August 21, 2022 – New Metropolis, NY
Problem: Average
Size: Roughly 5.3 miles
Max elevation: 832 ft.– complete elevation achieve roughly 700 ft.
Route sort: Out and again
Purchase Map (Paper & Avenza): Hudson Palisades Trails Map #112 (2018)
Free map: Excessive Tor State Park Path Map (2015)
Trailhead parking: County Route 33, New Metropolis, NY 10956
Parking is on the market for about 20 automobiles – No restrooms on website
The park is open year-round, from 8am to nightfall.
Park Overview:
Excessive Tor State Park is a 691-acre state park on the north fringe of the City of Clarkstown in Rockland County, NY. The park is positioned on South Mountain, which has two peaks, Excessive Tor and Little Tor. Its highest peak, Excessive Tor, sits at an elevation of 832 ft above sea stage and Little Tor at 620 ft. Excessive Tor is the very best level on the whole Hudson River Palisades. Excessive Tor State Park has a swimming pool, a big picnic space, and mountain climbing trails, most notably a 3.5 mile stretch of the Lengthy Path and a number of other quick spur trails. Hikers are rewarded with among the most excellent views within the decrease Hudson Valley from the summits of Excessive Tor and Little Tor.
View northeast – Excessive Tor summit
Historical past:
The vertical, striated look of the Palisades impressed individuals to call them. To the native Lenape, they had been “Wee-Awk-En,” the rocks that appear to be timber. When explorer Giovanni da Verrazano sailed previous the ridge in 1524, he thought it resembled a “fence of stakes,” or in army parlance a stockade (or palisade) constructed for defensive functions. That’s what it’s known as on the primary map of the New World, printed 17 years later. The definition of tor is: a excessive craggy hill.
Like Tallman or Hook Mountain, this chunk of South Mountain was, by advantage of its entice rock composition, confronted with the specter of destruction by quarrying. On quite a few events, quarry operators sought to purchase the property from its proprietor, Elmer Van Orden. Whereas Van Orden at all times refused to promote, his dying in 1942 revived fears that Excessive Tor may find yourself defaced by quarrying. Considered one of Rockland County’s most lovely websites, it had impressed numerous poets, artists, and even playwrights. Amongst them Maxwell Anderson, whose well-known 1937 play, Excessive Tor, is the premise of a 1956 film with Bing Cosby and Julie Andrews.
Excessive Tor – courtesy of Historic Society of Rockland County
After Van Orden’s dying, the Palisades Interstate Parks Fee instantly sought to amass the property. A marketing campaign led by the Hudson River Conservation Society and the Rockland County Conservation Affiliation, and supported by dozens of teams and people, raised adequate funds to buy the property, which was transferred to the Fee in April, 1943. On the similar time, Archer Huntington determined to donate his personal 470-acre property, which included Little Tor.
Trails Overview:
The park is traversed by a 3.5-mile part of the Lengthy Path. As well as, a woods highway marked with white blazes, leads north, crossing the Lengthy Path alongside the ridge and continues north to the highest of the promontory often known as Little Tor. Excessive and Little Tor comprise the foremost a part of South Mountain, which is the northern boundary of the Palisades.
Lengthy Path – Excessive Tor State Park
Little Tor Spur Path – Excessive Tor State Park
It is a simple out-and-back hike that’s simple to observe. The primary half of the hike, the Hudson River can be in your left and on the return route, the river can be in your proper.
Hike Overview:
I used to be seeking to do a considerably shaded hike with some views on a sizzling and humid day. This hike was excellent. The whole lot of the hike, apart from each summits, had loads of tree cowl. The elevation achieve is sort of manageable, even on the warmest of days. There are quick, steep climbs to achieve the summits of each Little Tor and Excessive Tor, however the remainder of the hike consists of minor ups and downs.
Excessive Tor State Park
elevation profile – Excessive Tor State Park
Like most hikers, I choose loop hikes to an “out-and-back,” however typically you don’t have a lot of a selection. This was a nice stroll via comparatively quiet woods, to excellent views over the Hudson River Valley. The occasional loud Harley from the roads under may very well be heard. We ran right into a mountain biker (FYI – no bikes allowed on the Lengthy Path) that stored shouting “bear!” repeatedly as he cruised by us a number of instances. He stated he noticed a big bear within the space the earlier week.
