Turkey Mountain Summit

The hike to the summit of Turkey Mountain in the Hudson River Valley is a moderate hike using both the blue and white trails in the preserve. At 2.2 miles round trip, it makes for a great short and sweet day-hike.

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Trail Description

The Turkey Mountain Trail begins in a beautiful dense forest. Though there is traffic noise, the hike is still quite pleasant along the well-marked path.

From the parking area, begin heading up the blue trail forking off to the right. Passing through a historic old rock wall, you’ll meander through the peaceful forest before reaching another old wall.

With little elevation gain thus far, the trail will begin to get a bit rockier as you start to ascend. You’ll make small zigzags as you continue to climb more consistently. As approach the top of the hill, you’ll approach a large rocky outcropping on the left as the trees begin to thin slightly. You’ll then walk toward, then along the outcropping.

Winding along the outcropping, the trail will begin to climb more steeply as you near the summit. Turning southwest, you’ll gradually ascend a rocky slab before leveling off.

On top of the small false summit, you’ll drop down just slightly before beginning an easy ascent toward the actual summit. You’ll twist and turn through the lush forest as distant views can be glimpsed through the trees. Continue up the large rocky slab where you at last crest the summit.

From on top of Turkey Mountain you have a stunning view eastward. At first, soon expanding with a few more steps. It’s here that the blue trail will end and you’ll begin along the white trail at the summit.

Sprawling out below you is the scenic Hudson River as gorgeous views open up westward. This makes for a quite pleasant place to stop and admire the scenery. Looking south, you can make out New York City in the distance. And while there is some highway and air traffic noise, the view more than makes up for it.

Heading down along the white trail, you’re next treated to some great eastern views as well through the trees. While the descent gets steep for a bit, it quickly reverts to an easy-going pace as it passes through another old rock wall.

Small footbridges help to guide you safely through wetter sections of the trail as you continue to descend through the peaceful forest. With the trail now back at base elevation, continue along the easy and flat white trail as you wind your way back to the parking area.