Harriman Hiker: Harriman State Park and Beyond

Sunday, March 17, 2024

Stone Mountain Spring Hike

Stone Mountain Memorial State Park
Dekalb Co.,
Georgia

Hiking Trails:
Walk Up Trail

Total Time: 1:55 hour
Estimated Distance: 2.8 Miles

Pros: Great hike with interesting geology
Cons: Very busy and tight parking on weekends
Hike Type: Out and back
Level of Difficulty: Slightly difficult

Google Maps of Parking:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/ntJcXxrHTeXf4sBf6

I was visiting family in Atlanta for the weekend, so took the opportunity to hike the most famous landmark in the Atlanta area, Stone Mountain, which is a giant rock jutting about 800 feet above the surrounding surface. I've been here before several times, and it's always very busy, especially on weekends. So while the geology and terrain is very interesting, and there are great views with a good climb, you are sharing the trail with a large volume of people. The weather was great and I went in short sleeves. I took the walk up trail to the top and then took the trail back down.

Map of the Route

Sign at the Start

Ascending Stone Mountain

Approaching the Summit

Sunday, March 10, 2024

Hewitt Connector and Ringwood Manor

Ringwood State Park
Passaic Co.,
New Jersey

Hiking Trails:
Hewitt Connector Trail: White blaze
Manor Trail: Blue blaze
Hasenclever Iron Trail: Yellow blaze

Total Time: 1:30 hour
Estimated Distance: 3.2 Miles

Pros: Historic area
Cons: Missing good views
Hike Type: Loop
Level of Difficulty: Easy

Google Maps of Parking:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/j8ZzkE3Tbwx2TzxS7

I've been to Ringwood State Park many times. This hike is in a historic area at the former Ringwood Manor property. I parked at the trailhead of the Hewitt Connector Trail and took the trail up the mountain and then down. I then took the Manor Trail crossing several busy brooks, to the Hasenclever Iron Trail parallel to the brook. I then walked along past Sally's Pond and then to the Ringwood Manor. I explored the outside and gardens of this historical mansion, and then walked along the gardens and grounds back to my car, taking a short detour to the bridge at Ringwood Brook.