Harriman Hiker: Harriman State Park and Beyond

Tuesday, October 6, 2020

Surebridge Mountain and Black Rock Mountain

Harriman State Park,
Orange Co.,
New York

Hiking Trails:
White Bar Trail: White blaze
Dunning Trail: Yellow blaze
Ramapo-Dunderberg Trail: Red blaze
Nurian Trail: White blaze

Total Time: 2:15 hour
Estimated Distance: 3.9 Miles

Pros: Excellent Views and Highly Scenic Area
Cons: None
Hike Type: Loop hike

Google Maps of Parking:
https://goo.gl/maps/wKKd7fbiANfum3Bh7

This area is one of my favorite in Harriman. With good climbs, multiple sweeping views, and large rock faces, this remote area of Harriman is one of the most scenic areas in Harriman.

I parked at the White Bar Trailhead on Kanawauke Road (County Rt. 106) and took the White Bar Trail north. I continued past the intersection with the Dunning Trail, and then upon reaching the Dunning Trail, went east climbing up the mountain on the trail. I then cut off the trail north bushwacking to the rock face above Surebridge Mountain. This mountain view is not officially on the trail but can be reached by an unmarked trail off the Dunning Trail. At the top of the mountain is a sweeping view from all sides.

I then went back down the mountain to the Ramapo-Dunderberg Trail, and took it south along the rocky area, to the view at Black Rock Mountain. I continued on the trail to the next view prior to the descent, where I took the Nurian Trail steeply down the mountain, and then meeting the White Bar Trail with the sun going down and shining between the trees. I then continued to the trailhead parking area back to my car, reaching it by sunset.

Map of the Route

Kanawauke Road at the Beginning of the Hike

Scenery at the White Bar Trail

Starting the Ascent on Surebridge Mountain

Surebridge Mountain View, Facing South

Scenery at Surebridge Mountain

Another View Facing South from Surebridge Mountain

Island Pond and Green Pond Mountain from Surebridge Mountain

View from Surebridge Mountain Facing Northwest

View from Surebridge Mountain Facing West

View from Surebridge Mountain Facing North

Me at Surebridge Mountain

Surebridge Mountain Facing South

Rock Face on the Ramapo Dunderberg Trail

Sign of Aggressive Bear Activity Prohibiting Overnight Camping at the Shelter

View at the Ramapo Dunderberg Shelter Near the Bald Rocks Shelter

Bald Rocks Shelter

Large Rock Face on the Northern Part of Black Rock Mountain

Pretty Scenery along the Ramapo Dunderberg Trail

Boulder with Trail Marker on the Ramapo Dunderberg Trail on Black Rock Mnt

Foliage View Atop Black Rock Mountain

My Shadow in the Late Afternoon at Black Rock

Fern Foliage and Great View atop Black Rock Mountain

Black Rock Mountain Southern Portion View

View Facing West from Atop Black Rock Mountain

Approaching Sunset on the White Bar Trail Near the End of the Hike

Sunday, September 27, 2020

Kennedy Dells County Park

New City,
Rockland Co.,
New York

Hiking Trails:
Service Path: Unblazed
White Trail: White blaze
Fitness Trail: Unblazed

Total Time: 1:00 hour
Estimated Distance: 2.4 Miles

Pros: Many trails in suburban area
Cons: No views and many people present

Google Maps of Parking:
https://goo.gl/maps/747SFkw681nTEzz79

I had never been to Kennedy Dells Park before, and was looking for a short and easy hike that wasn't too dramatic. I parked in the main parking area by the trailhead, and took the Service Path for a short distance to the White Trail. The White Trail loops around most of the park, going north and then west along the northern edge of the park to the other entrance. I then continued south on the trail at the western edge of the park alongside the brook. I missed the famous dam and waterfall and was not familiar with where it was. I then continued along the trail to its terminus. I then took the path south towards the entrance, and then took the Fitness Trail to the parking area, and then walked from the other parking area to where I was parked.

Map of the Route

Service Path to the White Trail at the Beginning of the Hike

Beginning of the White Trail

Open Meadow near the White Trail

Eleaneor Burlingham Tree Nursery

White Trail Parallel to the Brook

Stream at the Western Perimeter of the Park

At the End of the White Trail

Another Meadow at the End of the White Trail

Trail with Early Season Foliage

More Early Season Foliage

Another Large Meadow Along the Fitness Trail

Trail Plaque at the End of the Fitness Trail

Sunday, September 13, 2020

West Mountain Ridge and Loop

Harriman / Bear Mountain State Parks
Rockland / Orange Co.,
New York

Hiking Trails:
1777 W Trail: Red blaze
Appalachian Trail: White blaze
Timp-Torne Trail: Blue blaze
Suffern Bear-Mountain Trail: Yellow blaze

Total Time: 2:55 hour
Estimated Distance: 4.8 Miles

Pros: Good climb and excellent views
Cons: None

Google Maps of Parking:
https://goo.gl/maps/hjGtLPZYP5kZHM1T7

I really like West Mountain. It features a very good climb up to a ridge with excellent views on all sides. I had not been here in some time, and the main parking area had been closed for the Coronavirus testing area at Anthony Wayne. I wanted a solid hike with a good hike and good views, as I hadn't done this mountain since the past summer. I also wanted to see the testing area from above.

I parked at the Appalachian Trail trailhead parking off Seven Lakes Drive at the valley between West Mountain and Bear Mountain. I took the 1777 W Trail very briefly from the parking lot to the Appalachian Trail. I then took the Appalachian Trail up West Mountain as it winds it's way up to join the Timp-Torne Trail, with some excellent views near the intersection and beyond it.

I continued along the ridge on the joint Appalachian Trail and, until where split, and then remained on the Timp-Torne Trail to the Suffern-Bear Mountain Trail near the shelter. I took the Suffern-Bear Mountain Trail down the northern flank of mountain, down some steep sections, until the mountain foot where I met the 1777 W Trail. Then took the 1777 W Trail back to my car.