I’m looking to do a quick backpacking gear shakedown this fall, just a short one night out and back. I plan to bring a tent but to my understanding I still need to be near if not in a lean-to. What hike would you recommend for this?

Anyone done this recently? New to Harriman, but not backpacking. Quick overnight this weekend. Looking to 10-15 miles total with shelter somewhere in middle. Any help or alternatives are appreciated. rod

https://www.alltrails.com/explore/trail/us/new-york/long-path-dunning-and-ramapo-dunderberg-trails-loop

Hi everyone - looking for a moderate 3D/2N loop for this coming Sunday (NJT accessible). I've hiked a bunch in Harriman but only ever overnighted at West Mtn.

Deciding between these two options (and either direction could be flipped):

1. Tuxedo - Tom Jones - Bald Rocks - Tuxedo

2. Suffern - Stone Memorial - Dutch Doctor - Tuxedo

Anything to choose between these two in terms of water accessibility and views? I see some mention of algal bloom, do we know if that's still an issue? Thanks in advance.

I'm trying to map out a cycling route that would enter Harriman State Park from west of I-87, beginning in Chester, using the orange heritage trail to get to Harriman.

It seems like my only viable option is to ride down 17 to 106. 17 looks pretty dangerous and I'm looking to avoid riding on it. Using Arden House Rd would be perfect, but from what I'm seeing, it's private (wtf)? I'd like to avoid kiryas joel, as well.

I'd appreciate any suggestion or tips on how to construct the route, or maybe avoid the state park altogether.

Hi Folks! I hike a lot of the historic trails, woods roads, retired paths, etc. in the park. I am intrigued when I look at old maps of the park, there seems to be a mine off of what is now the Jones Path (on the outer side of 9W) right near where hole creek crosses. Additionally, on the NYNJTC map, there is a woods road leaving 9W up Dunderberg, running along the creek. In the 1930's map, this woods road goes up all the way to the unfinished rail bed and then the RD, about where it hits the Bockberg woods road near Stalter Spring. Has anyone attempted to go up the north side of Dunderberg on this old road?

I was hiking in Harriman this past weekend, and I encountered a few deer about 50ft from me on the trail (which has happened almost every time I've hiked this summer). We just looked at each other for a while, and then one of the deer (a doe, I think) started coming closer to me (maybe by about 10ft), stomping, and huffing through its nose. I know those are things deer do to alert others to threats, but this deer was staring me down hard, and it kept getting closer. If it were any other animal I would have felt very clearly threatened -- but I have never heard of a deer being aggressive before.

Is there any possibility this deer actually wanted to attack me? Or am I just misinterpreting the behavior for warning other deer about a threat?

title. tyia! would it be helpful to have a sticky thread where people can update about drinking water sources so they know whether to carry in water or just bring their purification systems?

Don’t get me wrong, I’m glad it exists. Thanks to the NJ Trail Conference for putting it together. It is awesome technology circa 1998. I spent a few hours last night copying all the shelter locations into Apple Maps My Guides, but Apple Maps really isn’t built for real-time trail navigation either. I’m curious what mapping tools other people use.

I know there has to be tons of different trails but I’m so unfamiliar with Harriman, was hoping someone could help with some good tips. Looking to do anything from like 6-12 mile loops. Moved up into that area and it’s new to me. I have maps downloaded on Avenza, so I could figure something out I’m sure, but just asking in case anyone has a bunch of experience trail running there already. Thanks in advance

Hey everyone,

So, I was out stargazing last night at Harriman State Park. I parked my car at the boating lot by Lake Kanawauke (I have a boat license) to watch the stars and take some pictures. I’m a beginner in astrophotography and love learning as I explore different spots. Since I live close to the park, it’s only a 10-minute ride to Lake Kanawauke, which is a great open spot for capturing constellations.

Around 9:30 PM, a cop showed up. I walked over to his car, and he asked what I was doing. I explained that I was taking pictures of the stars. He then asked if it was my first time in a state park. I said no, and he told me that state parks close at dusk and that I was violating state property rules. He seemed pretty annoyed, so I decided not to argue and started packing up my gear.

Now, my question is: Was the cop just being difficult, or does the park actually close at dusk? From what I know, the park doesn’t close and allows overnight stays and parking. So, why wouldn’t they allow stargazing?

Any insights or similar experiences would be appreciated!

Two nights, rather. Hello everyone. I’m looking at doing a two-night trip and looking for some advice. I’ve done Mt Whitney and the Trinity Alps but not in the best shape at the moment. Starting by taking the transit up to Suffern from NYC. Here’s the route I’m thinking:

Day 1: Suffern to Stone Memorial Day 2: Stone Memorial to Dutch Doctor Day 3: Dutch Doctor to Tuxedo

Is this a crazy idea or pretty doable? I’ve never done a backpacking trip in Harriman so not sure what to expect.

