Howell Trail

Howell Trail is a blue-blazed hike in Storm King State Park (Cornwall-on-Hudson, New York), built around a short Hudson Highlands loop. The commonly used loop length is about 2.5 to 3 miles, with a few variations depending on the connector trails chosen.

Expect a climb that starts quickly: the trail gains altitude steeply along a ridge toward North Point, where the route is known for views out toward the Hudson River and the broader Hudson Highlands.

After you top out on the ridge, the character shifts to rolling hiking through exposed rock outcroppings and trees. The route continues toward a North Point viewpoint before beginning a descent that brings you to stream crossings.

From there, the trail picks up again with a steep push up the south side of Storm King Mountain. Howell Trail then keeps working you through the rocky Hudson Highlands terrain before you return via the White and/or connector trails used to close the loop.

Common loop-closure options include returning on Stillman Spring Trail (white) or using the By-Pass Trail to meet up with the Howell Trail again. Howell Trail’s end intersections are the key moments for staying on the loop’s chosen “return” side.

A frequently described rhythm for the loop is “~2.5 hours to complete,” with the biggest effort coming from the steep, rocky ascents and the need to handle stream crossings along the way.

More information: Storm King Mountain, Crows Nest Mountain/Howell Trail from Route 9W, Storm ..., Storm King Mountain Loop via Howell Trail | Orange County