The Hike:
The hike begins on the trailhead for South Mountain County Park, which is on the alternative facet of Central Freeway (County Route 33). There may be parking for about 20 automobiles. The Lengthy Path crosses the highway right here connecting Excessive Tor State Park and South Mountain County Park. There isn’t any signal for Excessive Tor State Park at this trailhead, however the hike begins throughout the highway from the picket signal for South Mountain County Park and the identical facet of the highway because the parking space.
South Mountain County Park Trailhead
South Mountain County Park Trailhead
Don’t cross the highway, as an alternative proceed previous the gate and observe the aqua blazes of the Lengthy Path in an easterly course on a large woods highway. The path climbs step by step because it winds its approach alongside the ridge of South Mountain. In about 400 yards, there’s an unmarked path on the left that climbs steeply as much as the powerlines. Chances are you’ll need to take this quick detour for some good Hudson River views. If you happen to observe the unmarked path round, it descends again right down to rejoin the Lengthy Path.
Lengthy Path – Excessive Tor State Park
Lengthy Path – Excessive Tor State Park
Lengthy Path – Excessive Tor State Park
Lengthy Path – Excessive Tor State Park
Energy Traces Path – Excessive Tor State Park
Energy Traces View – Excessive Tor State Park
Energy Traces View – Excessive Tor State Park
Energy Traces View – Excessive Tor State Park
Energy Traces View – Excessive Tor State Park
When the Energy Traces Path descends and terminates on the Lengthy Path, flip left and rejoin the aqua-blazed path, persevering with on the broad woods highway in an easterly course because the path descends a bit then ranges off.
Flip left on Lengthy Path
Lengthy Path – Excessive Tor State Park
Lengthy Path – Excessive Tor State Park
In one other 0.4 mile, the Lengthy Path passes by two painted signal posts, the place an unmarked woods highway crosses. To the suitable, the unmarked highway leads right down to the general public swimming pool in Excessive Tor State Park. To the left, the woods highway heads steeply down the northern face of South Mountain. Proceed forward, nonetheless following the aqua blazes.
Lengthy Path – Excessive Tor State Park
In simply over a mile from the beginning of the hike, the Lengthy Path reaches a junction with the white-blazed Little Tor Spur Path, which begins on the left. Flip left and observe the white blazes as they climb to the summit of Little Tor, passing two rock outcrops with wide-ranging views alongside the way in which.
Flip left on Little Tor Spur Path
Little Tor Spur Path – Excessive Tor State Park
Little Tor Spur Path – Excessive Tor State Park
Little Tor Spur Path – Excessive Tor State Park
Little Tor Spur Path – Excessive Tor State Park
The City of Haverstraw is immediately under with the Hudson River within the distance.
View north – Little Tor
View northeast – Little Tor
To the north, the hills of Harriman and Bear Mountain State Parks are seen within the distance.
View north – Little Tor
A zoomed in view of the Hudson River, Westchester County and the East Hudson Highlands past. The Indian Level nuclear energy plant is seen simply left of middle within the picture under.
View northeast – Little Tor
The path climbs to a different rock outcrop with extra views.
Little Tor Spur – Excessive Tor State Park
View northwest – Little Tor
The Little Tor Spur continues previous the the 2 rock outcrops and climbs steeply to the true summit of Little Tor, with 360° views of the encircling area. This makes for a great spot to take a break and benefit from the unbelievable views.
Little Tor Spur – Excessive Tor State Park
View northwest – Little Tor
Wanting west throughout Rockland County and into northern New Jersey.
View west – Little Tor
Wanting south, the summit of Excessive Tor is seen on the left.
View south – Little Tor
A balanced boulder sits on the summit of Little Tor.
Little Tor summit
We noticed a number of birds hovering above us, together with some Turkey Vultures.
Little Tor summit
Little Tor summit
If you end up able to proceed, retrace your steps on the white-blazed Little Tor Spur, passing the 2 decrease rock outcrops on the way in which again right down to the junction with the Lengthy Path and switch left.
