Hiking Storm King Mountain Loop
For Earth Day and my birthday, we went hiking at Storm King Mountain for the first time. The last time we were in the area, we were hiking a different mountain across the water. We also were able to see Cornwall on Hudson, where we kayaked with the family. The terrain felt similar and both had some rock scrambling. The trail starts from the parking lot and you can choose whether to go straight up the stairs or to your right and down another path. This one is easy to miss, since it’s pretty well hidden.
Pagenstecher History
We chose to follow AllTrails map loop and went up the rocky stairs. We followed this trail up the hill and eventually came to the former Upyonda estate. This estate was built and owned by Albrecht Pagenstecher Jr. in 1905. The site used to be a 20-room home with beautiful Hudson views. In 1955 it burned to the ground. What remains of the estate are rock pillars and some foundational structures.
Albrecht Pagenstecher Sr and his cousins helped change the way we create paper. He was responsible for making paper from ground wood instead of rags. We still use this method today and have him and Frederick Keller to thank.
Up and Up We Go
After the ruins section, we walked the trail a little further up, which led to some rock scrambling. Once we reached the top, the views improved with each step. After this, the trail goes from Orange markings to yellow and blue. We followed the Yellow and Blue trail marks to the intersection. At the intersection, we had the option of going left on the Blue and Red trail. We chose to stay on the Yellow and Blue trail instead.
Eventually, the trail circles Storm King Mountain, and you can take the White trail or continue the Yellow and Blue trail. We chose the latter and went around, creating a nice loop. If you want a faster and easier way to get down to the car, follow the White Trail Markings. The Yellow and Blue trail on this side was very different and narrow. I loved the difference in views and terrains. One side was rocky, while the other was mossy and full of trees. Eventually, the trail comes to another intersection with more old structural ruins. This is where you choose the Blue and Red trail. This trail takes you back to the intersection, and back on the Yellow and Blue trail.
Even though we were here just a short while ago, the Yellow and Blue trail looked different when walking it back. We met a lot of people when we were coming down the trail. There are a lot of different paths that look like trails but are probably made by deer. Be sure to stick to the trail markings, and if you don’t see one, head back around. There are also some sections where people take shortcuts. Please don’t follow the shortcuts and stick to the trail marks instead. Overall, Stormking Mountain loop was fun, and I would do it again the same way.
