Harriman State Park, New York's Backyard
Hiking, Camping, and Boating Close to New York City
Oct 1, 2008
Located just thirty minutes northwest of New York City, Harriman State Park has long been a refuge for frazzled New Yorkers seeking an escape from the concrete jungle in Summer or Winter. Its over 200 miles of hiking trails spreading across Rockland and Orange Counties make it an excellent area for the dedicated hiker: It is very possible for one to never take the same hiking trail twice.
Hiking, Camping, and Fishing Near NYC
Harriman State Park is well known for its lakes. including Lake Welch and Lake Sebago, both of which have beaches for swimming in addition to the boating and camping usually associated with Harriman State Park. Many of the lakes allow fishing in them as well. Although the fish populations are not as robust as further upstate, there are good populations of bass, perch and sunfish there.
All together there are 32 lakes and ponds in Harriman, along with 40 marked trails and 57 unmarked trails. A very popular trail is the Pine Meadow Trail, a moderate 5.5 mile trail that ends along the shores of Pine Meadow Lake. However, this trail can be relatively crowded during the summer. More dedicated hikers may find the Seven Hills or the Suffern-Bear Mountain Trails more to their liking. The Park also contains the Appalachian Trail, which runs from Springer Mountain in Georgia to Mount Katahdin in Maine. The Appalachian Trail only runs in the park for a short while, but there is a certain mystique to the famed trail that makes it a popular hike.
Hiking at Doodletown, New York
There is also the ghost town of Doodletown, located in the Northeastern corner of the Park. Settled in 1762, Doodletown was a small settlement of loggers and miners. Much of the materials unearthed there were used to build New York City. As the mines went barren and Harriman State Park became protected, the town slowly died. Original buildings and graves going back hundreds of years can still be seen at what is left of the town, an interesting step back into history for those inclined.
Getting There
The main causeway through the park is Seven Lakes Drive, which runs from Sloatsburg, New York, to Bear Mountain State Park in the Northeast. Although separate, Bear Mountain is usually seen as part of the much larger Harriman State Park by locals. Harriman State Park can also be reached easily from the Palisades Interstate Parkway at exit 14, 15, and 16.
Cell phone reception is very spotty in Harriman State Park. The rise and fall of the Ramapo Mountains-the vanguard of the Catskills-- in which it sits often blows cell phone use completely. Of course, that could be a boon to someone trying to escape the rat race for a much slower pace.
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