Harriman Hiker: Harriman State Park and Beyond: Highlands Trail

Sunday, November 5, 2023

Storm King Mountain from Esty & Hellie Stowell Trailhead

Storm King State Park
Orange Co.,
New York

Hiking Trails:
Highlands Trail: Blue blaze
Stillman Trail: Yellow blaze
Bluebird Trail: Red/Blue blaze

Total Time: 2:15 hour
Estimated Distance: 4.3 Miles

Pros: Great views, great climb climb
Cons: Area can be busy
Hike Type: Lollipop Loop
Level of Difficulty: Difficult

Google Maps of Parking:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/CSd3GUkpaShwiUmr8

It was late fall and there was still nice foliage. The weather was cold in the morning but it gradually warmed up and when I started the hike the weather was beautiful. I parked at the Esty & Hellie Stowell Trailhead in Cornwall, north of Storm King Mountain, and took the Highlands Trail up past the waterfalls to the first and second views. I then connected with the Stillman Trail and took the trail along the side of the mountain towards the top of the ridge. I then continued along the mountain summit, passing the many views along the way. I then took the Bluebird Trail back down to the combined Highlands/Stillman Trail which I then took down the mountain.

Map of the Route

Storm King Mountain from the Trailhead

Information Kiosk at the Trailhead

Meadow Prior to the Ascent

Brook Descending from Storm King Mountain

Waterfalls Cascades Descending Storm King

First View Along the Trail

View Towards the Trailhead

View of Newburgh Bay

Ascending Storm King

View Facing South

View of Bull Hill

View Facing West

Blueberry Foliage

Hudson River

View Facing North

View Facing Newburgh

View Towards Beacon Mountain

Me at the Top View

View from the Bluebird Trail

Approaching the End of the Hike

End of the Hike, with the Last View of Storm King

Sunday, May 7, 2023

Windbeam Mountain Spring Hike

Windbeam Mountain Spring Hike
North Jersey District Water Supply Commission
Passaic Co.,
New Jersey

Hiking Trails:
Stonetown Circular Trail: Red blaze
Highlands Trail: Teal blaze
Windbeam Lane Extension: Unblazed

Total Time: 1:40 hour
Estimated Distance: 2.6 Miles

Pros: Good climb with great views
Cons: None
Hike Type: 2 Car Point to Point
Level of Difficulty: Difficult

Google Maps of Parking:
https://goo.gl/maps/csbuqam4fUgjeJR5A

Windbeam is a mountain that has a prominence from all sides and can be seen from miles away. It's a narrow, steep ridge that has excellent views from all sides. I had been meaning to hike this mountain for quite some time but haven't had the opportunity until now. The weather was finally beautiful after a week of rain and two previous weekend of heavy rain.

This was a two-car hike. We parked one car at the end of Windbeam Lane (there is a small spot at the end for just one car.) We parked the other car at the Stonetown Recreation Center, and started the hike from here. We took the Stonetown Circular Trail around the foot of the mountain, and then started the climb. The trail joined with the Highlands Trail as it climbed steeply up to the first view at Lower Windbeam Mountain. We continued climbing to the next view, with views on both sides of the mountain. And then we reached the summit with great views and a large flag on top.

We then took the climb down the mountain, which we took to the unblazed Windbeam Lane Extension Trail. We crossed around the fence blocking the trail, and our car was right there on the other side.