New York state’s Harriman State Park has lengthy been a haven for lovers of the outside. As a child, I grew up a mere half-hour south of Harriman and I spent extra weekends than I can depend mountain climbing the paths, exploring the realm, and having fun with all of its many panoramic vista factors.
Harriman State Park is a particular place partially due to its shut proximity to New York Metropolis and the metro space. This permits metropolis dwellers and suburban households to get a style of nature by going backpacking, tenting, mountain climbing, and boating with out having to journey very far.
One factor I like most about Harriman is that guests will cross paths with folks of each outside talent stage. Whether or not that’s first-time hikers, Appalachian Path thru-hikers, or mother and father who wish to share their love of mountain climbing and tenting with their youngsters, you will discover quite a lot of outside lovers at Harriman.
Whether or not you might be an occasional customer, metropolis slicker or out-of-towner trying to get away from the chaos of the NYC this information will aid you navigate Harriman State Park. Completely satisfied Trails!
And because it goes in all the locations we share, please keep in mind to Go away No Hint. This implies packing out all your rubbish, being respectful to others, and following the established guidelines.
Harriman State Park Fundamentals
Harriman State Park is the second-largest state park in New York with 200 miles of mountain climbing trails, 3 seashores, 9 historic lean-tos, 2 group tenting areas, and 32 lakes and reservoirs. The 47,000+ acres of Harriman State Park borders Bear Mountain State Park with connecting trails and tenting areas that hyperlink the 2 historic areas collectively and make them really feel like one huge park.
Situated within the decrease southeast nook of New York state simply an hour away from the town and minutes from the border of New Jersey, Harriman is a well-liked outside vacation spot for a lot of within the metropolis and the suburbs. Be warned, it will get crowded on good days and heat weekends!
When you’re right here, be aware of the white-blazed trails which mark a piece of the Appalachian Path. What’s actually cool about Harriman is that the AT leads thru-hikers over the Bear Mountain Bridge and ultimately leads them throughout the northern a part of Harriman State Park.
Get to Harriman State Park
This space north of New York Metropolis is jam-packed with highways and well-traveled roads, so there are many routes you possibly can take to get to Harriman State Park. There are even a lot of roads that wind their means by the park. So, driving is really probably the most handy approach to get there, particularly in case you are planning on an overnighter.
Attending to Harriman State Park by automotive
- Take Palisades Interstate Parkway straight into the park the place you possibly can cease at any of the principle parking areas or stop-off alongside of the highway to hop on a trailhead
- I-87 North is a most important freeway that takes guests straight to the west aspect of Harriman State Park. From right here, it’s simple to enter onto one of many park’s many inside roads
- Route 202 travels alongside the japanese aspect of Harriman, making it simple to enter the park as far up because the Pine Meadow Lake Path the place it branches off and away from the park’s entry factors
- Route 17 North will take you to the southern tip of the park to a preferred space referred to as Seven Lakes Drive. Right here you possibly can park your automotive for an overnighter or a day journey and achieve entry to one of many many trails within the decrease half of Harriman.
Taking public transportation to Harriman State Park
- Take the Shortline Bus from Port Authority to any of the stops at Suffern, Viola Street, Jones Level, Tompkins Cove and Harriman Inn to enter the west aspect of the park
- NJ Transit Port Jervis practice line takes you to the west aspect of the park and drops you off at any of the next practice stations which might be strolling distance to trailheads: Sloatsburg, Suffern, Tuxedo and Harriman
Finest Time to Go to Harriman State Park
One of the best occasions to go to Harriman State Park are in the course of the summer season and fall seasons. Whereas the park is open year-round for winter lovers too, in the course of the summer season all trails, campsites, and lake areas are open and fully protected to take pleasure in.
After all, the Northeast’s well-known foliage makes fall one of the thrilling occasions to be at Harriman. Not solely is the climate completely crisp and funky however the lovely colours of the season may be seen from each vista level and down beneath.
