Harriman Hiker: Harriman State Park and Beyond: Cave Shelter Stockbridge Mnt Harriman

Sunday, June 21, 2020

Cave Shelter Stockbridge Mnt Harriman

Harriman State Park,
Orange Co.,
New York

Hiking Trails:
Menomine Trail: Yellow blaze
Long Path: Green blaze

Total Time: 2:00 hour
Estimated Distance: 3.2 Miles

Pros: Good climb, quiet area, and interesting rock formations
Cons: Poor view on the top, parking fee on weekends
Hike Type: Lollipop

Google Maps of Parking:
https://goo.gl/maps/NBab8fYLromucGvc9

Hiking Partner:
Rayzi Friedman

This was a very hot Sunday, so I made sure to pick a shady area that is well-forested with good cover. We parked in the Sterlingmine Lake parking area, at the southern parking area at the end of the picnic area. We took the Menomine trail through the Lewis Cemetery, crossed Seven Lakes Drive, and walked along the northern edge of Lake Nawahunta.

We took the Menomine Trail up Stockbridge Mountain, and then took the unmarked trail that continues up the mountain to the Cave Shelter. The Cave Shelter is a rock formation with interesting rock formations, cave-like crevices, and rock overhangs. At the Cave Shelter we explored some passages and routes, and then went south on the Long Path to the Stockbridge Shelter. This area is high up, but there aren't really good views in the area. We then started our descent, took the Menomine Trail back to where we left it earlier, and then returned on the same route home.