The 4 Most Amazing Peaks around Tuxedo Park

For truly expansive views, consider visiting Jackie Jones Mountain, which features a restored fire tower providing 360-degree vistas of Lake Welch, Harriman State Park, the Hudson River, and even the Manhattan skyline. Hogencamp Mountain also offers extensive panoramic views from its rocky summit. Additionally, Ramapo Torne and Diamond Mountain Summit can provide glimpses of the Manhattan skyline on clear days, along with views of the surrounding Ramapo Mountains.

Yes, Jackie Jones Mountain is notable for its restored 60-foot steel fire tower, originally built in 1928. The area also contains the ruins of the ORAK mansion from 1923. Another site with historical interest is Claudius Smith's Den, a legendary cave once used by a Revolutionary War-era outlaw, located within Harriman State Park.

The difficulty levels vary. Peaks like Ramapo Torne involve moderately strenuous hikes with steep ascents and descents, sometimes requiring the use of hands. Diamond Mountain Summit is known for challenging rock scrambles, particularly on its western side. Other peaks like Wildcat Mountain offer shorter, quicker outings to their summits.

The mountain peaks around Tuxedo Park, part of the Ramapo Mountains, are characterized by diverse natural features. You'll encounter rocky outcrops, exposed rock formations like "Bowling Rocks" and "Ship Rock" on Hogencamp Mountain, and bald-faced glacial rock outcrops on Wildcat Mountain. Many trails also lead through dense forests and offer views of lakes such as Lake Welch and Pine Meadow Lake.

Wildcat Mountain in Sterling Forest State Park is an excellent choice for a quicker outing. It offers sweeping views over Tuxedo, the Ramapo River, and the New York State Thruway from its bald-faced glacial rock outcrops. The hike to its lookout is approximately 30 minutes to the summit, providing significant views without a lengthy ascent.

Beyond hiking to the peaks, the area offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can explore numerous mountain biking trails, such as the Munsee-Eagle, Red Back, and Hutchinson Trail Loop. Road cycling routes like the Seven Lakes Drive Loop are popular. For runners, trails like the Ramapo Torne Loop provide excellent opportunities. You can find more details on these activities in our guides for MTB Trails around Tuxedo Park, Road Cycling Routes around Tuxedo Park, and Running Trails around Tuxedo Park.

Yes, Big Hill is a notable hut that serves as a first-come, first-served shelter for hikers. It's located on the Suffern - Bear Mt Trail and offers possibilities to pitch a tent and utilize existing fire rings, along with views that can include the Manhattan skyline.

Visitors frequently highlight the stunning panoramic views, especially the distant sight of the Manhattan skyline from peaks like Ramapo Torne and Jackie Jones Mountain. The challenging rock scrambles on trails leading to summits like Diamond Mountain Summit are also a significant draw for those seeking adventure. The combination of natural beauty and historical elements, such as the fire tower on Jackie Jones Mountain or old iron mines near Hogencamp Mountain, adds to the appeal.

Yes, on clear days, several peaks offer views of the Manhattan skyline. Jackie Jones Mountain, particularly from its fire tower, provides excellent views of the skyline. You can also catch glimpses of the Manhattan skyline from Ramapo Torne and Diamond Mountain Summit.

For Ramapo Torne, the Hillburn-Torne-Sebago Trail (orange blazes) leads to the summit. The Suffern-Bear Mountain Trail (yellow blazes) will take you to the fire tower on Jackie Jones Mountain. The Ramapo-Dunderberg Trail (red blazes) traverses Hogencamp Mountain. For Diamond Mountain Summit, the Seven Hills Trail (blue blazes) is a good option, or consider the Diamond Mountain loop via the Stony Brook Trail. The white-blazed Wildcat Mountain Trail leads directly to the summit of Wildcat Mountain.