Winter Solstice Hike: Storm King Mountain

The seasonal significance of the Winter Solstice is in the reversal of the gradually lengthening nights and shortening days.

During ancient times, astronomical events allowed for the scheduling of mating, sowing of crops and metering of winter reserves between harvests, show how various cultural mythologies and traditions have arisen. On the night of winter solstice, as seen from a northern sky, the three stars in Orion’s Belt align with the brightest star in the eastern sky Sirius to show where the Sun will rise in the morning after winter solstice.

Midwinter festivals and celebrations occurring on the longest night of the year, often calling for evergreens, bright illumination, large ongoing fires, feasting, communion with close ones and evening physical exertion by dancing and singing are examples of cultural winter therapies that have evolved as traditions since the beginnings of civilization. Such traditions can stir the wit, stave off malaise, reset the internal clock and rekindle the human spirit.

Join us on a six-mile, moderate-challenging midwinter hike to Storm King Mountain to celebrate the Winter Solstice. We will be stunned by 13 high overlooks, spanning far up and down the Hudson River, Breakneck Ridge and West Point.

Event Details

• Bring Lunch and 2 liters water (minimum per person) in a backpack or hip pack. Thermos of soup or hot cocoa is a great idea, too!
• Wear Weather-appropriate athletic clothing (ski jacket or similar outer layer, warm layers (fleece, wicking layer, anything other than cotton), comfortable athletic pants (not jeans), hat, gloves, scarf, hiking boots (or athletic shoes). A base layer of long johns (poly or silk) is a good idea, as well as an extra pair of socks. As we may encounter wet or snowy trails, we strongly recommend hiking boots or trail runners, not tennis shoes. Bring more warm layers than you think you need — it is always colder and windier in the mountains than in NYC. Note: We love comfy cotton clothes for lounging, but they just aren't the best thing for outdoor excursions. Why? Cotton holds moisture, gets heavy and loses its insulative properties. Wool is best, but any synthetic is better than cotton for hiking. Polyester, poly blends, polypropylene, DryWick, DryFIT—any of these will serve you better than cotton.
• Departure Time 9:00 AM. Please arrive at 8:45 AM for check-in. Please check weekend subway schedules! Our trips leave on time.
• Return Time Approximately 6:00 PM
• Departure Location Our passenger vans depart from the NE corner of 73rd Street and Broadway — meet in front of Apple Bank (Subways to 72nd Street: 1,2,3)

Want to share this event or trip?

Experienced, Fun & Qualified Guides

From cycling across the United States to leading horse treks through New Zealand to scaling Nepalese peaks, Outdoor Bound guides have real-world outdoor experience. Collectively, they have hiked, biked, climbed and kayaked tens of thousands of miles around the globe.

Whether their professional backgrounds are as teachers, personal trainers, artists, environmentalists or business leaders, they all have an extensive knowledge of the natural world and local history. Each guide has also passed a rigorous guide certification program and is trained in wilderness first aid or as a Wilderness First Responder.

Diverse & Interesting Groups

There is no typical Outdoor Bound participant. While ages typically range from 20 to 50, those who come to experience outdoor adventure range from singles to couples, from lawyers to waiters. They are a mix of women and men. While the group is always diverse, you will certainly feel welcome. Our guides go the extra mile to make the atmosphere of each trip social and fun. Many people in the Outdoor Bound community have forged lasting friendships as a result of our trips.

New Experiences

Skydiving, ice-climbing, hot-air ballooning, skiing and hiking every weekend are just a few of Outdoor Bound’s year-round adventures. These trips are accessible to everyone, including the novice, who might feel a little uneasy, the young urban professional trying to get away and even the adrenaline junkie looking for a new rush.

Environmental Awareness

“Leave nothing but footprints, take nothing but pictures,” is the Leave No Trace motto embraced by Outdoor Bound. From purchasing bamboo T-shirts to printing with soy-based inks on recycled paper, Outdoor Bound strives to create the least environmental impact possible while on trips and in the office.