Harriman Hiker: Harriman State Park and Beyond

Sunday, September 6, 2026

Parker Cabin Mountain White Cross Swamp

Harriman State Park
Orange Co, NY

Hiking Trails:
Victory Trail: Blue blaze
Ramapo-Dunderberg Trail: Red blaze
White Bar Trail: White blaze
White Cross Trail: White blaze

Total Time: 2:20
Estimated Distance: 3.7 Miles

Pros: Great views, quiet and scenic area
Cons: None
Hike Type: Lollipop Loop
Level of Difficulty: Slightly Difficult

Google Maps of Parking:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/JUDwDRHorXP9xj329

Hiking Partner:
Yehudah Koblick

This was a beautiful late summer day, and we hiked this very scenic area of Harriman which is one of my favorite local hikes. We parked at the Victory Trailhead on Kanawauke Road, and took the Victory Trail for a short distance to the Ramapo-Dunderberg Trail and climbed up Parker Cabin Mountain. We took pictures at both views and then continued down the scramble down the mountain, and continued down on the White Bar Trail. We then went up the mountain on the White Bar Trail, passing the large swamp, back to the top of Parker Cabin Mountain. We then continued along the same route back to our car.

Map of the Route

Large rock face ascending Parker Cabin Mountain

View at Parker Cabin Mountain, Facing Jackie Jones

View at Parker Cabin Mountain, Facing Lake Sebago

View at the South Facing View at Parker Cabin Mountain

Swamp Adjacent to the White Bar Trail

Ascent Back up Parker Cabin Mountain

Sunday, August 30, 2026

Bear Mountain Summit and Southern Approach

Bear Mountain State Park
Orange Co, NY

Hiking Trails:
Appalachian Trail: White blaze
1777 Trail: Red blaze

Total Time: 1:45
Estimated Distance: 2.5 Miles

Pros: Great views, scenic area
Cons: None
Hike Type: 2 Car Point to Point
Level of Difficulty: Difficult

Google Maps of Parking:

Car 1:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/8MwUByJk5JdS7PyQ6

Car 2:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/3T2dd33VZx2aRJVk9

Hiking Partner:
Yehudah Koblick

There are three approaches up Bear Mountain: The eastern approach on the Appalachian Trail, the northern approach on the Major Welch Trail, and the southern approach on the Appalachian Trail. The southern approach is the least popular but also the quietest on a summer weekend.

We parked at the top of the mountain on Perkins Drive at the tower, and climbed the tower for some views (although the windows are smudged.) We then came down the town and took the north on the handicap-friendly trail (now called the "all persons trail".) At the north-facing view of Bear Mountain, we looped around on the trail and continued on the Appalachian Trail to the south facing view over the large rock face.

We then continued on the trail descending down to the old road path, and then crossing Perkins Drive, to the final view on the southern approach, and then took the 1777 Trail after crossing Seven Lakes Drive to our second car.