Long Path at Lake Skanatati after Snowstorm

Harriman State Park
Orange Co, NY

Hiking Trails:
Long Path: Green blaze

Total Time: 1:00 hr
Estimated Distance: 2.0 miles

Pros: Beautiful area in snow
Cons: None
Hike Type: Out and back
Level of Difficulty: Moderate

Google Maps of Parking:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/4TpSKR6xd2D8hRuGA

It has just snowed about 8 inches on Friday night, so there was a fresh layer of new snow. This area is particularly beautiful in the snow, and was a perfect hike especially considering I was short on time. I parked at trailhead parking at Lake Skanatati, and took the Long Path to one of the divergent paths along the lake, and then back to the Long Path. I crossed the Pine Swamp Brook and continued up the ridge up until the point before descending to the Dunning Trail. I then turned around and took the Long Path back.

Frozen Lake Skanatati

Trailhead Signs

Long Path

Snow at Long Path

Crossing Pine Swamp Brook

Long Path Evergreen Trees

Return to Lake Skanatati

Ramapo Reservation MacMillan Reservoir

Ramapo Valley County Reservation
Mahwah, NJ

Hiking Trails:
Vista Spur Trail: Yellow black blaze
Vista-Ridge Connector: Blue yellow blaze
Ridge Loop: Blue blaze
Reservoir Loop: Pink blaze

Total Time: 1:10 hour
Estimated Distance: 2.2 Miles

Pros: Scenic lakes
Cons: Busy area
Hike Type: Out and back
Level of Difficulty: Moderate

Google Maps of Parking:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/Pu4CNme1DEDA6L7h7

Hiking Partner:
Yehudah Koblick

The conditions were icy and time was limited, and this was a good choice as it's a busy trail and well-traversed. There were still some difficult sections to navigate but overall it was a good hike choice. We parked at the Ramapo Reservation parking area, and took the Vista Spur Trail to the Vista-Ridge Connector ascending towards MacMillan Reservoir. We then continued on the Ridge Loop to the MacMillan Reservoir dam, and continued a short distance on the pink-blazed Reservoir Loop Trail. We then turned around along the same route (though taking the parallel trail of the Vista-Ridge Connector down the mountain.)

Map of the Route

Ramapo River at Ramapo Reservation Near Sunset

Scarlet Oak Reservoir (Frozen)

Ramapo Reservation Waterfalls from Above on the Vista-Ridge Connector Trail

Brook Near the Outlet of MacMillan Reservoir

Icy Conditions on the Vista Loop Trail

MacMillan Reservoir

Jackie Jones Fire Tower Opened

Harriman State Park
Rockland Co, NY

Hiking Trails:
Suffern-Bear Mountain Trail: Yellow blaze

Total Time: 1:15
Estimated Distance: 2.2 miles

Pros: Good view on top of tower
Cons: None
Hike Type: Out and back
Level of Difficulty: Moderate

Google Maps of Parking:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/9m3CtGTf9aKi1Lox7

I was tight on time, so opted for a shorter hike close by. This hike fits the bill and is a shorter hike with big rewards. I had heard that the Jackie Jones fire tower was reopened after being closed, so I decided to check it out. Being that the Fire Tower is high above the trees it affords an amazing 360 panorama view of the entire area. I parked at the Suffern-Bear Mountain Trailhead on County Route 106, and took the Suffern-Bear Mountain Trail up Jackie Jones. I passed the Orak ruin and continued along the trail to the tower. The fence was still present, but the door was opened despite the sign for authorized personnel only. I climbed up to the tower, but it was quite scary with the strong winds. I then climbed back down and headed back along the same route.

Map of the Route

New Trailhead Map

Gatehouse at the ORAK Ruin

View at the ORAK Ruin

Ascending Jackie Jones Mountain

Jackie Jones Communications Tower

Fire Tower

View from the Fire Tower, Facing East

View from the Fire Tower, Facing West and Lake Welch

View from the Fire Tower, Facing North

View from the Fire Tower, Facing South

In the Fire Tower

Return to the ORAK Ruin

Harriman Welcome Sign