Schunemunk State Park (Schunnemunk State Park)
Get Directions
Park Overview:
Hikers on Schunemunk Mountain have much to marvel at, from the continuous views along the ridge to the unforgettable rock beneath their feet.
Park Description:
Schunemunk Mountain
West of Black Rock Forest in the northern Hudson Highlands, a land formation rises that has several unique and striking features. Usually pronounced skun-uh-munk, the name means excellent fireplace in the Algonquin tongue. Schunemunk Mountain features a number of unusual geologic features. Soaring well above the surrounding region, its summit reaches an elevation of nearly 1,700 feet above sea level. A striking feature of the mountain is its double crest. For nearly three miles, there are two ridges running parallel to each other, separated by the valley of Baby Brook. Each ridge consists of layers of the same conglomerate sloping inward towards each other, thus forming a geologic downfold or syncline. The caprock of the ridges is a reddish-purple matrix, studded with pebbles of white quartz and pink sandstone, some of which reach diameters of eight inches.
Trails Overview:
With over 25 miles of trails, Schunemunk Mountain offers hikers opportunities to walk along ridges, view cascading streams, and investigate megaliths. The hiker should be alert to different methods of trail blazing -- painted blazes on trees and rocks, cairns [rock piles], and plastic rectangles nailed to the twisted trunks of the pines -- as well as to sudden changes in the trail's direction, especially as there are so many distracting views along the ridge.
- Because the Barton Swamp Trail [2.1 miles, red dot on white] follows the wooded trough that separates the central and western ridges of Schunemunk, it provides a sheltered exit to Taylor Hollow.
- The Dark Hollow Trail [2.2 miles, black on white] begins at the southern end of the Otterkill Trail [red], 2.2 miles from the parking area on Otterkill Road. After passing views of the Hudson River and Storm King, it ends at the Jessup Trail [yellow].
- The Jessup Trail [8.6 miles, yellow] is the main north-south trail on the mountain and traverses its full length. Parking is available on Otterkill Road, 0.2 mile west of the railroad trestle, and at its terminus on Seven Springs Road in Monroe. Along its route, the unique conglomerate bedrock that makes Schunemunk so fascinating is displayed along with a series of panoramic views. Highlights include the Megaliths, a group of huge blocks that have split off from the bedrock, and the highest elevation in the area (1,664 feet). The Highlands Trail [teal diamond] is co-aligned with the Jessup Trail for part of its length.
- The Long Path [5.2 miles, aqua] leaves NY 32 at the railroad trestle about 1.6 miles north of the Highland Mills bus station. Parking is available on the west side of NY 32 about 0.2 mile south of the trestle. After climbing High Knob, the Long Path ultimately reaches the Jessup Trail [yellow] near the top of the ridge. This is also the route of the Highlands Trail [teal diamond], which heads northeast to Storm King Mountain and southwest through Sterling Forest State Park to the Delaware River in Riegelsville, NJ. The orange-blazed trail straight ahead is the Western Ridge Trail, the former route of the Long Path. The Long Path turns left (south) and is co-aligned with the Jessup Trail to its end. Follow the yellow Jessup Trail blazes, as the Long Path and Highlands Trail are marked with their trail logos only at occasional intervals and at junctions. Click for a detailed trail description of this segment of the Long Path.
- The Western Ridge Trail [4.4 miles, orange] begins at an intersection with the Jessup Trail and the Long Path on the ridge of Schunemunk Mountain. It descends the western slope of the mountain, first gently, then steeply down a series of ledges overlooking the western ridge. The last ledge is particularly steep. For most of its length, as befits its name, the trail traverses the western ridge of Schunemunk Mountain, offering multiple scenic viewpoints. It can also be accessed at its northeastern trailhead from Hil-Mar Lodge on Clove Road (County Route 27).
- To reach the Otterkill Trail [2.2 miles, red], take NY 32 to Orrs Mills Road. After crossing the New York State Thruway, turn left on Otterkill Road and proceed under the railroad trestle. The trailhead parking area is 0.2 mile west of the trestle. This trail provides access to the Trestle Trail [white], the Jessup Trail [yellow], the Sweet Clover Trail [white] and the Dark Hollow Trail [black on white].
