In good weather during the summer months, many cars can be seen taking in the views of the river and the Hudson Highlands here (however, this section can be gated off and closed in times of high rockslide danger).

NY 218 begins at a trumpet interchange with flyover ramps with US 9W in the village of Highland Falls near the former site of Fort Montgomery.

[3] NY 218 winds through Highland Falls, leaving the downtown section of the village, entering an interchange with US 9W and Stony Lonesome Road.

[3] NY 218 winds north and northwest along the border of West Point, crossing through a section of the military academy.

A short distance to the north, the route crosses a gate and enters Storm King State Park.

Crossing through a dense section of woods, the route makes several bends through Storm King State Park, re-approaching the river a short distance to the north.

Now known as Bay View Avenue, NY 218 is a two-lane residential street through Cornwall-on-Hudson, proceeding west through the village.

[3] NY 218 continues northwest through Cornwall-on-Hudson on Academy Avenue, remaining a two-lane residential street through the village.