Harriman Hiker: Harriman State Park and Beyond: Bald Rocks

Sunday, July 27, 2025

Black Rock Mountain & Surebridge Mountain

Harriman State Park
Orange Co.
New York

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

Total Time: 2:45 hour
Estimated Distance: 4.1 Miles

Pros: Good views, very scenic part of park
Cons: None
Hike Type: Lollipop Loop
Level of Difficulty: Slightly difficult

Google Maps of Parking:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/vSSLZVHaEUL4KyMt8

Hiking Partners:
Yehudah Koblick
Jacob Baldinger

It was a hot and steamy summer day with very high humidity. It rained during the hike, making for wet and slippery conditions. We parked at Kanawauke Road at the trailhead at the Ramapo-Dunderberg Trail, and took the trail north up Black Rock Mountain. On top of the mountain there is an excellent view, and then we continued along the ridge to the next view on the Ramapo-Dunderberg Trail which faces north.

We then continued along the exposed rock areas, and passed the Bare Rocks Shelter. After that, we took the Dunning Trail to the west and then took a bushwhack along a route to the top of Surebridge Mountain. This view isn't on any official maps but it's a great view. We then turned around and met up again with the Dunning Trail, which we took to the White Bar Trail.

We then took the White Bar Trail to the Nurian Trail, climbing the mountain again from the western flank, and then at the top took the Ramapo-Dunderberg Trail down to our car. I slipped on wet rock near the end, injuring my arm and back in the process.

Map of the Route

Hazy View from Black Rock Mountain

Me with Jacob Baldinger

Highbush Blueberry

Glacial Rocks near the Bald Rocks Shelter

Bald Rocks Shelter

Surebridge Mountain View

Me, Jacob, and Yehudah

Ascending back to Black Rock Mountain

Black Rock Mountain View on the Return View

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.