by D. Adamsons
Little Stony Point
Hudson Highland State Park
The Loop and The Cliff
Unmarked Trail
Difficulty Level 1.5
45 minutes
Hudson River Conservation Society and Jackson Hole Preserve, Inc. are among two of the groups we can thank for the approximately 3800 acres of land within Hudson Highlands State Park. It took 30 years, beginning with the Society persuading landowners to donate property to the State, then continuing with other conservation groups working towards preserving the beauty and fragility of the Hudson Highlands through donation and acquisition.
Little Stony Point was originally an island, but The Hudson River Stone Company filled in the channel during the early 1900’s as they quarried the rock. Hudson River Valley Commission, the State Council of Parks and its supporters saved Little Stony Point from industrial development in1967, when the Georgia Pacific Company purchased Little Stony Point as the site for a wallboard factory. Governor Rockefeller intervened and helped relocate the factory to Verplanck. In 1970 Little Stony Point became part of Hudson Highlands State Park.
Thousands have enjoyed the aptly named Sandy Beach, one of the finest beaches on the Hudson. All that is special in the Hudson Highlands, can be seen and experienced right here, on Little Stony Point; wildlife habitats, many species of trees, shrubs and grasses, spectacular views, glorious light that inspired an American art movement, woods, mountains, big sky(for the east coast, that is!) and of course, the river. In 1994 the park was closed due to construction of the bridge over the railroad tracks. It reopened in July of 1996 with a celebration led by Pete Seeger, singing “This Land is Your Land”.
Walk to the center of the railroad bridge and check out beautiful Breakneck to the north. Continue on until you come to a split, then go to the left. At the next split, the path to the left circumvents the island, while the path to the right, goes up to the cliff. I like doing the cliff first. This will give you an idea of what you’re going to see when you do the loop. Walk through the woods, and go up the little hill. In the winter, after a snowfall, this hill is slippery and fun! At the rise, go left. We get a view to the south almost immediately. On the small path to the left, through the grasses, continue right.
Here we are, at the top! There are a few spots to choose from, to hunker down and enjoy the view. Most times, I opt for the highest spot, as there’s a place on one of those rocks that fits me perfectly, and I can sit quite comfortably watching the sunset. If that spot has been claimed already, there are a few others along the ledge. Look down and see the entire rock breakdown from the quarrying days. I love the fall colors of this tortured rock; the rusts, browns and grays. When you go down to the shoreline, look up to see the geological lines of time written in stone.
The other day the sun was tucking behind Crow’s Nest, with its rays licking the tops of the trees on the mountain and spilling right into the Hudson. It was incredible. From this angle, in fall and winter, the sun bids goodnight right between Crow’s Nest and Storm King.
This is truly an amazing vantage point for taking in the Northern Highlands. See Breakneck and Bannerman’s to the North. Look behind you to the east and see where Bull Hill was quarried. That’s a hike we can look forward to in the near future. To the south is Constitution Island, with West Point across the river. Let’s take the path back and do the loop now.
When you get back to the fork, at the bottom of the little hill, go right. This path takes you along the shoreline. The autumnal smell of leaves is everywhere. After a short ways, on the right, look up to see the rock formation that makes up the cliff you were just on. Trees growing right out of a slab of rock never cease to amaze me. As you wind your way around the bend, look to the right for the mine shaft. The opening is about 5 feet wide by 4.4 feet high. It goes back about 20 feet, if I recall. I haven’t been in it for a few years, but it’s pretty cool.
This loop around the island is a great walk for young children, as there is very little elevation and lots to look at. Up ahead there are a few piles of gravel, not more than a few feet high, which are great fun to safely run up and down on! The terrain changes a few times, keeping children from getting bored.
Along the shoreline there are countless rocks to sit on, fish from or just enjoy the peace and quiet. When you come to the open grassy area, take the path to the left. Here is where those gravel piles are. Look behind you and see the cliff! Continuing on, we see Bull Hill to the right with Breakneck up north. Walk straight down to the point.
Feel that wind!? That famous Highland wind, so feared by sailors long ago, as it comes whipping down The Clove; the valley between Storm King and Crow’s Nest. Brace yourself, for in the winter it’s got a kick. When I was here last, there were white caps in the water from the high winds. How frightening and exciting, sailing this river must have been back then.
Continue around and see a small footpath, traveling northeast past a kiosk under construction. There are many little paths that bring you down to the water’s edge. Don’t worry about getting lost on this walk, as all paths lead back to the main path. This is a walk I do all winter long; it’s gorgeous in the snow. When you come back to the clearing, go left, heading back into the woods. There are many birds on Little Stony Point and countless species of trees, among them, maple, birch, hickory, cedar, oak, tulip, locusts and cherry. See the young birch groove to your right, at the fork?
At the T, go left for Sandy Beach. Enjoyed by hikers, boaters, swimmers, birders and other outdoor and nature lovers, it’s one of my favorite summer spots. It’s a great place to pull in with your kayak, and stretch your legs for a bit. When it’s warm, it’s a wonderful way to spend the day.
Backtrack and go left at the fork. It is unadvisable to take the path leading past the little outhouse, as it brings you onto the railroad tracks. Instead, take the one directly in front of the structure, heading back into the woods. At the next T, go left and continue taking lefts until you reach the bridge. Take another peek over the bridge at the spectacular view. It is worrisome to think what the Highlands would have looked like today, if it were not for the handful of dedicated people who sought to work towards the conservation and protection of open space. Thanks to them, we have this special place to share and enjoy.
Please take out what you carry in. The park is open dawn to dusk. For more information, the Little Stony Point Citizens Association can be reached at 265.7815.
