Harriman Hiker: Harriman State Park and Beyond

Thursday, October 15, 2020

Pine Swamp Lake Long Path Fall Sunset Hike

Harriman State Park,
Orange Co.,
New York

Hiking Trails:
Long Path: Green blaze

Total Time: 1:00 hour
Estimated Distance: 2.2 Miles

Pros: Scenic lake
Cons: Area can be busy
Hike Type: In and out

Google Maps of Parking:
https://goo.gl/maps/iNrcDnbMpNXpa8Ag9

With the fall foliage starting the peak, I took the opportunity to do a short hike along a scenic stretch in Harriman State Park after work. I visited Lake Skanatati for it's scenic lake views and tranquil area.

I parked in the parking area at Lake Skanatati, and took the long path up the small waterfall to Lake Askoti. The waterfall was totally dry as well as the dam at Lake Askoti. I walked under the bridge of the dry streambed under Seven Lakes Drive. I then walked back and cut down the hill back to the parking area, walking along the side of Lake Askoti. I then went to the peninsula along the lake for some additional views, and then continued along the Long Path past the lake inlet stream. I then walked a bit further on the Long Path before turning around, with a slight detour along the side of Pine Swamp Mountain and then back along the Long Path to the parking area.

Map of the Route

Lake Skanatati at the Long Path

Lake Askoti and Foliage from under the Bridge

Lake Askoti with Peak Foliage

Lake Askoti at the Southern Edge

Another View of Lake Askoti

Seven Lakes Drive and Lake Askoti

Another View of Lake Askoti

Lake Askoti Looking North

Information Plaque at the Arden-Surebridge Trailhead

Lake Skanatati Looking to the Shor

Another View of Lake Skanatati

Me at Lake Skanatati

Near Sunset at Lake Skanatati

Beautiful Foliage at the Lake Skanatati Shoreline

Foliage at Lake Skanatati

Lake Skanatati from the Rocky Peninsula

Sunset over Lake Skanatati

Beaver-Felled Tree on the Lake Skanatati Peninsula

View of Lake Skanatati from the Long Path

Another View of Lake Skanatati from the Long Path

Forest Scene Near Pine Swamp Mountain

Sun Over the Horizon at the Lake Skanatati Shoreline

Another Sunset View at Lake Skanatati

Beautiful Sunset View at Lake Skanatati

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.