Mount Storm King — Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024

Began the hike today, Sunday, 12/15 at 10:00am. There were about 15 cars in the lot, though it became clear on the trail that most were visiting Merymere Falls. We reached the main overlook (false summit) at noon. There was fresh snow on the upper portion of the Storm King trail, beginning just before the maintained trail ends and the scramble/rope section begins. Only two groups had continued to the overlook before us. Today the snow was sticky, no ice on the rocks beneath it, and only 3" deep. We had trekking poles and good boots, and proceeded slowly and carefully, feeling safe as we did so with ample rock climbing and winter hiking experience. However, with additional nights of freezing temps and additional accumulation possible in the coming days, the ice and snow would make this trail much more dangerous. We saw several other groups heading toward the top as we descended. We returned the trailhead around 2:00pm. This hike is gorgeous, but one to approach cautiously as falls from the section beyond the maintained trail could be catastrophic. Please proceed only within the limits of your gear, experience, and comfort! Happy hiking, y'all.