Stockbridge Mountain Appalachian Trail

Harriman State Park,
Orange County,
New York

Hiking Trails:
Tiorati Brook: Blue blaze
Appalachian Trail: White blaze

Total Time: 1:50 hour
Estimated Distance: 3.68 miles
Level of Difficulty: Slightly Difficult
Level of Recommendation: Slightly Recommended
Points Of Interest: Viewpoint, scenic and tranquil part of park

Google Map of Parking:

View 2013 Hiking Locations in a larger map

Much of the snow had melted during a brief warm-up during the week, but on Saturday night it had snowed an inch, which covered everything again. However, this small snow cover had covered many icy patches along the trail, making the hiking conditions very difficult. In fact, I had fallen at one point at badly bruised my arm.

I parked in the parking area at Tiorati Beach, and took the short Tiorati Brook Trail up the hill. I then took the Appalachian Trail north, going right near a large group of hikers, partially up Fingerboard Mountain, and then on the side of Stockbridge Mountain. There is a view here towards the south, but its not that great and pretty overgrown. I then took the trail gradually down Stockbridge Mountain back to the road. I was planning on continuing along the Appalachian Trail and cutting toward the Ramapo Dunderberg Trail, but due to the very difficult conditions I opted to head back along the road back to my car.

Map of the Route

Large Group of Hikers on Tiorati Brook Trail

Descending to the Stream Between Fingerboard
and Stockbridge Mountain

 

Ascending Towards the Viewpoint

The Viewpoint. Looking Southeast Towards Fingerboard Mountain

Another View of the View

 

Large Grove of Downed Trees, with the
Appalachian Trail Going Right Through Them.
This Grove was Downed by Hurricane Sandy.

Appalachian Trail Bridge Crossing the Brook

The Brook from the Bridge

Lake Tiorati and Tiorati Beach

Stockbridge Mountain

Harriman State Park
Orange County,
New York

Hiking Trails:
Menomine Trail: Yellow blaze
Long Path: Green blaze
Lake Tiorati Trail: Blue blaze

Total Time: 1:45 hours
Estimated Distance: 4.2 miles
Level of Difficulty: Slightly Difficult
Level of Recommendation: Not Recommended
Points Of Interest: Very quiet part of the park

Hiking Partners:
S&M Rosenberg
Yehuda Koblick
Mordy Weiss

Google Maps of Parking:
Start:

View 2012 Hiking in a larger map

Finish:

View 2012 Hiking in a larger map

Stockbridge Mountain is a long mountain going across the northwest portion of Harriman State Park. It is a fairly quiet part of the park with few hikers visiting this area. This hike involves a good stretch of the Long Path which I had never hiked before, so I wanted to hike its length. However, I was a bit disappointed that despite its elevation there were no views. So while this trail is very tranquil, there are no views.

For the hike, we parked the first car at the Lake Tiorati picnic area by Tiorati Circle, and then all went further to the Silvermine Lake picnic area and parked there. (note: there is an $8 charge to park at both these places on Sunday's in the summer.) We hiked up the Menomine Trail, crossing Seven Lakes Drive and passing along the side of Lake Nawahunta. After this the trail climbs the mountain and intersects the Long Path. we headed south on the Long Path along the ridge of Stockbridge Mountain all the way down to Arden Valley Road, and then took the road to the short Lake Tiorati Trail back to the car.

Map of the Route

Lake Nawahunta, near the beginning of the hike

Our group of hikers, minus Shimmy the photographer

Typical forest scene above Stockbridge Mountain

Most of our group at the summit rock.

Stockbridge Mountain

Harriman State Park,
Orange County,
New York

Trails:
Menomine Trail (Yellow Blaze)
Appalachian Trail (White Blaze)

Total Time: 1:50 hr
Estimated Distance: 3.3 miles

Hiking Partner:
My Father-in-law Dr. Morris Schulgasser

Stockbridge Mountain is one of the lesser-traveled areas of Harriman. This hike is a little-known yet beatiful hike. The weather condition was very foggy which really restricted any views. We started in the Silvermine parking area off 7 Lakes Drive, and took the Menomine trail west. Near the beginning of the hike the trail is parallel to the road, and for the first time after being here many times actually noticed an old cemetary that the trail passes right through. There are some restore plaques stating that members of the Lewis Family are buried here.

Continued along the trail alongside Lake Nawahunta, and started the ascent up Stockbridge Mountain until the intersection with the Appalachian Trail. Headed north on the Appalachian and up the shelter, and then started descending to the "Cave Shelter". The Cave Shelter is a rock formation of massive boulders that are stacked and forming caves and passageways that you can actually squeeze through quite deeply. Its a highly recommended place to check out.

From the Cave Shelter took the unmarked trail which is shown on the Trail Conference Map, though I must say this trail is pretty worn out and hard to keep track of. After hitting the Menomine Trail again we continued the descent, and at the bottom veered off the path to check out the Lewis (Dunn) Mine and explore the pit. From there headed back on the Menomine and back to the car.

Map of the Route.

Plaque at the Lewis Cemetery along the Menomine Trail.
Note this cemetery is not mentioned on the maps.

Lake Nawahunta in the fog. North shore.

Lake Nawahunta in the fog. Stockbridge Mountain
rises from behind but is covered in the fog.

Ascending the AT before the shelter at the top
of Stockbridge Mountain.

Me at the final ascent before the shelter.

Stockbridge Mountain shelter.
The fog was even more thick at the top.

Think Passage in the Cave Shelter

Rock Formations at the Cave Shelter.

One of the exits at the Cave Shelter.
I crawled out from under the left, barely making it through.

Main shaft of the Lewis (Dunn) Mine.