Bear & West Mtns. via AT, Timp-Torne, & Suffern-Bear Mtn. Trails (Bear Mountain State Park)

Bear & West Mtns. via AT, Timp-Torne, & Suffern-Bear Mtn. Trails (Bear Mountain State Park)

Hike Type: Loop w/ Spur

Distance: 10.58 miles

Elevation: 2,293 feet

Time: 4 hours, 32 minutes (4 hours, 15 minutes moving)
Hiking Challenges: Bear Mountain Trail Challenge, Operation Alaska Benchmark Challenge, New York Appalachian Trail

The Hike

I had an open morning, so I decided I'd head up to Bear Mountain State Park and work on my (actual) summer hiking goal - make some progress is connecting the dots with the New York Appalachian Trail (my goal has seem to shifted to getting/maintaining my local legend status at the Tourne, but I still want to make SOME progress). I figured it would be a busy day, so I was up and out at 6:20am, getting breakfast at Wawa at 6:25am, eventually getting to the main Bear Mountain State Park area around 7:15am. The area was a bit confusing to navigate as a first-timer, but I eventually landed out of the way in Lot 2. I didn't have to pay the parking fee due to getting there early (the toll booth said "TOLL BOTH CLOSED," which was a nice surprise. It was in the mid 70s with clouds and ample humidity. There were a group of trail runners also getting ready nearby and one shouted "ALL I REALLY WANNA DO IS GO TO THE ZOO," which made me laugh and also emphasize. 

[7:30am - Start of Hike]

I was soon starting my journey by walking across the state park area - Lot 1 would have made more sense for me, but it was nice to be out of the way. My neck and shoulders were a bit crispy from my solo beach day yesterday, but overall I was feeling good! The Bear Mountain Inn was a really cool building, and I soon landed at the three-way trailhead for the Suffern-Bear Mountain Trail, Appalachian Trail, and Major Welch Trail.

[7:37am - Appalachian Trail]

This area was well-signed for naviation and for information. I was initially taking photos of the informational signs to transcribe below, but I soon realized that there were simply too many - I ultimately just got the ones that detailed the Appalachian Trail and Bear Mountain State Park:

"WELCOME TO THE APPALACHIAN TRAIL

You are standing on the Appalachian National Scenic Trail, the most famous hiking trail in the United States - maybe in the world! In 1921, Benton MacKaye, a Massachusetts forester and regional planner, hatched a big idea: a footpath from Maine to Georgia. The Appalachian Trail, he said, would be "a sort of backbone, linking wilderness areas to dwellers in urban areas along the Atlantic Seabord." Today, the Trail runs nearly 2,200 miles along the East Coast range known as the Appalchian Mountains.

BUILT AND MAINTAINED BY VOLUNTEERS

Inspired by MacKaye's vision, hikers and wilderness lovers soon began planning and building the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) with the assistance of the Palisades Interstate Park Commission. In 1921, New York-New Jersey Trail Conference volunteers completed the very first piece of the A.T. here at Bear Mountain. The A.T. is a unit of the National Park System, and is maintained primarily by volunteers who continue to keep the Trail open, safe, and enjoyable for all.

PATHWAY TO BEAUTY

Whether you walk just a short section or hike all the way from Maine to Georgia, the Appalchian Trail connects communities and offers people access to scenic beauty, quiet forests, and wildlife habitat along its entire length. The A.T. also links up with thousands of miles of connecting trails. Here in Bear Mountain and Harriman State Parks, you can explore more than 225 miles of trails." from trailside kiosk.

"PRESERVING A NATIONAL LANDMARK

CARING FOR A 2,200-MILE FOOTPATH

Managing a hiking trail that passes through 14 states and an even greater number of communities and parks along its 2,200-mile length is a complex responsibility shared by numerous, regional, and local agencies, as well as volunteer-based non-profit organizations. At the national level, the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) is the responsibility of the National Park Service, which oversees and safeguards more than 400 natural and historic places for the public, in partnership with the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, a private, not-for-profit organization dedicated exclusively to the preservation and management of the A.T.