- The Sweet Clover Trail [2.8 miles, white] is a good approach to the east and west ridges of Schunemunk. It begins at the end of the Otterkill Trail, 2.2 miles from the parking area on Otterkill Road. After reaching the Barton Swamp Trail [red on white], it climbs steeply to terminate at the orange-blazed Western Ridge Trail, 0.1 mile beyond.
- The Trestle Trail [1.4 miles, white] begins at a parking area on Otterkill Road, 0.2 mile west of the railroad trestle. At 1.2 miles, there is a panoramic view to the north and east, with the northern Hudson Highlands visible in the distance. It ends at the Barton Swamp Trail [red].
- The short Ridge-to-Ridge Trail [0.6 mile, blue dot on white] serves as a crossover for the eastern/western ridges of Schunemunk Mountain.
Click for detailed descriptions of hikes (all strenuous) in the park -- includes GPS for trailheads.
Park Acreage:
2700.00 acresMunicipality:
MountainvilleHikers on Schunemunk Mountain have much to marvel at, from the continuous views along the ridge to the unforgettable rock beneath their feet.
Schunemunk Mountain
West of Black Rock Forest in the northern Hudson Highlands, a land formation rises that has several unique and striking features. Usually pronounced skun-uh-munk, the name means excellent fireplace in the Algonquin tongue. Schunemunk Mountain features a number of unusual geologic features. Soaring well above the surrounding region, its summit reaches an elevation...
Park Acreage:
2700.00 acresMunicipality:
MountainvilleContact Information
Web Link:
OPRHP-NYS ParksPhone:
(845) 351-5907Fees:
NoneDogs in park:
Dogs on leash
Hike Checklist:
Whether you are going for a day hike or backpacking overnight, it is good practice to carry what we call The Hiking Essentials. These essentials will help you enjoy your outing more and will provide basic safety gear if needed. There may also be more essentials, depending on the season and your needs.
The Essentials
Hiking Shoes or Boots
Water - Two quarts per person is recommended in every season. Keep in mind that fluid loss is heightened in winter as well as summer. Don't put yourself in the position of having to end your hike early because you have run out of water.
Map - Know where you are and where you are going. Many of our hiking areas feature interconnecting network of trails. Use a waterproof/tear-resistant Tyvek Trail Conference map if available or enclose your map in a Ziplock plastic bag. If you have a mobile device, download Avenza’s free PDF Maps app and grab some GPS-enhanced Trail Conference maps (a backup Tyvek or paper version of the map is good to have just in case your batteries die or you don't have service). Check out some map-reading basics here.
Food - Snacks/lunch will keep you going as you burn energy walking or climbing. Nuts, seeds, and chocolate are favorites on the trail.
Sunscreen and insect repellent
Rain Gear and Extra Clothing - Rain happens. So does cold. Be prepared for changing weather. Avoid cotton--it traps water against your skin and is slow to dry. If you are wearing wet cotton and must return to your starting point, you risk getting chills that may lead to a dangerous hypothermia. Choose synthetic shirts, sweaters and/or vests and dress in layers for easy on and off.
Compass - A simple compass is all you need to orient you and your map to magnetic north.
Light - A flashlight or small, lightweight headlamp will be welcome gear if you find yourself still on the trail when darkness falls. Check the batteries before you start out and have extras in your pack.
First Aid Kit - Keep it simple, compact, and weatherproof. Know how to use the basic components.
Firestarter and Matches - In an emergency, you may need to keep yourself or someone else warm until help arrives. A firestarter (this could be as simple as leftover birthday candles that are kept inside a waterproof container) and matches (again, make sure to keep them in a waterproof container) could save a life.
Knife or Multi-tool - You may need to cut a piece of moleskin to put over a blister, repair a piece of broken equipment, or solve some other unexpected problem.
Emergency Numbers - Know the emergency numbers for the area you're going to and realize that in many locations--especially mountainous ones, your phone will not get reception.