Finest Locations to Go to in Harriman State Park
1. Lake Tiorati
Lake Tiorati is one in every of seven lakes in Harriman State Park and it’s one of many solely two you might be allowed to swim in. Tiorati is a beautiful clear blue lake with a sandy beachfront that’s good for households or daytrippers. It’s simply accessible by the principle highways and has a parking space so that you can unload. Canine are allowed on a six-foot leash.
2. West Mountain Shelter
Of the 9 shelters in Harriman State Park, West Mountain is by far the most well-liked spot. It’s an attractive outdated stone lean-to that’s perched on a cliff overlooking the Hudson River and the New York Metropolis skyline. Be warned, this is likely one of the most trafficked locations within the space, so that you’re higher off going in the course of the week or getting there very early to safe your spot.
Simply be ready to share your shelter for the night time with different hikers desperate to get an evening in at West Mountain.
3. Bear Mountain Bridge + Inn
This historic early-1900s stone constructing and delightful bridge must be on the high of your checklist when visiting Harriman State Park. The Bear Mountain Inn’s rustic craftsmanship alone makes it value a go to.
4. Pine Meadow Lake Path + Pine Meadow Lake
This crystal clear blue-green lake is a well-liked spot within the Southern part of Harriman State Park that’s frequented by many daytrippers and in a single day visitors. The path is straightforward to entry and there’s loads of parking obtainable, so attempt to plan your go to throughout off-peak hours or mid-week if doable to keep away from overcrowding.
I extremely recommend doing a protracted or shorter loop round Pine Meadow Lake which may even take you previous a waterfall and alongside a brook. Solely benefit from the water from a distance and don’t swim or plan to camp! Sadly, many visitors ignore the principles which might be right here to guard this park, so keep in mind to do your half and as all the time, perform what you carry in.
5. Virtually Perpendicular Path + Claudius Smith Rock
One other common hike that isn’t too crowded is Virtually Perpendicular. Right here, hikers achieve fairly a little bit of elevation as they make their approach to the highest of the cliffs for large views of the park which might be jaw-dropping in the summertime and fall. Hikers may even cross by the well-known Claudius Smith Den that was the hideout of the infamous native cowboy, Claudius Smith in the course of the American Revolution.
Harriman State Park Tenting
One in all my favourite issues about Harriman are the campsites. Having grown up within the surrounding space, we often day hiked within the park and camped in a single day in our tent when my brother and I had been sufficiently old to hold our gear on our backs.
As an grownup, I understand simply how fortunate I’m to have 9 historic, hand-built backcountry shelters below an hour away from my city house. I extremely suggest spending an evening in Harriman at one of many shelters and if you will get one all to your self on an attractive day you’ll actually be the higher for it.
Right here are some things to know earlier than you go tenting at Harriman State Park:
Harriman State Park Shelters
- You do NOT must make a reservation for shelters or receive a allow (except you’re fascinated about a gaggle campsite, see beneath)
- Tenting in a single day within the Harriman State Park shelters is completely FREE
- All of the shelters and campsites are off-trail and are solely accessible by foot. There’s parking close to trailheads however no drive-in campsites
- Parking is NOT allowed by Island Pond or Pine Meadow Lake regardless of the well-worn campsites and fireplace rings that exist
- Get there early! Regardless of the 46,000+ acres value of house, the 9 shelters can simply get crammed up.
- Beat the crowds and safe your house when you can
- Be welcoming to different campers who wish to spend the night time there, too. It’s open to a number of teams or solo hikers, not only for you. Remember this tenting etiquette and also you’re more likely to make some new buddies!
- Canine are allowed on the shelters, however they need to even be stored on a 6-foot leash.
- Campfires are allowed however you will want to forage for firewood and kindling (solely use already downed timber and logs)
- Carry in and perform all trash and different belongings
In the event you discover a shelter that’s completely packed, don’t fear, there are usually 2-3 well-worn campsites within the surrounding space which might be simply pretty much as good a spot to spend the night time. On the shelters, you’ll discover fireplace pits, delicate grassy patches, and typically some huge tree trunks or rocks that different beneficiant campers have rolled in so that you can sit on as you take pleasure in your campfire.