APPALACHIAN TRAIL CONSERVANCY

The Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) strives to ensure that the Appalachian Trail's "vast natural beauty and priceless cultural heritage can be shared and enjoyed today, tomorrow, and for centuries to come." ATC, founded in 1925, works with federal, state, and local agencies and 31 "maintaining clubs," such as the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference, to cooperatively manage the Appalachian Trail. ATC provides education, resources, and inspiration for hikers and trail volunteers from around the world.

BUILDING SUSTAINABLE TRAILS

In 2006, the Bear Mountain Trails Project was established to make Bear Mountain State Park's trails more sustainable for the high level of use they receive. This initiative has been made possible through a cooperative agreement between the National Park Service, Appalachian Trail Conservancy, New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation, Palisades Interstate Park Commission, and New York-New Jersey Trail Conference." from trailside kioks.

"BEAR MOUNTAIN STATE PARK: A LEGACY OF CONSERVATION

BUILDING NATURE PARKS FOR PEOPLE

Parks preserve and celebreate nature, but they are not entirely natural. Hundreds of workers - led by Major William A. Welch, the first general manager of Harriman-Bear Mountain - built roads, lakes, youth camps, and recreation facilities throughout these two parks. In 1913, the Palisades Interstate Park Commission (PIPC) formalized a group camp program - the first in teh nation - that introduced thousands of urban children to nature. In 1915, the Bear Mountain Inn opened and served over 100,000 guests in its first year. Bear Mountain and Harriman State Parks were a huge success, with hundreds of thousands of visitors arriving year after year, first by steamship from Manhattan and Yonkers, and later by bus and car. Today, 3.5 million people annually visit these parks, which are still managed by PIPC and the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation.

BEAR MOUNTAIN: RESCUED JUST IN TIME

The fate of Bear Mountain could have been very different if not for the work of early conservationiists. In 1909, New York State purchased 740 acres on the mountain for the purpose of relocating Sing Sing Prison. The project outraged the environmentally concerned citizens who had helped form the Palisades Interstate Park Commission (PIPC), created to preserve land and provide opportunities for outdoor recreation, just years earlier. Mary W. Harriman, widow of railroad magnate Edward H. Harriman, offered the state a deal: She would donate $1 million and 10,000 acres of her private estate to PIPC if the state would discontinue work on the prison and provide money for further park expansion. Her parcel became Harriman State Park, while the state land became Bear Mountain State Park, inspiring a parks movement nationally - one where nature would be protected and people of all walks of life would be welcomed." from trailside kiosk.

"BUILDING A PARK FOR GENERATIONS TO ENJOY

CONNECTING PEOPLE TO THE BACKCOUNTRY

The Palisades Interstate Park system is a lasting monument to the conservation movement of the early 20th century. Hiking trails that offer public access to the backcountry of these parks are the work of generations of dedicated volunteers. This public-private trail-building partnership was conceived by Major William A. Welch, the first general manager and chief landscape engineer of the Palisades Interstate Park Commission (PIPC). In 1920, he encouraged volunteers from New York City hiking clubs to cooperatively form the Palisades Interstate Park Trail Conference, now known as the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference. Together, they built 100 miles of trails in seven years, including the historic first 20-mile section of the Appalachian Trail, across Bear Mountain and Harriman State Parks. In partnership with PIPC, New York-New Jersey Trail Conference volunteers today maintian more than 2,100 miles of hiking trails, including those in Bear Mountain and Harriman.

WHEN A MOUNTAIN IS LOVED TOO MUCH

Early trails tended to go straight up mountains, inviting erosion caused by rain and the impact of thousands of feet. Today, trails are designed to resist these destructive effects and to respect and preserve the environment through which they pass. Protecting our native habitats against foreign plants and insects unknowingly brought in by hikers is another challenge facing conservationists. New collaborations focused on controlling these damaging invasive species and protecting our natural resources continue to the legacy of successful public-private partnerships that have preserved precious wildlife habitats and built and maintained trails for people." from trailside kiosk.

