountain State Park near Tomkins Cove, NY

Located about an hour north of New York City, Bear Mountain State Park offers moderate hiking with rewarding summit views, calm pedal boating on Hessian Lake, and abundant wildlife. Ideal for families and outdoor lovers seeking accessible nature and scenic vistas from late spring through early fall.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Breakneck Ridge - a challenging and popular hiking trail with stunning views of the Hudson River.✦ The rich ecological diversity, including rare plant species and abundant birdlife.✦ Bull Hill (Mt. Taurus), which provides panoramic views of the surrounding highlands.✦ Anthony's Nose, a scenic overlook known for its historical significance and stunning outlook.
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Hudson Highlands State Park

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Hudson Highlands State Park.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

Fee-free access with no permits required.

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Wilderness Stays

Camping & Overnight Stays in Hudson Highlands State Park

Frontcountry developed campgrounds, backcountry wilderness permit guidelines, and starry-night camping advice.

Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Hudson Highlands State Park

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Cold Spring
⌖ 1.90 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Cold Spring, New York

A historic Hudson Valley gem offering scenic outdoor adventures with stunning river views and access to nature trails.

Spring and FallExplore Town
Cornwall-on-Hudson
⌖ 2.14 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Cornwall-on-Hudson, New York

A riverside retreat with rugged cliffs, dense forests, and vibrant trails offering a blend of rock climbing, hiking, and paddling just minutes from the Hudson River.

Spring through FallExplore Town
Cornwall
⌖ 3.20 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Cornwall, New York

A charming Hudson Valley town offering a blend of outdoor adventures in its picturesque landscapes and natural wonders.

Spring and FallExplore Town
Garrison
⌖ 4.38 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Garrison, New York

A serene Hudson Valley riverside community offering a blend of rugged outdoor pursuits with tranquil water adventures.

Spring through FallExplore Town
Newburgh
⌖ 4.39 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Newburgh, New York

A Hudson River waterfront town offering diverse outdoor activities from river paddling to hiking nearby, with a mix of urban and natural landscapes.

Spring through FallExplore Town
Highland Falls
⌖ 4.97 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Highland Falls, New York

A charming gateway town offering direct access to rugged Hudson Highlands trails and sweeping river vistas, blending historical intrigue with dynamic outdoor adventure.

Spring through FallExplore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Hudson Highlands State Park

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

12 bookable experiences

Availability, pricing, meeting details, and fulfillment are provided by the applicable operator or booking partner.