A beloved Storm King School tradition dating back to the early 1930s, Mountain Day brings students and faculty together for a scenic trek up Storm King Mountain and a shared celebration at the summit. A highlight of student orientation and the opening of the school year, the annual hike gives students an opportunity to explore the extraordinary natural landscape surrounding campus while building camaraderie, school spirit, and a sense of community.

The tradition began in the fall of 1932, during the tenure of Storm King’s sixth Headmaster, Anson Barker. On a crisp November morning, Barker excused students from classes and sent them into nearby Black Rock Forest for a day of hiking and exploration. The excursions eventually came together for a picnic lunch, and the day proved such a success that Mountain Day became an enduring part of the Storm King experience.

This year, students and faculty once again hit the trails, making their way through the surrounding forest toward the summit of Storm King Mountain. Along the way, hikers enjoyed the beauty of the landscape and the opportunity to connect with one another outside the classroom.

At the summit, the effort was rewarded with panoramic views of the Hudson River Valley, Black Rock Forest, and the Catskill Mountains. After the traditional group photo was taken at the top, the students returned to campus for a well-earned barbecue lunch on Ledoux Terrace.

More than a hike, Mountain Day is a celebration of what makes Storm King special: a strong connection to the outdoors and a community that comes together. Many thanks to the faculty and staff who helped make the day a success, from guiding students safely along the trails to preparing the barbeque feast that awaited the hungry hikers. Mountain Day once again offered a memorable start to the fall semester—and a wonderful way to kick off another great year at Storm King.