Common Sense - Pay attention to your environment, your energy, and the condition of your companions. Has the weather turned rainy? Is daylight fading? Did you drink all your water? Did your companion fail to bring rain gear? Are you getting tired? Keep in mind that until you turn around you are (typically) only half-way to completing your hike--you must still get back to where you started from! (Exceptions are loop hikes.)
Check the weather forecast before you head out. Know the rules and regulations of the area.
The Leave No Trace Seven Principles
Plan Ahead and Prepare
- Know the regulations and special concerns for the area you'll visit.
- Prepare for extreme weather, hazards, and emergencies.
- Schedule your trip to avoid times of high use.
- Visit in small groups when possible. Consider splitting larger groups into smaller groups.
- Repackage food to minimize waste.
- Use a map and compass to eliminate the use of marking paint, rock cairns or flagging.
Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
- Durable surfaces include established trails and campsites, rock, gravel, dry grasses or snow.
- Protect riparian areas by camping at least 200 feet from lakes and streams.
- Good campsites are found, not made. Altering a site is not necessary.
- In popular areas:
- Concentrate use on existing trails and campsites.
- Walk single file in the middle of the trail, even when wet or muddy.
- Keep campsites small. Focus activity in areas where vegetation is absent.
- In pristine areas:
- Disperse use to prevent the creation of campsites and trails.
- Avoid places where impacts are just beginning.
- Pack it in, pack it out. Inspect your campsite and rest areas for trash or spilled foods. Pack out all trash, leftover food and litter.
- Deposit solid human waste in catholes dug 6 to 8 inches deep, at least 200 feet from water, camp and trails. Cover and disguise the cathole when finished.
- Pack out toilet paper and hygiene products.
- To wash yourself or your dishes, carry water 200 feet away from streams or lakes and use small amounts of biodegradable soap. Scatter strained dishwater.
- Preserve the past: examine, but do not touch cultural or historic structures and artifacts.
- Leave rocks, plants and other natural objects as you find them.
- Avoid introducing or transporting non-native species.
- Do not build structures, furniture, or dig trenches.
- Campfires can cause lasting impacts to the backcountry. Use a lightweight stove for cooking and enjoy a candle lantern for light.
- Where fires are permitted, use established fire rings, fire pans, or mound fires.
- Keep fires small. Only use sticks from the ground that can be broken by hand.
- Burn all wood and coals to ash, put out campfires completely, then scatter cool ashes.
- Observe wildlife from a distance. Do not follow or approach them.
- Never feed animals. Feeding wildlife damages their health, alters natural behaviors, and exposes them to predators and other dangers.
- Protect wildlife and your food by storing rations and trash securely.
- Control pets at all times, or leave them at home.
- Avoid wildlife during sensitive times: mating, nesting, raising young, or winter.
Be Considerate of Other Visitors
- Respect other visitors and protect the quality of their experience.
- Be courteous. Yield to other users on the trail.
- Step to the downhill side of the trail when encountering pack stock.
- Take breaks and camp away from trails and other visitors.
- Let nature's sounds prevail. Avoid loud voices and noises.
The Trail Conference is a 2015 Leave No Trace partner.
(c) Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics: www.LNT.org.
Directions to Trailhead
Public TransportationDirections to Trailhead :
Car access is by NY 17 or the New York State Thruway to Exit 16 [Harriman], then north on NY 32 to Highland Mills, Woodbury, or Mountainville. Parking areas for specific trails are mentioned in the trails overview.
GPS coordinates for parking area:
- At 250 Otterkill Road: 41.42693, -74.09705
- For the Long Path at the intersection of Evans Drive and NY Route 32, about 0.2 mile south of the railroad trestle: 41.36085, -74.10769
Public Transport: Short Line [Coach USA] buses, from the Port Authority Bus Terminal in Manhattan, stop at these towns.
TRAIN TRANSPORT :
Not availableBUS TRANSPORT :
Short Line [Coach USA] buses, from the Port Authority Bus Terminal in Manhattan, stop at Highland Mills, Woodbury, or Mountainville.
Share Your Experience
Support the trails with a donation!