I followed the signature white blazes of the Appalachian Trail into the woods on a ridiculously well-manicured and constructed trail, complete with stone steps, log railings, and cobblestone walkways. The trail was lined in wildflowers and seemingly endless wineberries. I put bug spray on 10ish minutes in (fresh can, too!). The trail began to gain elevation still on the maticulously built path through some nice rocks - the pathway made sense for a very busy park - I was wondering how old this edition of the trail was.

I passed an under-construction junction with a blue-blazed trail as I continued to climb what was now a stairmaster, soon passing a family trio that was not having a great time. The trail alternated climbing with walking breaks, hugging the mountainside. Overall, it was an enjoyable walk, but it just didn't have much of a "woodsy" feeling. I crossed paths with some trail runners coming down the mountain and one pointed at this buddy and told me joking to "get a picture of this guy falling," which was funny. 

I passed a nice overlook toward the Hudson where there was a guy picking up some garbage, and it was at this point where I decided I wouldn't keep counting the people I saw, since it was already over a dozen. 

The Appalachian Trail traversed a neat storm-damaged area - I was wondering if this area was ravaged by the storms that shut the park down a couple summers ago? After the storm-damaged area, there was another nice walking break that led to a nice, open area that continued on a crushed gravel pathway with some tree views. Soon, the Appalachian Trail crossed power lines and something that looked like an access or a service road that connected to Perkins Memorial Drive. 

I saw some standing views over to the Timp and some blueberry bushes that were SO CLOSE to being ripe, or so I thought... Just a few more feet down the trail I got my first handful of wild blueberries! I was genuinely so happy! I truly only eat blueberries when they're free in the woods. I enjoyed another obstructed standing view to the Hudson while gobbling up the berries, also noticing what I assume is remnants of the old path from time to time. 

Once near the top, I enjoyed some different wildflowers and could soon see the Perkins Memorial Tower through the trees, and soon enough, I had summited Bear Mountain!

[8:21am - Bear Mountain Summit]

I was very grateful to be at the summit before the road opened. There were plenty of ledges with views overlooking West/Dunderberg Mountains - I wandered about for a bit looking for a benchmark disc with no luck, oh well. There was fog rolling in over the Hudson now and I could notice lots of drill holes and what looked like old tower footings on these ledges. I circled the closed tower and eventually took a quick snack, water, and wring-out-the-shirt break where the Appalachian Trail reenters the woods.

[8:31am - Appalachian Trail]

From here, the Appalachian Trail continued back into the woods on an accessible trail (which could be bypassed by a shortcut trail). The accessible trail was on a wide crushed gravel path and went right past a large bouder that had some more old fire tower footings and TWO USGS discs! I was thrilled in the nerdiest way!

I continued along, crossing another (or the same) access/service road and traversing what appeared to be a burned area. The Major Welch Trail continued on the right while the Appalachian Trail turned left and soon landed at a foggy overlook with a concrete-and-stone chimney-like footing. The accessible path ended here, and I saw some reptilian or amphibious creature with a shiny blue trail run under a rock? (EDIT: I have discovered through the power of Google that it was a five-lined skink!). 

Now on a narrower, grassier footpath, I could hear some blasting off in the woods - I'm guessing a gun range or a sportsmen's club or something along those lines. Thankfully, I did not encounter any riffraff. The trailbed continued to be well-maintained, but far less manicured than what I had been on all day today (this was not a bad thing). There were some lovely, twisting mountain laurel lining the trails (but not suffocating the trails) and I caught a deer who was only ~30ish feet from the trail!

[8:50am - Appalachian Trail/AT Shortcut lower end]

The Appalachian Trail circled a massive rock and soon came to the lower end of the AT Shortcut; the trail that bypassed the accessible trail.

