Hook Mountain
Hook Mountain is a breathtaking 676-acre expanse of reclaimed wilderness that captivates hikers, bird watchers, and nature enthusiasts alike. Rising 730 feet above sea level, its summit rewards visitors with unparalleled views of the Hudson River and the surrounding valley, offering a serene escape into nature's splendor. Accessible only by marked trails, the park invites adventurers to explore its rugged terrain while basking in the peaceful beauty of this unique natural environment. Its prominence and proximity to the Hudson make it a crucial habitat for diverse flora and fauna, further enhancing its appeal as a haven for outdoor exploration.
A cherished site for bird watching, Hook Mountain is renowned for its thriving population of raptors, including bald eagles and variety of hawk species. Every fall, this extraordinary park becomes a migratory corridor, with the Audubon Society estimating that over 12,000 hawks soar past its cliffs annually. Its ecological significance is further highlighted by its designation, alongside neighboring Nyack Beach State Park, as a National Natural Landmark by the National Park Service—an honor shared by only 600 sites nationwide. This recognition underscores Hook Mountain's importance as a pristine natural area and its enduring role in conservation and education.
Friends Among Us
The parks, with their mixture of forests, riverfronts, and wetlands, provide a habitat for a variety of wildlife. As a visitor, you might encounter the following:
Friends That Rock Us
The parks tell an epic geologic story that involves continents breaking apart, molten rock rising from deep in the earth, and glaciers dropping giant boulders on their way through. To see how this story unfolds and how all three rock types came to be in our parks please use the video below:
Friends Above Us
Our network of parks are home to some of the most diverse range of birds on the east coast. Here are just a few of the species to keep an eye out for:
Friends Around Us
The network of trees that span Rockland Lake, Hook Mountain, and the Nyack and Haverstraw beaches are some of our wisest teachers. Here's who to hug:
