Harriman Hiker: Harriman State Park and Beyond

Great Falls of the Passaic River

2026-05-24T11:45:00.000-04:00

National Historical Park
Paterson
Passaic Co, NJ

Total Time: 0:45
Estimated Distance: 1.5 Miles

Pros: Significant, historical waterfall
Cons: Urban area in rough neighborhood
Hike Type: Figure 8 Loop
Level of Difficulty: Easy

Google Maps of Parking:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/91zRqkivVTFpYCAi9

The Great Falls of the Passaic River is the one of the largest waterfalls by volume in the Eastern United States. However, it is situated in the middle of a run down area within a city, and its view is somewhat obstructed by the orientation of the falls. Despite that, it's still very worthwhile to visit as you can feel the share power of the falls.

I parked in the main parking area for the falls, and took the walking trail north of the falls so some old historical warehouses and ruins, including the abandoned Colt (think handguns) factory. I then headed back and past the ampitheater and went on the stairs path to Spruce Street, and then crossed the bridge over the falls to Mary Ellen Kramer Park. I then took the path by Ryle Road down to the Passaic River by the falls. I then turned around and took the route back to my car.

Map of the Route

Falls from the Overlook

Rock Wall South of the Falls

Colt Factory Site

Waterfalls with the Pump House

View from the Top of the Falls

Mary Ellen Kramer Great Falls Park

Passaic River

Top of Falls from the Park

National Historical Park

Reeves Brook to Chipmunk Mountain

2026-05-17T09:45:00.000-04:00

Harriman State Park,
Rockland Co, NY

Hiking Trails:
Reeves Brook Trail: Orange blaze
Seven Hills Trail: Blue blaze
Hillburn-Torne Sebago (HTS) Trail: Orange blaze
Pine Meadow Trail: Red blaze

Total Time: 2:20
Estimated Distance: 3.7 Miles

Pros: Scenic loop, good scramble, and good views
Cons: Very busy at Pine Meadow Trail during weekend
Hike Type: Loop
Level of Difficulty: Moderate

Google Maps of Parking:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/KkhtTwdowZzihwcf8

Hiking Partner:
Yehudah Koblick

This was the first hot-weather hike of the season. We parked at Reeves Meadow in Harriman and took the Reeves Brook Trail. The area is very busy at the start of the hike, but gets very quiet as soon as you reach the Reeves Brook Trail. We took the Reeves Brook Trail steadily up, until reaching the Seven Hills Trail, which has a steep scramble up to a great view. We then ascended up to Chipmunk Mountain, where there is another great view, and took the HTS Trail down to the Pine Meadow Trail which we took back to the beginning of the trail.

Map of the Route

Large Rock on the Reeves Brook Trail

Scramble Up the Seven Hills Trail

Great View Above the Scramble

View at the Chimpmunk Mountain View

Dater Mountain Spring Hike Loop

2026-05-10T09:45:00.000-04:00

Dater Mountain Nature Park
Sloatsburg
Rockland Co, NY

Hiking Trails:
Orange Trail: Orange blaze
Blue Trail: Blue blaze

Total Time: 1:15
Estimated Distance: 2.4 Miles

Pros: Nice loop in quiet area with loop
Cons: Sound and view of highway, and power lines in view
Hike Type: Loop
Level of Difficulty: Moderate

Google Maps of Parking:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/SyJuyUrdbqzbKbpn7

Hiking Partner:
Yehudah Koblick

This is a great short hike with a nice loop and good views. However the noise from the very busy Thruway right below for part of the hike removes the peaceful nature. It had been raining in the morning, and the rain had just cleared, but it was still hazy and foggy at the beginning of the hike. As we hiked, the clouds cleared and the sky turned blue. We parked at the Dater Mountain Nature Park log on Johnsontown Road, and took the Orange Trail up to the view and then the top of the mountain. We continued to the end of the trail and met up with the Blue Trail, which we took along the loop to the view over the Thruway. We then continued back to the Orange Trail back to our car.

Map of the Route

Beginning of the Orange Trail

Dater Mountain Nature Park Map at Trailhead

Hazy View at Dater Mountain Nature Park

Summit of the Area

Large Glacial Rocks on the Trail

Nice Rock Chair in the Fallen Tree

Sleater Hill View Over the Thruway and Sloatsberg

Popolopen Spring Hike

2026-05-03T09:45:00.000-04:00

Bear Mountain State Park
Orange Co, NY

Hiking Trails:
Timp-Torne Trail: Blue blaze

Total Time: 1:15
Estimated Distance: 1.2 Miles

Pros: Excellent scramble and great views
Cons: Limited parking
Hike Type: Loop
Level of Difficulty: Difficult

Google Maps of Parking:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/3dggNbRLZ1obu7xj9

Hiking Partner:
Yehudah Koblick

Popolopen is one of of my favorite hikes in the area. It's an intense, steep climb up with excellent views, and is a short loop hike. However, parking seems to be an issue on weekends, with very limited parking. It's important to park off the paved road surface otherwise tickets are given out. We parked on Mine Road near the northern part of the loop trail, and took the trail up to the top, and then looped around back down to our car.

Map of the Route

Trailhead Map

Ascending Timp-Torne

First View While Ascending Timp-Torne

Hudson River and Bear Mountain Bridge

Rock at the Top of Popolopen

View of Bear Mountain from Popolopen

View of West Point from Popolopen

Popolopen Summit View

Flowers on the Trail

West Mountain Hike B'Yachad

2026-04-26T09:45:00.000-04:00

Harriman State Park /
Bear Mountain State Park
Rockland / Orange Co, NY

Hiking Trails:
Ramapo-Dunderberg Trail: Red blaze
Beechy Bottom Road
West Mountain Trail (former AT): Orange blaze
Timp-Torne Trail: Blue blaze
Appalachian Trail: White blaze
Anthony Wayne Trail: White blaze
Fawn Trail: Red blaze

Total Time: 2:50
Estimated Distance: 4.3 miles

Pros: Great hike with good climb and many scenic views
Cons: None
Hike Type: Loop
Level of Difficulty: Difficult

Google Maps of Parking:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/FBvord7sG8j9HVSH7

Hiking Partner:
Yehudah Koblick

I had assisted Zev Freundlich, a teamwork coach and event organizer, to coordinate the hiking routes in Harriman for Hike B'yachad's hike from Monroe to Monsey to raise funds for Chai Lifeline. Hike B’Yachad is a project of Chai Lifeline’s Achim B’Yachad division, supporting children and families facing serious illness.

This incredible event brought the community together to hike from Monroe to Monsey in support of children battling cancer and serious illness, turning “every mile into hope. West Mountain has always been one of my favorite hikes in the area, and is right in between Monsey and Monroe.

It was great seeing the operation in full swing at the staging area at West Mountain, and then meeting the hikers as they made their way across the ridge atop West Mountain as I traveled in the other direction, greeting each of them that were on this leg of the route.

We parked at Anthony Wayne Recreation area, and took the rerouted Ramapo-Dunderberg Trail at its temporary concurrency with Beechy Bottom Road. We then took the West Mountain Trail (former Appalachian Trail) up West Mountain from the southern flank, to the concurrency with the Timp-Torne Trail along the ridge at West Mountain. We then took the Appalachian Trail down and then took the Fawn Trail to the Anthony Wayne Trail back to our car.

Map of the Route

With Zev Freundlach at the Staging

Greenery Making Way to Beechy Bottom Road

Overgrown Mica Mine

Overgrown Mica Mine Near Beechy Bottom Road

Above the Mica Mine

Beechy Bottom Road

West Mountain Trail (Former Appalachian Trail)

View Ascending West Mountain

Hike B'yachad Hikers

Yehudah Koblick

West Mountain Spring Hike

2026-04-24T21:45:00.002-04:00

Harriman State Park /
Bear Mountain State Park
Orange Co, NY

Hiking Trails:
Anthony Wayne Trail: White blaze
Fawn Trail: Red blaze
Appalachian Trail: White blaze
Timp-Torne Trail: Blue blaze

Total Time: 1:05
Estimated Distance: 1.9 miles

Pros: Great hike and scenic view
Cons: None
Hike Type: Out and back
Level of Difficulty: Slightly difficult

Google Maps of Parking:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/FBvord7sG8j9HVSH7

This was a beautiful spring day and all the trees were beginning to sprout. I went on this short hike up and down West Mountain after work on Friday afternoon at the start of the weekend. I parked at the Anthony Wayne Recreation Area, and took the Anthony Wayne Trail up to the Fawn Trail, which I took to the Timp-Torne Trail up the mountain. (The trail is temporarily concurrent with the Appalachian Trail as they are worked on a new reroute.) I then turned around at the view from above the ridge after the Appalachian Trail and Timp-Torne Trail originally joined. I turned around and took the same route back, with a short spur at the end to the parking lot.

Map of the Route

Information Map at the Trailhead with the Appalachian Trail Reroute

Climbing Up West Mountain

View of Anthony Wayne Near the Top

Views Along the West Mountain Ridge

Little Tor Night Hike

2026-04-18T22:30:00.003-04:00

Hi Tor State Park
Rockland Co, NY

Hiking Trails:
Long Path: Green blaze
Little Tor Trail: White blaze

Total Time: 1:15 hour
Estimated Distance: 2.5 Miles

Pros: Good view, great for night hike
Cons: Urban area below mountain
Hike Type: Out and back
Level of Difficulty: Moderate

Google Maps of Parking:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/RPgL5etjx829XSj69

Hiking Partners:
Marvin Baum
& Other Synagogue Members

We went on a group night hike to Little Tor on Saturday Night, with a crew of 10 people. We parked at the top of Central Highway at the Long Path Trailhead, and took the Long Path on the easy, straight route along the ridge to the Little Tor Trail. We took the Little Tor Trail up to the top of Little Tor, affording a great view with urban lights and the Hudson River in view. This trail is an excellent choice for a night hike for the urban view below and easy path to get there.

Map of the Route

Little Tor Trail Start

Little Tor Night View

Group on the Top of the Mountain

High Mountain Spring Hike

2026-04-12T21:58:00.005-04:00

High Mountain Park Preserve,
Preakness Range
North Haledon
Passaic Co.,
New Jersey

Hiking Trails:
Woodland Trail: Red blaze
Summit Trail: Yellow blaze

Total Time: 2:05 hour
Estimated Distance: 3.3 Mile

Pros: Interesting geology, nice view
Cons: None
Hike Type: Lollipop Loop
Level of Difficulty: Moderate

Map of Route:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/KQs2p2Aqgf5jKcVB6

Hiking Partner:
Yehudah Koblick

This was the first week all the trees and greenery started blooming. I had been to High Mountain many years ago from the southern parking area at William Paterson University, and now decided to hike from the northern end at the county line. We climbed up on the Woodland Trail, passing the interesting waterfalls along the jagged basalt rock formation, and then climbed up to the top of High Mountain on the Summit Trail.

High Mountain is the highest point in the Watchung Mountains, and is just shy of 900 feet. The view of the Manhattan Skyline from the viewpoint of High Mountain is spectacular. We continued past the summit and then cut across the valley back to the Woodland Trail, which we took bar our car.

Map of the Route

Sign at the Trailhead

Small Waterfall Over the Basalt Rock Near the Beginning of the Hike

Early Spring Skunk Cabbage

Trail Intersection

More Blooming Skunk Cabbage

Interesting Tree Route

Rock Pile Along the Trail

Grassy Meadow at the Hight Mountain Summit

Lit Up Star at the High Mountain Summit

View at the High Mountain Summit

Manhattan Skyline from the High Mountain Summit

Air India Flight Clearly Visible from the Summit

Green Cay Spring Hike

2026-04-05T10:00:00.002-04:00

Boynton Beach,
Palm Beach Co.,
Florida

Hiking Trails:
Green Cay Boardwalk Trail

Total Time: 0:45 hour
Estimated Distance: 1.5 Mile

Pros: Scenic boardwalk, interesting birds
Cons: Can be hot in sunny areas
Hike Type: Loop
Level of Difficulty: Very easy

Map of Route:
https://goo.gl/maps/dkomVE1GMhaXT3Hy8

I was in Florida for this weekend in the spring, and took advantage of this nice area with lots of nature on a boardwalk trail through a nature area. We saw plenty of birds as well as a resting alligator. We parked at the main parking area and took the boardwalk loop and then the connector trails, taking all the trails in the park.

Anhinga at the Beginning of the Hike

Marsh Scenery

Red Winged Blackbird

Alligator Hiding in the Swamp Bushes

Swamp Scenery

Common Moorhen

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck on Boardwalk Rail

Another Anhinga

Large Bird Nest on Dead Tree (I think its Osprey)

More Black-bellied Whistling-Duck

Green Cay Scenery

Great Blue Heron in the Marsh

Large Softshell Turtles in the Water

Baby Anhinga Perched on a Tree

LimeKiln Mountain Early Spring Hike

2026-03-29T09:30:00.003-04:00

Harriman State Park
Rockland Co, NY

Hiking Trails:
Tuxedo-Mount Ivy Trail: Red blaze
Limekiln Mountain Trail: Unblazed

Total Time: 1:10
Estimated Distance: 1.5 miles

Pros: Very quiet area, scenic view
Cons: Powerlines
Hike Type: Out and back
Level of Difficulty: Difficult

Google Maps of Parking:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/JYTPw3DK56f5QL7Z9

Hiking Partner:
Yehudah Koblick

LimeKiln Mountain is a short and sweet trail with a great view. It's not so well know because the trail is up is not an official trail, so the view is always going to be quiet with nobody else there.

We parked at the Tuxedo-Mount Ivy Trailhead off Diltz Road in Ladentown, and took the trail past the powerlines, and when it entered the mountain area we took the LimeKiln Mountain steeply up to the view. After reached the top view we turned around and returned along the same route.

Map of the Route

Limekiln Mountain Viewpoint, Overlooking Ramaquois Camp

Large Glacial Rock on Limekiln Mountain

Big Hill and Breakneck Pond

2026-03-22T23:56:00.021-04:00

Harriman State Park
Rockland Co, NY

Hiking Trails:
Long Path: Green blaze
Suffern-Bear Mountain Trail: Yellow blaze
Breakneck Mountain Trail: White blaze

Total Time: 2:00
Estimated Distance: 4.3 miles

Pros: Quiet area, nice view, scenic lake
Cons: None
Hike Type: Lollipop Loop
Level of Difficulty: Moderate

Google Maps of Parking:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/QsjW5cduviqD5bMA8

I parked on St. Johns Road at the Long Path trailhead parking, and took the connector trail from the road to the Long Path. I then took the Long Path southbound through the Mountain Laurel forest, and then crossed Beaver Pond Brook on the wood trail bridge and into the Pine forest. I then passed the plane crash site (see the plaque below) along the trail and then climbed up the mountain to Big Hill.

I enjoyed the view at Big Hill and took a short break at the shelter, and continued south on the Suffern-Bear Mountain Trail to the Breakneck Mountain Trail, which I took for a short distance to the unmarked trail that goes down to Breakneck Pond. After enjoying the views at Breakneck Pond and walking through the AMC Center, I walked along the road back to the Long Path which I took back to my car.

Map of the Route

Trailhead Parking at St. Johns

Connector Path to the Long Path with Mountain Laurel

Long Path Intersection

Mountain Laurel Forest

Beaver Pond Brook Bridge

Flight 6231 Crash Site Memorial

Fire Still Ignited in the Shelter Fireplace

Inside the Big Hill Shelter

Glacial Stone at the Big Hill Shelter

Big Hill Shelter

Me at Big Hill

Third Reservoir

Suffern-Bear Mountain-Big Hill Intersection

Breakneck Pond

Storm King and Little Storm King

2026-03-15T09:45:00.003-04:00

Storm King State Park
Orange Co, NY

Hiking Trails:
Butter Hill Trail: Green blaze
Stillman Trail: Yellow blaze
White Trail: White blaze

Total Time: 1:10
Estimated Distance: 1.4 miles

Pros: Scenic mountain, great climb and great views
Cons: None
Hike Type: Lollipop loop
Level of Difficulty: Difficult

Google Maps of Parking:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/tGxhCJzqM8soFFEF7

The last time I was at Storm King, I noticed an unmarked trail going to up past the ruins to the Stillman Trail towards the view west of Butter Hill (unofficially called Little Butter Hill.) I decided on this hike to try this trail out, and indeed it was a great shortcut trail. I parked on Route 9W at Butter Hill, and took the trail up to the ruins. After the ruins, instead of continuing slightly down on the trail, I took the unmarked trail north up which led me to the Stillman Trail right near the view, with an excellent view of Cornwall, New Windsor, and Newburgh to the north, and then Black Rock Forest to the South through the short white-blazed spur trail.

I then went on the Stillman Trail west, and then climbed up the back flank of Butter Hill, which I took to the top of the mountain where there is a 360 degree view. I then turned around and went down via the Butter Hill Trail, which I took down to my car.

Map of the Route

Buter Hill from the Parking Area

Hiking Trailhead

View While Ascending the Butter Hill Trail

Ruins on the Butter Hill Trail

Pine Tree at the Little Butter Hill View

Little Butter Hill Facing North Towards Newburgh

View from Little Butter Hill Facing South Towards North Point

View Ascending Butter Hill from the Stillman Trail

Trail Intersection

View Ascending the Summit of Butter Hill

Butter Hill Summit

Long Path and First Reservoir Melting Snow

2026-03-08T11:30:00.003-04:00

Harriman State Park
Rockland Co, NY

Hiking Trails:
Long Path: Green blaze

Total Time: 1:10
Estimated Distance: 1.9 miles

Pros: Quiet area, scenic lake
Cons: Road walk on the end route
Hike Type: Out and back
Level of Difficulty: Slightly difficult mud and snow

Google Maps of Parking:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/3EuWLB3Ms4HCcFfn8

The weather had warmed up and it hit 70 degrees. All the snow was melting and there was a large amount of water and mud, making the conditions difficult. I parked on Call Hollow Road at the Long Path, and took the Long Path up the mountain to Old Turnpike. I took Old Turnpike down to First Reservoir, and then took Woodtown Road back my car.

Map of the Route

Long Path at the Trailhead

Bridge Crossing Horse Chock Brook

Waterfalls on Horse Chock Brook

Horse Chock Brook from the Long Path

Long Path with Remainder Snow Pack

First Reservoir in the Distance

Overflowing Long Path

Single Mountain Laurel

Old Turnpike with Remainder Snow

First Reservoir

Horse Chock Brook Dam Outflow Waterfalls

First Reservoir Dam

Silvermine Lake to Brien Memorial Shelter

2026-03-01T09:45:00.003-05:00

Harriman State Park
Orange Co, NY

Hiking Trails:
Menomine Trail: Yellow blaze
Appalachian Trail: White blaze

Total Time: 1:30
Estimated Distance: 2.7 miles

Pros: Scenic area, scenic lake
Cons: None
Hike Type: Out and back
Level of Difficulty: Slightly difficult in snow

Google Maps of Parking:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/MiE4BAbV3QZfvtGaA

The weather was warming up and more seasonal, and the lakes were finally beginning to melt and were no longer safe to walk on. However, the snow was still plentiful with a bit of ice so the crampons were essential. I parked at the Silvermine Lake parking, and took the Menomine Trail along the lake and then climbed to the intersection of the Appalachian Trail. I continued along the trail to the Brien Memorial Trail, and then turned around and went back the same way to my car.

Map of the Route

Silvermine Ski Area

Silvermine Lake with Slight Snow Melt

Trailhead Map

Silvermine Lake Scenery

Snow Covered Brook

Menomine Trail with Mountain Laurel

Brien Memorial Shelter on the AT

Silvermine Lake on the Return Route

Frozen Lake Askoti

2026-02-27T15:00:00.005-05:00

Frozen Lake Askoti
Harriman State Park
Orange Co, NY

Hiking Trails:
None

Total Time: 1:30
Estimated Distance: 2.7 miles

Pros: Scenic frozen lake, islands
Cons: None
Hike Type: Loop
Level of Difficulty: Moderate

Google Maps of Parking:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/AKt5JDijYxgHoiAF6

This was a beautiful sunny winter day with warmer temperatures after a blizzard earlier in the week. The lakes in Harriman were still fully frozen, but the snow pack on the lake was light. I had left the office for the weekend, and decided to do a quick hike in nearby Harriman before coming home. I parked at the Lake Skanatati parking area, walked up the parking lot entrance road and crossed over Seven Lakes Drive to Lake Askoti. I walked north across the lake to the northern part of the lake, by the peninsula, and then turned around and headed to the southern part of the lake near the dam, and then crossed the road again and headed back to my car.

Map of the Route

Lakes are Still Safe with Enough Ice

Frozen Lake Askota from Seven Lakes Drive

Frozen Lake Askoti

Approaching the Northern Peninsula on Lake Askoti

Lake Askoti Main Inlet

View from the Peninsula

Lake Askoti Island

Lake Askoti Dam Control

Facing the Brigde and Dam

Southern Part of Lake Askoti

Lake Skanatati from the Parking Area

Frozen Lake Tiorati Snowstorm

2026-02-22T10:00:00.003-05:00

Harriman State Park
Orange Co, NY

Hiking Trails:
None

Total Time: 1:30
Estimated Distance: 2.7 miles

Pros: Scenic frozen lake, islands
Cons: None
Hike Type: Loop
Level of Difficulty: Moderate

Google Maps of Parking:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/UmszqVnwFxUaAUie7

This hike was the day of the blizzard of 2026 before the snowstorm. It was already snowing lightly but the main snow started late in the afternoon. I took the opportunity to hike on the frozen lake and visit the islands of Lake Tiorati. I tried parking at the ice fishing parking area off Seven Lakes Drive, which is open whenever the lake is frozen. However, it was very muddy and I didn't want to get my car stuck, so I left and parked at the parking area at Tiorati Circle.

I then proceded from the northern side of the lake, near the beach, down to the main island, and then traversed the island from north to south. I then continued to the next large island, and then to the shore of the lake on the south. I then turned around and headed to the east side of the lake near the dock at the camp, and then continued back to the Tiorati Circle and back to my car in the parking area.

Map of the Route

Lake Tiorati Beach

Walking Along Lake Tiorati

Lake Tiorati Islands

Ice Fisherman

South Side of Lake Tiorati

Eastern Side of Lake Tiorati

Lake Sebago Frozen Ice Cave and Dutch Doctor

2026-02-15T10:00:00.003-05:00

Harriman State Park
Rockland Co, NY

Hiking Trails:
Triangle Trail: Yellow blaze
Tuxedo-Mt Ivy Trail: Red blaze

Total Time: 2:15
Estimated Distance: 4.1 miles

Pros: Scenic frozen lake, cave formation
Cons: None
Hike Type: Loop
Level of Difficulty: Moderate

Google Maps of Parking:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/se8n4ciEAgMM7KRr5

The lakes in Harriman had been frozen for over a month due to the extended cold weather. It was a bit warmer this weekend, and I enjoyed this hike over a frozen Lake Sebago. I parked at the Lake Sebago boat launch, and walked to the north part of the lake. There was a high concentration of ice fisherman in this area, and one of them caught a large largemouth bass right in front of me.

I then continued towards the abandoned Baker Camp, and discovered an ice cave in the rock formation while looking for a spot to use the bathroom. I then continued to the long arm of Lake Sebago, which I took to the Triangle Trail. I then went on the Triangle Trail to the Dutch Doctor shelter, which was busy with hikers, and then took the Tuxedo-Mt. Ivy Trail back towards Lake Sebago. Upon reaching the lake I walked across the lake from it's southern terminus north back to my car at the boat launch.

Map of the Route

Frozen Lake Sebago Icy Boat Launch

Frozen Lake Sebago

Ice Fishermen on Frozen Lake Sebago

Largemouth Bass Caught in Ice Fishing

Ice Cave on the West Side of Lake Sebago Near Baker Camp

Frozen Lake Sebago

Lake Sebago Approaching the Triangle Trail

Triangle Trail with Green Mountain Laurel

Edge of Lake Sebago from the Triangle Trail

Approaching the Dutch Doctor Shelter

Dutch Doctor Shelter

Swamp Near Dutch Doctor

Approaching the Southern Edge of Lake Sebago Near the Dam

Lake Sebago Dam

Frozen Lake Sebago, Walking Towards the Boat Launch

Ice Safety Sign at the Boat Launch

Frozen Hessian Lake at Bear Mt

2026-02-08T09:45:00.004-05:00

Bear Mountain State Park
Rockland / Orange Co, NY

Hiking Trails:
None

Total Time: 0:40
Estimated Distance: 1.4 miles

Pros: Scenic lake
Cons: None
Hike Type: Loop
Level of Difficulty: Easy

Google Maps of Parking:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/zBG7H5amzYEZya5p6

This was the coldest weekend in years. It was about 0 degrees in the morning with a wind chill of -20. It had warmed up to about 10 degrees when I started the hike. I bundled up fully and wanted an area with others around, so Hessian Lake was frozen and it's a popular area with others present, so I chose this location for the hike. I parked at the main parking area at the Bear Mountain Inn, and then walked across Hession lake from south to north, nad then turned around and went back.

