High Tor State Park
Directions
Palisades Parkway to exit 12. North on Route 45 for 4/10 mile, make a right on South Mountain Road. Travel 1.5 miles to stop sign, go straight for 1 more mile. Park is on the left. GPS Coordinates: 41.191155, -73.989189
Park Overview
High Tor, one of Rockland County's most striking landmarks, was used as a signal point by colonists during the American Revolution.
Trail Overview
The park is traversed by a 3.5-mile section of the Long Path. In addition, a woods road leads north from the parking lot to cross the Long Path along the ridge top and continues north to the top of the promontory known as Little Tor.
Use the Web Map link on this site to view a trail map. Click for a detailed description of a hike in the park.
Park Description
High Tor State Park
High Tor State Park contains one of Rockland County's best-known landmarks called High Tor, which offers outstanding views of the Hudson River and the town of Haverstraw below. During the Revolutionary War, beacons were placed on the summit to alert the Colonists of approaching British troops.
High Tor is composed of diabase (commonly referred to as “trap rock”), which was much in demand for use in construction during the early twentieth century. Operators of nearby quarries sought to purchase the mountain from its owner, Elmer Van Orden, but he consistently refused to sell. Soon after Van Orden’s death, the Palisades Interstate Commission acquired the mountain in 1943.
High Tor State Park is the most northern component of the Palisades Interstate Park system on the Palisades proper.
In addition to hiking, swimming and picknicking are available in season.