Little Tor Spur – Excessive Tor State Park
Little Tor Viewpoint – Excessive Tor State Park
Little Tor Spur – Excessive Tor State Park
Little Tor Viewpoint – Excessive Tor State Park
Lengthy Path – Excessive Tor State Park
Proceed heading in a southeasterly course, following the aqua blazes on the broad woods highway. The path travels over undulating terrain, with some minor ups and downs.
Lengthy Path – Excessive Tor State Park
Lengthy Path – Excessive Tor State Park
Lengthy Path – Excessive Tor State Park
Lengthy Path – Excessive Tor State Park
Lengthy Path – Excessive Tor State Park
At one level, the Lengthy Path leaves the woods highway to keep away from an eroded part, however rejoins the highway a brief distance later.
Lengthy Path – Excessive Tor State Park
Lengthy Path – Excessive Tor State Park
Lengthy Path – Excessive Tor State Park
The Lengthy Path descends alongside a excessive craggy cliff with jumbled boulders at its base. Quickly, the Lengthy Path turns proper on the base of a steep talus slope, just under the Excessive Tor summit.
Lengthy Path – Excessive Tor State Park
Lengthy Path – Excessive Tor State Park
Lengthy Path – Excessive Tor State Park
Lengthy Path – Excessive Tor State Park
The path turns left and begins a steep climb of Excessive Tor on a rocky footpath. The grade moderates, however the climb quickly resumes, with a number of steep sections.
Lengthy Path – Excessive Tor State Park
Lengthy Path – Excessive Tor State Park
Lengthy Path – Excessive Tor State Park
Lengthy Path – Excessive Tor State Park
Lengthy Path – Excessive Tor State Park
In about 2.7 miles from the beginning of the hike, the Lengthy Path climbs up a rock face and emerges on the 832-foot-high summit of Excessive Tor. This marks the midway level and turn-around spot of the hike, and makes for place to relaxation from the steep climb and benefit from the panoramic views.
Lengthy Path – Excessive Tor State Park
Excessive Tor summit
Wanting south in the direction of DeForest Lake in Clarkstown, NY.
View south – Excessive Tor summit
Northeast view over the City of Haverstraw and the Hudson River.
View northeast – Excessive Tor summit
If you happen to go searching rigorously, you’ll see some very outdated graffiti carved into the craggy rock on the summit.
Excessive Tor summit
Throughout World Conflict II, an plane beacon was positioned on the summit, and the anchors of the beacon are nonetheless seen right this moment.
Excessive Tor summit
Wanting west over Rockland County and into New Jersey.
View west – Excessive Tor summit
Wanting southeast down the Hudson River. The land mass jutting into the river, throughout the way in which is Croton Level Park.
View southeast – Excessive Tor summit
A zoomed in view of DeForest Lake with the NYC skyline seen at its southern finish, far within the distance.
DeForest Lake from Excessive Tor summit
Wanting northeast up the Hudson River in the direction of Peekskill and the southern gate of the Hudson Highlands.
View northeast – Excessive Tor summit
View northeast – Excessive Tor summit
Down under, the Bowline Level Thermal Energy Plant’s smokestacks (middle) and Haverstraw Bay.
View northeast – Excessive Tor summit
A zoomed in view in the direction of Peekskill. The Indian Level nuclear energy plant is seen (middle proper), with the Hudson Highlands simply past.
View northeast – Excessive Tor summit
If you end up accomplished having fun with the Hudson River Valley views, retrace your steps on the Lengthy Path, for about 2.6 miles, again to the parking space, the place the hike started. Keep in mind, the river will now be in your proper as you make your approach again.
Lengthy Path – Excessive Tor State Park
Lengthy Path – Excessive Tor State Park
Lengthy Path – Excessive Tor State Park
Lengthy Path – Excessive Tor State Park
Evaluation:
An gratifying hike in a comparatively quiet space that doesn’t get as crowded as different sections of the Hudson River Palisades. The views are excellent and there are many them. The Lengthy Path is effectively marked and straightforward to observe. The shaded trails makes this hike for these sizzling sunny days. I extremely advocate this hike, particularly for these looking for a average hike with simple to observe trails.
Execs:
Lengthy Path, Hudson River Valley views, the Palisades, effectively marked trails, no crowds, adequate parking.
Cons:
Some highway noise will be heard.
Take a hike!
Excessive Tor State Park
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