You’re driving through Rockland County, maybe stuck in a bit of that notorious suburban traffic, and you look up. There’s this massive, imposing wall of trap rock looming over the Hudson River. That’s High Tor. Most people just see it as a backdrop for their commute, but High Tor State Park in New City NY is actually the highest point on the Palisades. It’s 618 feet of sheer vertical presence. Honestly, it’s a bit of a local legend, and if you haven't stood on that summit, you’re missing the best view in the entire lower Hudson Valley.
It isn't just a patch of woods. It’s 611 acres of rugged, somewhat unforgiving terrain that feels a world away from the shopping malls and subdivisions of New City. You’ve got the Long Path running right through it. You’ve got the ghosts of Revolutionary War lookouts. You’ve even got a pool that feels like a vintage summer camp time capsule.
The View That Literally Defined Local History
Why do people obsess over this specific spot? It’s the vantage point. From the summit of High Tor, you can see the Manhattan skyline on a clear day, shimmering like a mirage way down south. Turn your head and you’ve got the Tappan Zee—okay, the Mario Cuomo Bridge—stretching across the water. It’s dizzying.
During the American Revolution, this wasn't a place for selfies. It was a strategic necessity. High Tor served as a signal point. Watchmen would scan the river for British ships. If they saw something, they lit signal fires. Those fires could be seen for miles, alerting the Continental Army to movements in the harbor. When you’re standing up there today, feeling that wind whip off the Hudson, it’s easy to imagine a nervous soldier staring at the horizon in 1777.
The geology here is equally intense. We're talking about the Palisades sill. This is volcanic rock—diabase—that cooled deep underground roughly 200 million years ago. As the softer surrounding rock eroded away, this hard core remained. That’s why the "Tors" (an old English word for high, rocky hills) are so distinct. You have High Tor, and its slightly shorter sibling, Little Tor, just to the west.
Hiking High Tor State Park: What You Actually Need to Know
If you’re planning to hike High Tor State Park in New City NY, don't just show up in flip-flops. I've seen it. It’s a mistake. The terrain is rocky, steep in sections, and can be remarkably slippery after a light rain.
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The most popular route is the section of the Long Path. You can pick it up off South Mountain Road. It’s not a grueling five-day trek, but it’ll get your heart rate up.
- The Ascent: You’ll gain elevation quickly. The trail winds through dense hardwood forest—mostly oak and hickory—before the trees thin out near the top.
- The Summit: It’s a wide, bald expanse of rock. There is very little shade at the peak, so if it’s July, you’re going to bake. Bring water. Seriously.
- The Terrain: Expect loose "scree" or small rocks. It’s easy to roll an ankle on the way down if you aren't paying attention.
The Long Path itself is a massive 358-mile trail that runs from the George Washington Bridge all the way to Albany. The section through High Tor is arguably one of its "greatest hits." It connects High Tor to Mt. Ivy and further west toward Harriman State Park. It's rugged. It's real. It's quintessential Rockland.
The Pool and the "Old School" Vibe
Let's talk about the pool for a second. It's sort of a polarizing topic for locals. High Tor State Park has a large, Olympic-sized swimming pool that is open during the summer months.
It isn't a luxury resort. It’s a state park facility. That means it’s affordable, it’s functional, and it gets crowded on weekends. There’s something remarkably "1970s summer" about it. You’ve got the bathhouses, the snack bar vibes, and the sound of kids splashing around while the massive cliff of High Tor looms directly overhead. It’s a surreal backdrop for a swim.
One thing to keep in mind: the pool usually opens in late June and closes by Labor Day. Check the New York State Parks website before you go, because staffing issues (lifeguard shortages) sometimes affect the hours. It happens.
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Maxwell Anderson and the Literary Connection
Did you know High Tor is actually famous in the theater world? Maxwell Anderson, a Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright, wrote a play called High Tor in 1936.
He lived nearby and was basically incensed by the quarrying that was eating away at the cliffs. At the time, companies were literally grinding the mountain into gravel for roads and concrete. Anderson wrote the play as a "fantasy-comedy" about a man who refuses to sell his land to the greedy developers.
It was a huge hit on Broadway. It starred Burgess Meredith. More importantly, it helped galvanize local support to save the mountain. If it weren't for that play and the subsequent push for conservation, High Tor might have been just another flat-topped quarry today. Instead, the Palisades Interstate Park Commission stepped in, and the land was preserved.
Why New City Residents Hold It Dear
If you live in New City, High Tor is your North Star. It’s the geographical marker that tells you you’re home.
New City itself is the seat of Rockland County government. It’s busy. It’s full of law offices, the county courthouse, and bustling strip malls along Route 304. But High Tor sits on the edge of all that, reminding everyone that nature is still in charge.
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The park provides a crucial "green lung" for the area. While places like Bear Mountain get the massive tourist crowds from New York City, High Tor remains a bit more local. You’ll see trail runners getting their morning miles in, or families taking their dogs for a walk (keep them on a leash, please—the drop-offs at the top are no joke).
Navigating the Practicalities
Getting there is pretty straightforward, but parking can be a bit of a puzzle if you don't know the spots.
- Main Entrance: Located at 415 South Mountain Road, New City, NY. This is where you’ll find the pool and the main parking lots.
- Trailhead Access: If you’re just there to hike the Long Path, there are smaller pull-offs. Be respectful of private property; South Mountain Road has some very expensive homes, and neighbors are quick to call about blocked driveways.
- Fees: There is usually a vehicle entrance fee (around $8-$10) during the swimming season. If you’re just hiking in the off-season, it’s often free, but don't quote me on that—the state likes to change things up.
- Wildlife: Yes, there are timber rattlesnakes and copperheads in Rockland County. They like the rocky outcroppings of the Palisades. You probably won't see one, but keep your eyes on the trail and don't go poking your hands into dark crevices.
The Best Time to Visit
Autumn. Without a doubt.
When the maples and oaks turn orange and red, the view from High Tor is world-class. You see the patchwork of the Hudson Valley spread out below you. The air is crisp, the bugs are gone, and the climb doesn't leave you drenched in sweat.
Spring is a close second, specifically late April when the mountain laurel might start thinking about blooming and the air is clear of summer haze. Winter hikes are beautiful but treacherous; the trap rock gets incredibly icy, and the wind at the summit will bite right through your layers.
Actionable Next Steps for Your Visit
If you're ready to tackle High Tor, do it right. Don't just wing it.
- Download the Avenza Maps app: The New York-New Jersey Trail Conference has digital maps that use your phone's GPS to show exactly where you are on the trail—even without cell service. High Tor is covered in their "Hudson Palisades" map set.
- Check the weather for New City, not just "New York": The weather on the ridge can be 5-10 degrees cooler and significantly windier than it is down in the town center.
- Pack a "Summit Kit": A windbreaker, a liter of water per person, and a high-protein snack. You’ll want to spend at least 20 minutes at the top just taking it in.
- Visit the Dutch Garden nearby: If you’re making a day of it in New City, stop by the Dutch Garden behind the courthouse after your hike. It’s a beautiful, historic brick garden that offers a much more manicured kind of peace compared to the wildness of the Tor.
- Respect the "Leave No Trace" principles: This park is heavily used. Carry out your trash. Don't build new fire rings. Keep the summit as pristine as you found it so the next person gets that same "untouched" feeling.
High Tor State Park is a reminder that you don't have to drive five hours to the Adirondacks to find real wilderness. It's right there, hovering over New City, waiting for you to stop looking at it from your car window and finally climb it.