Harriman Hiker: Harriman State Park and Beyond: Lake Askoti

Friday, February 27, 2026

Frozen Lake Askoti

Frozen Lake Askoti
Harriman State Park
Orange Co, NY

Hiking Trails:
None

Total Time: 1:30
Estimated Distance: 2.7 miles

Pros: Scenic frozen lake, islands
Cons: None
Hike Type: Loop
Level of Difficulty: Moderate

Google Maps of Parking:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/AKt5JDijYxgHoiAF6

This was a beautiful sunny winter day with warmer temperatures after a blizzard earlier in the week. The lakes in Harriman were still fully frozen, but the snow pack on the lake was light. I had left the office for the weekend, and decided to do a quick hike in nearby Harriman before coming home. I parked at the Lake Skanatati parking area, walked up the parking lot entrance road and crossed over Seven Lakes Drive to Lake Askoti. I walked north across the lake to the northern part of the lake, by the peninsula, and then turned around and headed to the southern part of the lake near the dam, and then crossed the road again and headed back to my car.

Map of the Route

Lakes are Still Safe with Enough Ice

Frozen Lake Askota from Seven Lakes Drive

Frozen Lake Askoti

Approaching the Northern Peninsula on Lake Askoti

Lake Askoti Main Inlet

View from the Peninsula

Lake Askoti Island

Lake Askoti Dam Control

Facing the Brigde and Dam

Southern Part of Lake Askoti

Lake Skanatati from the Parking Area

Sunday, January 11, 2026

Lake Askoti Winter Loop

Harriman State Park
Orange Co, NY

Hiking Trails:
Hasenclever Road: Unblazed
Red Cross Trail: Red blaze
Arden-Surebridge Trail: Red blaze

Total Time: 1:30
Estimated Distance: 2.6 miles

Pros: Very quiet area, nice view
Cons: Busy at the end and at parking area
Hike Type: Loop
Level of Difficulty: Moderate

Google Maps of Parking:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/fbSHxBeK1tppRZtr7

The snow had melted, and this was a seasonably cold winter day. I hadn't taken the trail behind Lake Askoti in some time, so this was a good opportunity to catch up and an old familiar trail. I parked at the Skanatati parking area, and took the Long Path south towards Lake Askoti, crossing over Seven Lakes Drive. I then continued on the path on the Hasenclever Road (an unmarked path) behind Lake Askoti, and took the path along the telephone lines to the Red Cross Trail.

I then headed west on the Red Cross Trail to the Hasenclever Mountain view. After the view I descended to the northern part of Lake Askoti. I took some pictures at the Askoti Peninsula, and then continued along the Red Cross Trail, crossed over Seven Lakes Drive, and then at the end of the trail continued on the Arden-Surebridge Trail to the parking area.