Home ⎟ Hikes & Wanderings ⎟ New York ⎟ Hudson Valley ⎟ North Point

Distance: 1.2 mile out & back; 3.76 mile loop

Time: 30 minute out & back; 1 hour 45 minute loop

Difficulty: Easy as an out & back, Moderate as a loop

Elevation Gain: 200 feet out & back; 1,250 feet loop

Driving Directions: From the Bear Mountain Bridge Traffic Circle, take the 9W NORTH exit (the 1st exit off the bridge), and drive 7.5 miles up US-9W North, watching for a small trailhead (big enough for 10 cars or so) on your RIGHT.  If you reach the Storm King Mountain Trailhead, you’ve gone half a mile too far.

Description: With the best views just 0.6 miles beyond the parking area, this hike pays off early on.  From 9W Trailhead: take WHITE-BLAZED footpath 0.37 miles to intersection with BLUE-BLAZED Howell Trail.  Make a RIGHT on the Howell Trail and continue for 0.23 mile to the North Point Lookout.  Enjoy the view of Breakneck Ridge, Mount Taurus, Storm King, Fishkill Ridge, Little Stony Point, and the Hudson River.  For a short hike, retrace your steps back to the car (just 0.6 miles back). For the full loop, continue on the BLUE-BLAZED Howell trail for 1 more mile before reaching another great overlook.  In 0.23 more miles reach the path to your RIGHT leading to Pitching Point, yet another beautiful overlook.  After 0.46 more miles on the Howell Trail, you’ll come to Route 218.  Be careful as you turn LEFT for 220 feet (0.04 miles).  Turn back into the woods, making a LEFT on the WHITE-BLAZED Stillman Spring Trail.  Follow for 0.66 to its terminus at the BLUE-BLAZED Howell Trail where you make a LEFT.  After 0.41 miles turn RIGHT on the WHITE-BLAZED Bobcat Trail, and continue for 0.37 miles back to your car.

Video: A Hazy Day at North Point