One of Rockland County’s most beautiful sites, it had inspired countless poets, artists, and even playwrights. While Van Orden always refused to sell, his death in 1942 revived fears that High Tor might end up defaced by quarrying. On numerous occasions, quarry operators sought to buy the property from its owner, Elmer Van Orden.

Like Tallman or Hook Mountain, this chunk of South Mountain was, by virtue of its trap rock composition, faced with the threat of destruction by quarrying. During the Revolutionary War, beacons were placed on the summit to alert the Colonists of approaching British troops. It was also used as an air raid watch during World War II. At 832 feet above sea level, High Tor is the highest point on the Hudson Palisades. One of Rockland County’s best-known landmarks, High Tor offers outstanding views of the Hudson River and the town of Haverstraw below. The mountainous ridge within High Tor State Park is part of the Palisades escarpment, which ends at New York State Route 45. Trailhead parking: Haverstraw Rd, New City, NY 10956 (roadside parking) Max elevation: 832 ft.– total elevation gain approximately 793 ft.

High tor hiking trails map