The Highest Elevation You Can Hike in Orange County

Hiking is a popular activity in the Hudson Valley. Fare to say we get more than our share of people who come to climb the hills and cliffs of the Hudson Valley.

The Shawangunk Ridge in New Paltz is world famous for its climbing and there are hiking trails around the Hudson Valley that people have on their bucket list. You can't drive down Route 9D in Dutchess County south of Beacon without encountering numerous places where people love to hike. The cars are parked all along the road from Cold Spring to Garrison.

Places to Hike in Orange County, New York

But what about Orange County? Are there places people should know about there? Of course, there are many. Orange County offers a variety of hiking choices including rail trails some of which link to the trails in Ulster and Dutchess Counties.

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Storm King Mountain in Cornwall is a great place to hike. The view is breathtaking from the top at 1385 feet above sea level looking over the Hudson River. Hike the Hudson Valley calls it a quick steep climb with great views. It is directly across from Mount Beacon which sits at 1653 Feet above sea level and also gives you great views of the Hudson River

What is the Highest Mountain You Can Climb in Orange County, New York

So what if someone asked you which mountain had the highest elevation in Orange County? Would you know that answer off the top of your head? Like me, you might say Somewhere around Bear Mountain but you and I would be wrong. One because most of the trails and peaks at Bear Mountain are actually in Rockland County and two because there is a tall spot.

Schunemunk Mountain it turns out is the highest elevation in Orange County New York. It is listed at 1,658 feet above sea level which makes it 5 feet taller than Mount Beacon. However, hiking The mountain can be tricky because one of the more popular routes crosses MTA tracks and that is prohibited. Be sure to check your route.

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