Stillman-Bluebird Loop

Dogs Leashed

Features Spring · Views

A difficult loop run that has great views of the Hudson River and Hudson Highlands State Park. Also, explore several stone house ruins along the way.

This run begins at the northern trailhead. Note that the parking area is small and only has enough room for about six or seven cars so make sure you get there early enough to get a parking spot.

The run begins on a wide and well-maintained carriage road. After about a half mile, the Stillman Trail, which is marked with yellow markers, branches to the left. However, you'll want to continue on the Carriage Road until it meets up with the Bluebird Trail (blue/red markers).

Continuing along the Carriage Road, you'll come to a junction with another carriage road to the left. This spur leads to an old stone ruin that is the foundation and basement from an old settlement house. After you are done exploring the ruins, retrace your steps and proceed up the carriage road. Around another turn, you'll see another old stone ruin on the right with a corrugated steel shed.

The Carriage Road will narrow after this point, and soon you'll end up on the Bluebird Trail (blue/red markers). Turn left and continue on the rocky trail until you meet back up with the Stillman Trail (yellow markers). At the trail junction, you'll see a small stone structure on the left of the trail that protects an old spring that is still pumping out water. Beyond that, you can spot another old stone foundation and basement. After some exploration here, make a right onto the Stillman Trail.

From here, you'll stay on the Stillman Trail as it climbs the front of Storm King Mountain. This section is very narrow, difficult, and steep. Be careful here when it rains or if the rocks are wet. You eventually will reach the top of Storm King where some incredible views await. When you are done taking in the views, continue on the Stillman Trail, which makes a sharp right turn to the other side of the mountain and then descends.

At the next junction, you'll have the choice between Howell Trail (blue markers) on the left and the Stillman Trail turning right. Stay on Stillman for a short while longer until you reach another junction with the Bluebird Trail (blue/red markers). Turn right onto Bluebird Trail. You'll have to navigate a steep and rocky descent before returning to the section you had just taken. When you reach the trail junction with Stillman again, turn left to head back to the Carriage Road where you'll turn right to return to the trailhead.