Bundled Up at the Beginning of the Hike

Hessian Lake Signs and Rescue Later

Hessian Lake and Bear Mountain

Frozen Hessian Lake

Small Island in Hessian Lake

Frozen Lake Welch Islands

2026-02-06T14:30:00.003-05:00

Harriman State Park
Rockland Co, NY

Hiking Trails:
None

Total Time: 0:40
Estimated Distance: 1.4 miles

Pros: Scenic lake
Cons: None
Hike Type: Loop
Level of Difficulty: Easy

Google Maps of Parking:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/DkFUkjvxxHecG6i98

All the lakes in the area were frozen from the prolonged deep freeze. I headed out to Lake Welch upon leaving work for the weekend on Friday, a 10 minute drive from my work. I parked in the winter parking area by the boat launch, and walked down the path to the Frozen Lake at the boat launch. I walked to all the islands, and then walk across to the east by the abandoned structure, and then turned around and went back.

Map of the Route

Boat Launch Approaching the Lake

Frozen Lake Welch

Frozen Lake Skanatati and Dam

2026-02-05T16:00:00.002-05:00

Harriman State Park
Orange Co, NY

Hiking Trails:
None

Total Time: 0:30
Estimated Distance: 1.1 miles

Pros: Scenic lake
Cons: None
Hike Type: Loop
Level of Difficulty: Easy

Google Maps of Parking:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/eGEDRsF7RqE2r5N5A

Due to the prolonged cold weather, most of the lakes of Harriman were frozen and posted as safe. I parked at the parking area at Lake Skanatati at the end of a work day, and walked the length of the frozen lake. I then walked to the dam, and then walked back to my car.

Map of the Route

Frozen Lake Skanatati

Lake Skanatati Dam with Lake Kanawauke in Background

Sabino Canyon and Sabino Dam

2026-01-30T03:30:00.003-05:00

Sabino Canyon Recreation Area
Coronado National Forest,
Near Tucson
Pima Co.,
Arizona

Hiking Trails:
Sabino Walkway Trail
Bluff Trail
Sabino Lake Trail
Bear Canyon Trail

Total Time: 1:00 minutes
Estimated Distance: 2.4 miles

Pros: Very Scenic area
Cons: Busy area, partial walk on road
Hike Type: Loop
Level of Difficulty: Moderate

Google Maps of Parking:
https://g.page/sabinocanyonvc?share

I was in Tucson, Arizon for the gem and mineral show, and had time for a short afternoon hike. I parked in the Sabino Canyon main parking area, and took the Sabino Walkway Trail to the road, and then took the Bluff Trail along the side of the creek. I then took the Sabino Lake Trail along the side of the creek and the dam. I then took the Bear Canyon Trail back to the parkign area.

Map of the Route

Sabino Walkway Trail

Sonoran Desert and Saguaros at Sabino Canyna

Bluff at Sabino Creek

Sabino Lake

Sabino Dam

Jackie Jones Road Deep Snow

2026-01-27T15:45:00.003-05:00

Harriman State Park
Rockland Co, NY

Hiking Trails:
Suffern-Bear Mountain Trail: Yellow blaze

Total Time: 0:25
Estimated Distance: 0.7 miles

Pros: Scenic area
Cons: None
Hike Type: Out and back
Level of Difficulty: Difficut in deep snow

Google Maps of Parking:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/9FGsRTiKDczobBdP9

It has just snowed 18 inches on Sunday and this was the biggest snowstorm in several years. It had gotten very cold after the snowstorm, and I was unable to hike over the weekend due to the conditions. This was my first opportunity for a hike in Harriman, though I found the road conditions up in Harriman still difficult, so I attempted this hike near the entrance to Harriman. I had my snowshoes with me, but the snow was very deep and not well traversed making this hike very difficult combined with the cold. I parked at the trailhead at Suffen-Bear Mountain and took the road up Jackie Jones, and turned around after being unable to continue much further.

