What is Storm King Highway, and can motorcyclists ride it?
Storm King Highway is a three-mile segment of NY Route 218 near Cornwall-on-Hudson, built in 1916 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982. Route 218 loops off US 9W closer to the river. It is narrow and winding, so ride it slowly and check for closures first.
Newburgh is a river city with history on the waterfront. George Washington made his last wartime headquarters here from 1782 to 1783. The ride south is the reason many riders come. The ride back is the reward.
The rides
Washington's Headquarters
The State Historic Site at 84 Liberty Street is the fieldstone Hasbrouck farmhouse where Washington lived and worked during the Newburgh period of 1782 to 1783. In April 1783 he issued a cessation of hostilities from this house. Hours are seasonal, so check before you go.
Storm King Highway (Route 218)
Route 218 loops off US 9W to run closer to the river between Highland Falls and Cornwall-on-Hudson. The three-mile historic segment known as Storm King Highway was built in 1916. It is narrow and winding, with the mountain on one side and the river on the other.
The Newburgh-Beacon Bridge
I-84 crosses the Hudson here between Newburgh and Beacon. It is a fast way to link a west-bank day with an east-bank day, though not the scenic way.
Season notes
Shoulder seasons are best for Storm King, since summer weekends add traffic and winter can bring ice and closures. Fall color along the Highlands brings crowds, so plan for patience.
Watch for
Narrow lanes with little margin on Route 218, rockfall and debris after storms, and cyclists. Check for closures before you ride, since this is the kind of road that closes when conditions get rough.
Questions riders ask about Newburgh
Where did George Washington stay in Newburgh?
Washington established his final wartime headquarters at the Hasbrouck farmhouse in Newburgh from 1782 to 1783. It is now Washington's Headquarters State Historic Site at 84 Liberty Street.
When was Storm King Highway built?
The three-mile Storm King Highway segment of NY Route 218 was built in 1916 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982.
Roads, closures and seasonal hours change, so check current conditions before you ride. FJP is an online shop with no storefront or events in Newburgh. This guide is a free resource for riders.