Harriman Hiker: Harriman State Park and Beyond: North-South Lake Sunset Rock and Marys Glen

Monday, August 16, 2021

North-South Lake Sunset Rock and Marys Glen

Catskill Forest Preserve,
Greene Co.,
New York

Hiking Trails:
North-South Lake Trail: Yellow blaze
Escarpment Connector Trail: Yellow blaze
Escarpment Trail: Blue blaze
Sunset Rock Trail: Yellow blaze
Mary's Glen Trail: Red blaze

Total Time: 2:45 hour
Estimated Distance: 3.6 Miles

Pros: Scenic lake, scenic hike, amazing views
Cons: None
Hike Type: Loop
Level of Difficulty: Slightly difficult

Hiking Partner:
Yehudah Koblick

Map of Route:
https://goo.gl/maps/dkLmBfCRLc5rm21V8

I used to go here often in my teens and lower 20's, but hadn't been back for a long time. I finally made a return trip after many years for Memorial Day, where I booked a campground and had intended to do some good hikes in the area. However, the weather was terrible, so I didn't camp out, but I did get to do one good hike in the afternoon in the area. I did this same hike back them, but the reversed direction, and I didn't stop at sunset rock. This time I made sure to stop at Sunset Rock as well, which affords a great view of the general North-South Lake area.

Yehudah and I camped together and shared a campsite. We were in Loop 1 of the Campground. We went from our campsite towards Mary's Glen, and walked along the North-South Lake Trail alongside the lake. We then took the Escarpment Connector Trail to the Escarpment Trail. We took the Escarpment Trail north, climbing up steadily to the first view at Artist's Rock. We then continued along the trail, and upon reaching the boulders below Sunset Rock, we scrambled up the side of the fallen boulders to the top of Sunset Rock, which afforded an amazing view of North-South Lake. We then took the short Sunset Rock Trail back to the Escarpment Trail, which we took to Newman's Ledge. Newman's Ledge offers a sweeping view of the Hudson Valley below as well as Round Top to the north.

We continued the climb, reaching the Badman's cave, and then took the Mary's Glen Trail down. I could not believe the contrast between now when everything was all dry, and my trip in May when everything was all wet. Upon reaching Ashley Falls, it was just a trickle now, as opposed to a full waterfall on my previous trip. We continued along the Mary's Glen Trail to the road, and went through the campground back to our campsite.