TLDR I’m looking for a short very easy overnight hike that I can take my new-to-backpacking partner and our dog on that is accessible by NJT, Metro North or other dog friendly transportation.

I just recently got into backpacking and I’ve been solo backpacking 2 times now at Harriman. Both times I took NJT to Tuxedo and did an overnight at Dutch Doctor. My fiancé really wants to go with me next time and we’d love to take our very well behaved dog with us.

However, the trail I’ve taken up to the Dutch Doctor (see image https://imgur.com/a/3zZJ2tu) is IMO too steep and difficult of a climb to take my fiancé and our dog considering we’ll each have 20 - 25 pound or so packs on our backs (we are doing our best to cut weight)

I’d like to keep the hiking distance around 5 miles form a trailhead to where we could camp if possible as that is around the furthest hike my partner and I have been on together (with no pack) and she was fairly spent afterwards.

Is it realistic to take our dog? We “hike” around Prospect Park frequently and she loves it and we have car camped with her before with no issue.

I just want to show her a good time her first overnight out so she does not get distracted.

Thanks so much for the help!

Anyone have trail recommendations for a 1 night trip for a scout troop. Ideally , woul like to hike the distance the 1st day and leave in the morning with not far of a hike back to the parking area.

I remember reading a post here a while back about concrete military-style bunkers on the northern areas of West Mountain, facing West Point. Was curious if anyone knows what I'm talking about or if I misread something.

On All Trails it lists the Parker Cabin Hollow trail as a backpacking trail. In Harriman State Park, are you only suppose to tent camp near shelters? There’s no shelters on the route.

How are the water sources near Dutch doctor? Looking at this weekend. Are there any?

Tried going to West Mountain Shelter today via Anthony Wayne but trails are closed still?

Went to Perkins Instead lol

Bear Mountain!

Hi! I need help finding a route to the west mountain shelter. I went up there years ago while on the AT (my friend was the navigator l am notoriously bad at that) I believe we started from Anthony Wayne’s rec area.

Can someone help me find the starting point? Yesterday I started in the south parking lot but that trail didn’t seem to be as direct as I remember- and didn’t run through the AT

Thanks for any help!

Hey Ya'll i'm from NYC and I want to hit Harriman for a couple days or so. I've solo hiked in the past on a section of the AT but wondering if anyone is also looking for a hiking/camping partner. Message me! maybe we can get a group! if anyone has any resources to hiking groups in NYC please lmk.

if not, solo camp it is :)

for those who want to get out to Harriman at no cost this is a great opportunity!
https://gothamist.com/news/nj-transit-will-be-free-for-a-week-as-thank-you-for-messy-service-gov-murphy-says

I’ve done plenty of day hikes but for overnight camping is there a good place to park/ allowed Parking over night? Also is it generally safe to leave a motorcyle overnight? Thanks!

I'm thinking of hiking from Tuxedo to Suffern taking the Kakiat Trail to the SBM. Has anyone been in this area of the park recently? What's the situation with water? Any info greatly appreciated. Thanks

Wondering if i can use this little boat in the lakes. I want to get this boat to use up there since it’s close to my house. If you know if you can or cannot i would greatly appreciate it!!

Hi! What is your top memory at Harriman, or favorite past time?

My best memories are of exploring the park on my own, not knowing in advance what I am going to find, and discovering something new. A rock formation, a gorgeous view, a little stream. Feeling like I’m in the middle of the wilderness, and there are endless adventures to be had.

-Island Pond, Lemon Squeezer, and area above it. -Wandering in search of the best water source before dark. -Waking up in the middle of the forest and having breakfast on the edge of a cliff.

What’s your preferred (safest) route? Cars and motorcycles rip around and with little to no shoulder, I want to get some miles in safely. I have a Garmin Varia radar thing that’ll help I’m sure.

looking to do a 20ish mile loop. 10 miles in, camp for the night then 10 miles out. anyone have any favorites?

Hi!

I'm going to Beaver Pond Campground next Monday, and was wondering if we could Uber to reach there from East Rutherford, NJ or anywhere nearby. There's 6 of us, so it feels like a cost-effective option for us to get an Uber XL to and from the place since we don't drive and the bus that goes nearby seems almost as expensive as ubering there. Is there a chance we won't find an Uber that would take us there?

This is all of our first years here in the US and genuinely don't have a clear idea on how these things might work.

Thank you

D