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A moderately challenging out-and-back.
This route to the wonderful scenic lookout on Anthony’s Nose is a little gentler than the classic route from the north.
Anthony’s Nose protrudes rather grandly from the east bank of the Hudson River in Cortlandt Manor. In the 17th Century Pierre Van Cortlandt, the first lieutenant governor of New York and George Washington’s most trusted friend and ally, owned the mountain.
Together, Anthony’s Nose and Dunderberg Mountain make up the South Gate of the Hudson Highlands.
The small, busy trailhead for this hike is on Route 202, right on a bend 1.1 miles south of Bear Mountain Bridge.
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Anthony’s Nose from Camp Smith
The ever-popular and busy Anthony’s Nose hiking trail includes…
- Mixed woods
- Scenic views on the way up
- Bare rock nubs
- Incredible scenic views of the Hudson River
- Fantastic overlook for sunrise and sunset
- Possible exposure to rattlesnakes and copperheads
FAQs About Anthony’s Nose
Anthony’s Nose Hike Difficulty
Is Anthony’s Nose a hard hike? Although this hike is moderately challenging, it’s less challenging than the shorter and steeper route that begins north of the bridge.
Make sure you’re wearing proper hiking boots. And on icy days you’ll definitely need microspikes.
Anthony’s Nose Hike Time
Allow 2½-3 hrs for a moderate pace on this route, with plenty of time for taking in the awesome scenic views.
From the larger Toll House trailhead further south on Route 202, it’s more like a 6 mile hike (total) with 1400 feet of elevation gain, so allow 4-5 hours.
An alternate route comes down to. See this Alltrails Anthony’s Nose from the north page.
Is Anthony’s Nose Open?
Anthony’s Nose is open year-round.
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Why is it Called Anthony’s Nose?
Anthony’s Nose is said to be named for Anthony Hogan, a pre-Revolutionary War sea captain with a giant honker.
How to Get to Anthony’s Nose from NYC
Here are your Anthony’s Nose directions: Take the Henry Hudson Parkway north, cross the George Washington Bridge, then take the Palisades Parkway via Exit 74.
At the traffic circle, take the second exit onto US-202 E/US-6 E.
Cross Bear Mountain Bridge and turn right to stay on Route 202, heading south.
The small Camp II trailhead is about a mile from the bridge, on the left.
What is Camp Smith?
The trailhead for this hike is known as “Camp Smith II Trailhead” because, about a mile-and-a-half further down Route 202 is the southern beginning of this trail at the military installation Camp Smith.
Indeed, all along this trail you may hear automatic gunfire in the distance as New York Army National Guard personnel and various US agencies train at the facility.
Can Dogs Hike Anthony’s Nose Too?
Yes, but dogs should be on a leash at all times. See my notes about snakes below.
Anthony’s Nose Trail Guide & Gallery
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From the trailhead, follow the blue blazes you’ll see painted on trees and rocks — not always easy to spot, so keep your eyes peeled.
There are several scenic lookouts on the way up…
The view from the open ledge of Anthony’s Nose — looking up and down the always-busy Hudson River — is stunning, especially at sunset…
Looking south toward New York City…
Make sure to explore the whole ledge as there are several great spots, each with their own unique angle…
According to the NYNJTC: “Iona Island was a strategic defense post during the Revolutionary War. The buildings are remnants of extensive facilities from when the island was used as a naval supply depot during both World Wars. It is now a wildlife refuge. Bald eagles winter on the southern part of the island.”
Warning! In warmer months, this hike includes potential exposure to rattlesnakes.
I did see my first copperhead snake here on a warm evening in September. So keep watch, and always keep your dog leashed and under watchful supervision.
Looking west to Bear Mountain…
Schunemunk Mountain is also visible from Anthony’s Nose.
That post-sunset glow…
Obviously, if you’re hiking down in the dark, make sure you have a good headlamp on your head.
Similar Hikes
Further north there’s Breakneck Ridge which offers similar first-rate scenic views via the classic scramble and a new easier trail.
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The parent mountain for this hike is Anthony’s Nose.
If you do this hike, LMK how it went…
Trailhead Info for this Hike
Small lot at the base of Manitou Mountain
Google Maps Location: 41.312441, -73.965103
The map below shows the exact topographic location of the trailhead
Cell Service
Good cell service once you get away from the road. My network is Verizon. YMMV.
