New York State Route 218

New York State Route 218 is a state highway located within Orange County in the Hudson Valley region of New York. It is a scenic route running along the west bank of the Hudson River, primarily atop the Hudson Highlands, connecting the City of Newburgh with the United States Military Academy at West Point. The route is notably narrow and winding, offering dramatic views of the river and the surrounding Appalachian Mountains.

Route description

Beginning at an intersection with U.S. Route 9W in the City of Newburgh, the route heads south, quickly ascending the slopes of the Hudson Highlands. It passes through the Town of Cornwall and runs along the crest of Storm King Mountain, providing panoramic vistas of the Hudson River and Bannerman's Castle on Pollepel Island. The roadway is characterized by sharp curves and steep grades as it traverses this rugged terrain maintained by the New York State Department of Transportation. It descends into the United States Military Academy reservation, terminating at a gate near Washington Gate, where public access is restricted.

History

The roadway that became NY 218 was originally constructed as a military road during the American Revolutionary War to connect strategic points overlooking the Hudson River. It was later improved and designated as part of the Storm King Highway in the early 20th century before being incorporated into the New York State highway system. The route's alignment over Storm King Mountain was the subject of significant environmental controversy during the proposed construction of the Storm King Mountain pumped-storage hydroelectric project, a legal battle that helped shape modern United States environmental law. The highway was officially designated as NY 218 in the 1930 renumbering of state highways in New York.

Major intersections

The entire route is in Orange County. {| class="wikitable" |- ! Location ! mi ! km ! Destinations ! Notes |- | City of Newburgh | 0.00 | 0.00 | U.S. Route 9W – Newburgh, Highland Falls | Northern terminus |- | Cornwall | | | Access to Storm King State Park | Unmarked junction |- | West Point | 4.50 | 7.24 | Washington Gate, United States Military Academy | Southern terminus; no public access beyond this point |- |}

Category:State highways in New York (state)