Hook Mountain New Upper Nyack Trail

Nyack Beach State Park /
Hook Mountain State Park
Rockland Co.,
New York

Hiking Trails:
Upper Nyack Trail: White Blaze
Long Path: Green Blaze
Yellow Trail: Yellow Blaze

Total Time: 2:25 hour
Estimated Distance: 3.8 Miles

Pros: Nice scenery, new trail, good climb, great views
Cons: Many people on trail
Hike Type: Back and out
Level of Difficulty: Difficult

Google Maps of Parking:
https://goo.gl/maps/K4o8qhUSwVtM2qb79

Hiking Partners:
Michael Pariser

I heard about a new trail created that connects Nyack Beach State Park with Hook Mountain State Park. I decided this was a good opportunity to check out the new trail, while still getting a good climb and some good views. I did not know where to find the new trail. We passed the Marydell Center on my way driving, and there were signs there that there was no hiking access from there. We then drove into Nyack Beach State Park and drove up to the Plateau, a flat area directly beneath the sheer cliff which has some picnic areas. We walked around the area to see if the trail started from there, but it did not. We then went back to the car, and driving down back to the entrance we noticed some hikers coming out of the new trail. It is accessed on the road to the plateau right after the beginning of the park at the toll booth. We drove back up, parked at the plateau, and then walked down the hill on the road for a short distance until reaching the trailhead.

This new trail is quite a marvel, going through a rocky area full of large boulders from talus from the cliffs above. We got to the end of the trail at the long path, and took the long path north to the mountain summit, which affords a great 360 degree view. We then took the Yellow Trail down to Route 9W, where Michael had another car and I proceeded back up the mountain from the Yellow Trail. Just prior to the summit I cut across to the short connector to the Long Path, and took the same route back, to my car.

Map of the Route

Cliffs of the Palisades at Hook Mountain at the Plateau

New Upper Nyack Trail

Steps Along the Upper Nyack Trail

View of the Tappan Zee Bridge and Hudson River on the Long Path

Upper Nyack and Nyack Amid Fall Foliage

Michael Pariser Approaching the Hook Mountain Summit

View To the West Approaching the Hook Mountain Summit

Nyack and Upper from Hook Mountain Summit

Rockland Lake and Hudson River from the Hook Mountain Summit

The New Tappan Zee Bridge

Foliage Scenes along the Upper Nyack Trail