Thursday, October 25, 2012

Hook Mountain Fall Foliage

Hook Mountain State Park
Rockland County,
New York

Hiking Trails:
Yellow Trail
Long Path: Blue blaze

Total Time: 0:40 hours
Estimated Distance: 1.0 mile
Level of Difficulty: Moderate
Level of Recommendation: Highly Recommended for a short hike with great views
Points Of Interest: Amazing views

Google Maps of Parking:

View 2012 Hiking in a larger map

Hook Mountain is a tall promenade on the Palisades, directly north of Nyack. It offers sweeping views of the villages of Upper Nyack and Nyack, as well as the Tappan Zee Bridge, Hudson River, and Rockland Lake. This was a weekday but because of the beautiful foliage I took a quick break from work to do this short and relatively easy hike. Although the weather was gloomy, with a gray sky, the colors on the trees really brightened things up. I parked on the side of the road on 9W as it peaks climbing the mountain, and took the yellow trail which starts here. I don't know the name of this trail as its not on my map. This trail takes you to the top of Hook Mountain, where it meets the Long Path, and there is very large cactus grove here. The views on top of Hook Mountain are really incredible, especially with the foliage. I took the Long Path down the small scramble, and then cut back to the yellow trail and back to my car.

Map of the Route

Looking West on Route 9W

Beginning of the Yellow Trail.

Tappan Zee Bridge and Hudson River from Summit of Hook Mnt.
Looking south.

Rockland Lake and the Northern Portion of Hook Mnt.
Facing North.

Facing northeast. Hudson River Behind Hook Mnt

Cactus Grove on Hook Mountain

Looking Straight Down from Hook Mountain. Facing South.
This picture is naturally colored,
and was not enhanced with Photoshop!

Upper Nyack and Nyack. Facing South.

Nyack and Southern Palisades.
Facing south-southwest.

Nice Picture of Fallen Leaves

Golden Orange Maple Tree near end of Hike

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