harriman state park

I live in NYC and try to get to this area about once a week. I have been on many of the trails both in summer and winter but there is still a lot of new territory for me to explore. It is a favorite destination for some of the hiking clubs I belong to as well. The park is unique for this area because it is so large and so varied. You can really get away from everything. Even in summer, the crowds are much smaller than in neighboring Bear Mountain (another good place to hike). The trails are well marked and there are a variety of levels so the beginner to the advanced hiker can all find something. Some of the trails can get rocky and there is some modest rock scrambling required on some trails. If you go, bring a map and know how to read it. It is easy to get lost.

A group of us rented a cabin in early October (Sebago Cabins) and hiked for 3 days. The cabin was rustic (in rough shape) but overlooked the lake and was perfect for our needs. I like rustic. The park is large, wonderful vistas, plenty of trails and different habitats to enjoy. The thing I'd like to share most is this, we hiked for 7 hours on a rainy day. In other upstate parks with limestone and shale formations that would have meant a very slippery and dangerous day. In Harriman, the rocks are granite, quite rough, and make for excellent rainy-day hiking. No slipping! The park is stunning, easy to get to, and huge. Definitely recommended.

I've been hiking in this amazing place for the past 25 years and still haven't seen all of it. Harriman is a well kept secret (and hopefully, it will stay that way). Old pine woods, new woods grown after farming days, and if you look close enough you will notice remnant portions of stone walls from the same time, giant boulders dragged here during the ice ages, lakes, streams, brooks and caves. There are a myriad of trails, including the great Appalachian Trail, which runs from Maine to Georgia and through Harriman. Beware that trails cross and are not always clearly marked, so that if you aren't paying close attention you might end up on a totally different route than you intended. No open fires or off trail camping is allowed, but there are fire pits and a lean to or two. A detailed map of the area can be ordered or purchased from any serious adventure/sports outfitter (both REI & EMS have them). There is a wide variety of wildlife here, including countless species of birds, herons, wild turkey, otters, and yes, black bears and rattlesnakes. So, watch where you step, carry a whistle and wear appropriate (ankle high) boots. Most importantly, this is as close to a pristine place as you're bound to find in NY state, so please make sure to carry out ALL of your trash. We new yorkers love our forests at least as much as we love our city.

Harriman State Park is a good place to skinny dip and free hike. I've found a couple of lakes and trails and one magnificent vista deep in the woods where you can slide out of your clothes and enjoy nature naturally. Lake Wanosink and Pine Meadow Lake are especially suited to swimming in the nude since they are a fair hike from any parking lots. I've also found the trail between the two lakes to be a good place for naked hiking.NOTE: Nudity is not sanctioned at this park. Women are allowed to go topless since it is in New York State. I have never been hassled by rangers but I have rarely seen any.

Harriman State Park has always been a favorite hiking destination of mine! With over 250 miles of trails, countless viewpoints, lakes and campsites. This park is vast and has tons to offer! I also love to explore the many mines in the area. I do suggest that you buy the latest edition maps before you go... The park also offers swimming beaches, restrooms and has grills in certain sections. If you love to hike, you will love Harriman state park! Can't wait to return!

If you do the pine meadow lake hike in Harriman park it is a pretty basic 4 mile hike. Children and dogs will enjoy it too. You can take dips in the lake if it's warm enough.

Horrible. The five hour hike with the alleged views was ugly and poorly marked, with steep rock precipices, and absolutely no park rangers. I love hiking but would never go back. I would rather pay a fee and go somewhere nice.

Ok, we didn't see any bears on our overnight, but My kids (8 and 11) and I hiked the Ramapo-Dunderberg - or a portion of it - the Victory Trail as well, and we slept under the stars in the Tom Jones Lean-To. Memories we won't soon forget!The kids wrote a blog post about our Harriman adventure, take a look for some ideas, although with the size of Harriman, we just scratched the surface. Highly recommended...http://wp.me/p3IrN2-ky

Great views of the Hudson River and Bear Mt. Bridge from Perkins Memorial Drive. Also has great views around the Bear Mt. Inn and adjacent lake.

I had some time in the morning and decided to see what was in the park. It is very peaceful with no people and cars in the park. All you see is green and serenity.The only problem was there was no place to stop, no person to talk to. It is more of a forest than a park.

This amazing state park is only 30-40min of scenic drive from NYC. We recommend you to make one stop on your way to Harriman Park. You'll definitely enjoy wonderful views of State Line Lookout- exit 3 on Pallisades Pkwy. We usually have breakfast there in the small, romantic, old-fashioned café and then continue our pleasant ride to the park.In Harriman park you could have all the civil and wild activities for people of all ages and interests.Welch Lake is the most commercial area and usually very crowded. Sandy beach makes Welch Lake very attractive for tourists.If you prefer quieter places we recommend to try Kanawauke, Tiorati or Silvermine Lake.Harriman park is very large and you need to visit it several times to discover you favorite area. We were there about 10 times and always found something new.We also recommend to visit Perkins Memorial Tower. Views are breathtaking there!

This is in the same area as Bear Mountain State Park - they are pretty much interchangeable (at least we think so!). The hiking is amazing. I love the variety of trails you can choose from - you can stay on flat ground if you want or you can hike to the top of the mountain and get rugged terrain in. The hills can be really rocky, which we love. We pack lunch and make a day of it. Hike for a few hours, eat at the top, then hike back down. We usually spend about 4-5 hours here.

I drive through several times a week on my way to and from work. Very scenic, with every kind of bird and mammal imaginable. Very scenic, especially in the fall, and at sunrise and sunset. The park police are a nasty bunch, however. I pulled my car over along one of the lakes at 6a to take a picture of the sunrise, and the cop told me I couldn't park there, even though I was standing next to my car for a 5 minute photo. So unless you want to hike or walk long distances along the road, it's not easy taking pictures.

Aside from the beautiful park-n-walk sites in this state park, it is also one of the easiest ways to catch a few miles of the Appilachian Trail right in your back yard! This includes BREATHTAKING views, as well as many a peacful walks through wooded meadows, literally! Been here many times, and can NOT wait to do a couple more miles this summer!

The 7 lakes drive was awesome. We got off in couple of places for pictures. The lakes are beautiful, however entrance to Lake Welch, the most talked about lake had season closure. Overall it was a wonderful experience on a Saturday with bear mountain round the corner.