Storm King State Park
Orange Co, NY
Hiking Trails:
Butter Hill Trail: Green blaze
Stillman Trail: Yellow blaze
White Trail: White blaze
Total Time: 1:10
Estimated Distance: 1.4 miles
Pros: Scenic mountain, great climb and great views
Cons: None
Hike Type: Lollipop loop
Level of Difficulty: Difficult
Google Maps of Parking:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/tGxhCJzqM8soFFEF7
The last time I was at Storm King, I noticed an unmarked trail going to up past the ruins to the Stillman Trail towards the view west of Butter Hill (unofficially called Little Butter Hill.) I decided on this hike to try this trail out, and indeed it was a great shortcut trail. I parked on Route 9W at Butter Hill, and took the trail up to the ruins. After the ruins, instead of continuing slightly down on the trail, I took the unmarked trail north up which led me to the Stillman Trail right near the view, with an excellent view of Cornwall, New Windsor, and Newburgh to the north, and then Black Rock Forest to the South through the short white-blazed spur trail.
I then went on the Stillman Trail west, and then climbed up the back flank of Butter Hill, which I took to the top of the mountain where there is a 360 degree view. I then turned around and went down via the Butter Hill Trail, which I took down to my car.
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| Map of the Route |
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| Buter Hill from the Parking Area |
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| Hiking Trailhead |
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| View While Ascending the Butter Hill Trail |
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| Ruins on the Butter Hill Trail |
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| Pine Tree at the Little Butter Hill View |
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| Little Butter Hill Facing North Towards Newburgh |
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| View from Little Butter Hill Facing South Towards North Point |
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| View Ascending Butter Hill from the Stillman Trail |
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| Trail Intersection |
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| View Ascending the Summit of Butter Hill |
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| Butter Hill Summit |