The neighborhood of hikers and backpackers in Harriman is one thing that’s all the time sensed and observed within the space. Exhibiting kindness and respect to your environment and fellow hikers is likely one of the most vital points of being open air, so all the time keep in mind to cross it on when you possibly can.
Tentrr Tenting
Harriman State Park has partnered with Tentrr to supply fully-equipped canvas tents which might be all arrange and able to go whenever you arrive. There are three walk-in Tentrr websites alongside the shores of Silver Mine Lake with easy accessibility to mountain climbing and biking trails.
There are additionally 11 extra walk-in tents at Sebago Lake, all of that are single-occupancy. For extra info on Tentrr at Harriman State Park, go to the Tentrr web site and seek for “Harriman State Park”.
Group Tenting in Harriman State Park
There are two group tenting websites at Harriman: Beaver Pond and the Stephen & Betsy Corman AMC Harriman Outside Heart. Each of those websites are by reservation solely and are supposed for bigger automotive tenting teams.
Beaver Pond Group Campsite
Situated on Lake Welch Recreation Space, Beaver Pond Campground contains tent and trailer websites which might be nice for bigger teams. Canine are usually not allowed and alcohol is strictly prohibited. Cooler/automotive searches will happen in case you are suspected of getting alcohol available.
Beaver Pond has a repute for being a louder and rowdier space, so it isn’t the primary selection for a lot of devoted hikers and backpackers. Nevertheless, in case you are searching for a enjoyable, social gathering ambiance by the lake with buddies, that is for you.
Stephen & Betsy Corman AMC Harriman Outside Heart
Reserve a cabin or bunkhouse in Harriman on the Stephen & Betsy Corman AMC Harriman Outside Heart. Good for very massive teams like household reunions, company occasions, youth teams, and extra. Facilities embody meal service, simple trailhead entry, bathhouses, assembly areas, and extra.
In addition they provide tent websites and platforms in addition to backcountry campsites run by the Appalachian Mountain Membership.
Harriman State Park Boating
When the paths are overcrowded and the seashores are full, there is no such thing as a higher place to be than out on the water. Harriman’s lakes and ponds do permit boaters on the water with a allow and though I’ve by no means been, I’m tremendous stoked to test it out sooner or later.
Right here’s a short overlook of the principles, laws, and issues to know earlier than boating at Harriman:
- Boats are allowed out on the lakes from April 1-November 30
- Guests should receive a $30 allow for his or her season cross/boating allow
- Boating is just allowed between 5am and 10pm
- Island Pond requires you to have a fishing allow as nicely
- There isn’t a alcohol allowed on the lake and chances are you’ll not get out of your boat and swim
Get a Boating Allow at Harriman State Park
- Go to one of many ranger stations at Lake Welch or Lake Tioriati
- The allow prices $30 and is nice for the complete season
- Boaters who wish to get a allow for a “locked lake” corresponding to, Tiorati, Welch, Stahahe and Island Pond should buy a key for $15 to unlock the padlock on the boat launch
- After buying, the allow shall be in sticker kind and have to be connected to your boat
You can too lease paddle and rowboats at Bear Mountain State Park. They’re first-come, first-serve and may be rented 11am – 5pm day-after-day. There are a number of limitations, like chances are you’ll not swim or exit the boat and all boaters should put on a life jacket always.
Harriman State Park Swimming
Swimming is just allowed at Lake Tiorati and Lake Welch in Harriman State Park. All different lakes, ponds, and reservoirs are off-limits for security causes corresponding to aggressive wildlife like snapping turtles and no lifeguards on responsibility to help somebody in peril.
Like many common outside locations, different web sites or guests will recommend in any other case however the park’s rangers and customer facilities clearly implement these guidelines for everybody’s protected enjoyment of this wild place.
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