Map of the Route

Lake Nawahunta Frozen

2026-01-23T14:30:00.003-05:00

Harriman State Park
Orange Co, NY

Hiking Trails:
Menomine Trail: Yellow blaze

Total Time: 0:45
Estimated Distance: 1.7 miles

Pros: Quiet area, scenic brook and lake
Cons: None
Hike Type: Out and back
Level of Difficulty: Easy

Google Maps of Parking:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/MiE4BAbV3QZfvtGaA

The weather was very cold but the lakes in Harriman were not yet fully frozen. I had left work to do a short hike in the snow near a scenic lake. I parked at the Silvermine Lake parking lot, and took the Menomine Trail east along Lewis Brook and the picnic area. I then continued on the trail through the cemetery, and then crossed Seven Lakes Drive. I went along the east side of Lake Nawahunta off the trail within a beautiful pine forest, and then looped back to the Menomine Trail, which I took back to my car at the parking area.

Map of thr Route

Lewis Brook

View of Silvermine Mountain

Pine Forest on the Menomine Trail

The Lewis Cemetery

Menomine Trail Approaching Lake Nawahunta

Frozen Lake Nawahunta

Pine Meadow Brook Snow Loop

2026-01-18T09:45:00.002-05:00

Harriman State Park
Rockland Co, NY

Hiking Trails:
Pine Meadow Trail: Red blaze
Stony Brook Trail: Orange blaze
Kakiat Trail: White blaze
Pine Meadow Connector Trail: Unblazed
Hillburn Torne Sebago (HTS) Trail: Orange blaze

Total Time: 2:00
Estimated Distance: 3.2 miles

Pros: Very scenic area, nice brook
Cons: None (this time of year when its less busy)
Hike Type: Figure 8 Loop
Level of Difficulty: Difficult in snow

Google Maps of Parking:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/KSxGyHWUu2XTF2qr7

It had just snowed several inches the previous day, and had snowed this day in the morning as well, so there was a fresh coating of new snow. It actually continued snowing throughout the hike as a light snow. I parked at Reeves Meadow, and took the Pine Meadow Trail alongside the brook the the Stony Brook Trail. At the washed out bridge, I took the short connector trail connecting the Stony Brook/Kakiat Trail to the Pine Meadow Trail. I then continued up the mountain to the HTS Trail, which I took across the brook above the Cascade of Slid waterfalls, and then continued further in on the Kakiat Trail. I then crossed the brook at the Seven Hills Trail Concorrency, and then took the Pine Meadow Trail back down. I took this trail all the way to the trailhead parking.

Map of the Route

Trailhead Map

Pine Meadow Trail at the Start of the Hike

Stony Brook

Gas Line at the Stony Brook Trail

Pine Meadow Brook

Ascending the Connector Trail

View of Diamond Mountain

Crossing Pine Meadow Brook in the HTS Trail

Pine Meadow Brook at the Seven Hills Trail

Lake Askoti Winter Loop

2026-01-11T09:45:00.003-05:00

Harriman State Park
Orange Co, NY

Hiking Trails:
Hasenclever Road: Unblazed
Red Cross Trail: Red blaze
Arden-Surebridge Trail: Red blaze

Total Time: 1:30
Estimated Distance: 2.6 miles

Pros: Very quiet area, nice view
Cons: Busy at the end and at parking area
Hike Type: Loop
Level of Difficulty: Moderate

Google Maps of Parking:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/fbSHxBeK1tppRZtr7

The snow had melted, and this was a seasonably cold winter day. I hadn't taken the trail behind Lake Askoti in some time, so this was a good opportunity to catch up and an old familiar trail. I parked at the Skanatati parking area, and took the Long Path south towards Lake Askoti, crossing over Seven Lakes Drive. I then continued on the path on the Hasenclever Road (an unmarked path) behind Lake Askoti, and took the path along the telephone lines to the Red Cross Trail.

I then headed west on the Red Cross Trail to the Hasenclever Mountain view. After the view I descended to the northern part of Lake Askoti. I took some pictures at the Askoti Peninsula, and then continued along the Red Cross Trail, crossed over Seven Lakes Drive, and then at the end of the trail continued on the Arden-Surebridge Trail to the parking area.

Map of the Route

Lake Skanatati

Lake Askoti and Seven Lakes Drive

Lake Askoti at the Dam

Telephone Line Road

Lake Askoti

Telephone Line Road

Hasenclever Mountain View from the Red Cross Trail

Lake Askoti Inlet

Lake Askoti Peninsula