Harriman Hiker: Harriman State Park and Beyond

Thursday, July 20, 2023

Cheescote Pond

Cheescote Mountain Park,
Town of Haverstraw,
Rockland Co.,
New York

Hiking Trails:
Long Path: Green blaze

Total Time: 0:17 hour
Estimated Distance: 0.7 Miles

Pros: Scenic lake
Cons: Suburban area and view of houses
Hike Type: Lollipop Loop
Level of Difficulty: Very easy

Google Maps of Parking:
https://goo.gl/maps/whriLRPfZq49pVCu5

I still had to take it easy with my hiking, so elected for this very easy trail around a scenic lake only a few miles away from Harriman State Park. I parked on Cheescote Lane at the cul-de-sac, and walked along the trail to the lake. I then took the Long Path for a short distance and then continued along the path around the lake. I looped around the lake and then took the trail back to the parking area.

Map of the Route

Cheescote Pond Connector Path

Strange Orange Mushrooms on the Trail Path

Sign Approaching Cheescote Pond

Me at Cheescote Pond

Paved Path where the Long Path Goes

Long Path Leaving Cheescote Pond

Cheescote Pond Paved Path

Cheesecote Pond

Thursday, July 13, 2023

Kathryn Gorman Ponds Evening Hike

Kathryn Gorman Ponds Park,
Village of Montebello,
Rockland Co.,
New York

Hiking Trails:
Winaki Trail: Blue blaze
Daniel Beard Trail: Red blaze
Utopoia Trail: Green blaze

Total Time: 0:17 hour
Estimated Distance: 0.6 Miles

Pros: Several scenic lakes
Cons: Small area in suburban sprawl and missing rural feel
Hike Type: Loop
Level of Difficulty: Very easy

Google Maps of Parking:
https://goo.gl/maps/dct4WzGFpvfC1doE7

I had a medical procedure the prior week and was told I need to take it easy. I had to hold back on my hiking and take easier walks in the area rather than more intense hikes, and will need to do this for a few weeks. Kathryn Gorman Ponds is a small park in suburban Montebello, New York, surrounding by large home. There are several short trails that go around several small ponds. I took the Winaki Trail, a straight trail that goes alongside the ponds. I then took it to the Daniel Beard Trail on the other side of the ponds, crossing over the many dams. I then took the Utopoia Trail back to the Daniel Beard Trail which I took back to my car in the parking lot.