Mount Storm King — Thursday, Jul. 30, 2020

Started the hike around 8/8:30am. We parked at the ranger station, and there was plenty of parking. Once parked we were unsure what direction to head so we walked over to the ranger station to see if we could find a map and we determined we have to start on the Marymere Falls trail. About a half mile in there is a sign pointing to the storm king trail. It’s 2000+ in elevation and very few areas are flat enough for a short break, we stoped a few times to hydrate and catch our breath. Once we reached about a little less than a mile away from the summit we saw our first view of the lake. About 0.4-0.5 miles from the summit is roughly the last area before you reach the ropes to help you reach the summit. There are 6 ropes and one was not used so technically 5 ropes that actually provide support. Make sure to wear shoes with great tread. Lots of loose gravel! The ropes definitely help you as you climb up, I would say the first two ropes are the “hardest” the rest aren’t too bad, but again loose gravel. After completing the climb (with the help of ropes) you reach a small area that you can take a quick break before walking pretty narrowly to the summit. Up on the summit there is some room to sit and enjoy the view. I would not want to be up there with several people. I will say that the edge provides a great picture but everyone wants a picture and we were up on the summit for a few minutes to allow the people behind us to enjoy the same opportunity and we left. It took us 1 hour and 46 min to the summit and about 1 hour and 36 min to descend. 

I used my poles heading up and coming down, and put them away when we reached the ropes/summit. Beware of the mosquitos! Tons especially at the top, but that might be due to our bug spray wearing out after sweating so much heading up. We did spray before heading down but still got bit! 

We did see a few berries throughout the trail but were not sure if they were wild...and/or safe to eat so we did not touch them. A lot were not ripe yet, I’m sure in a few weeks there will be tons more berries!

I highly recommend getting there early. We were leaving around noon and there were several more people hiking up. It was much hotter in the day as well! I also recommend plenty of water! I emptied my camelback bladder by the end of the hike.

Leaving the parking lot there were no spots available! And a few vehicles were lingering waiting for spots to clear out. Closer to 12:30/1pm on a Thursday.