[8:53am - Major Welch Spur]

Not much further down the trail was a really cool ledge that had a ton of little poles eroded into it. I said "good morning" to a presumable AT thru-hikers sitting on a bench as I turned to follow the faded blue blazes of what I guess is an distant extension of the Major Welch Trail (at least according to the NYSDEC map). The trail rambled over ledges with just a couple small scrambles, eventually terminating at an inconsequential ledge with a nice view over to West Mountain and Jackie Jones Mountain. I wouldn't necessarily recommend this side trip, but I guess it was nice for a solitude. I used this time to wring out my shirt again and fuel myself before easily returning to the pothole ledge, as I decided to call it. I did see a black squirrel, though!

[9:04am - Appalachian Trail]

From the better view back on the Appalachian Trail, I could identify Jackie Jones Mountain, which is always fun to see. The trail traversed an unfortunately overgrown stretch, but that was the only bummer (for now...). I crossed paths with a large but very friendly group of folks, felt some hip pain, and ate some more blueberries!

The AT descended on MANY stone steps, eventually steeply and narrowly winding down between some large boulders. The trail bottomed out on the old access road that I passed while ascending a while ago.

Following the  deteiroating-but-paved access road, there was a steep drop off on the left and some really impressive stone work on the right, which I think serves the purpose of preventing further erosion/sliding on the ledges above - I wonder if this is CCC work? The pavement eventually ends with pleasant views into the woods below, and soon crosses Perkins Memorial Drive.

[9:22am - Appalachian Trail/Perkins Memorial Drive]

After crossing the road, the Appalachian Trail entered the classic open, grassy "Harriman Woods" - as I've begun to call it. The trail rose over a hump and continued to meander as I crossed paths with some more thru hikers - one notable duo was a southern couple who just seemed like the happiest folks in all the land! I crossed paths with another who was picking blueberries, descended on some more tight stairs, past some more thru hikers, and the trail flattened out before crossing the Seven Lakes Drive.

[9:36am - Appalachian Trail/Seven Lakes Drive]

[9:37am - Appalachian Trail/1777W]

After crossing Seven Lakes Drive, the Appalachian Trail continues a few feet before joing the 1777W trail. The two coincide for a few minutes - I was excited to had been here before! The trail wiggled through a mountain laurel tunnel for a bit before the Appalchain Trail turned left, leaving 1777W.

[9:40am - Appalachian Trail]

Back on a new-to-me stretch of trail, a continued along and was soon scared by a guy who camped on the side of the trail and was sitting up in his tent. I had been feeling some hip pain for the past mile-ish, but I noticed if I just don't take MASSIVE steps, I'd be fine. I came across a guy with a Poland Spring water bottle and over-the-ear headphones. We exchanged nods, went our seperate ways, but then he turned around and asked where the parking lot was. I asked him which one, and he had no idea. I told him the nearest one was the 1777W one and directed him there... hopefully that's where he wanted to go and not to Anthony Wayne... I never heard or saw any missing persons report, so I guess he made it back!

[9:48am - Appalachian Trail/Fawn Trail]

Just after my... encounter I landed at the Fawn Trail junction and the Appalachian Trail began to climb, soon entering an area of young birches. I was officially dripping in sweat again! I did a short snack-and-sit at a fantastic viewpoint of Bear Mountain. It was especially fun to see the ledges I was traversing not too long ago. I crossed paths with another hiker here who was playing motivational speeches on his phone...

I continued along, climbing more steadily, questioning my life choices, but soon made it to the junction with the Timp-Torne Trail.

[10:06am - Timp-Torne Trail]

I initially got confused at this junction, because the AT was turning right, but I was pretty sure I had to turn left. I had completely forgotten that I was leaving the AT! I turned left onto the Timp-Torne Trail to start a long stretch of familiar hiking. I passed some nice views down to Anthony Wayne as the sounds of cars on the Palisades Interstate Parkway ushered me along as I waved to Jackie Jones Mountain again!

My shoes were yet again soaked from my sweat as I passed a junction with an orange-blazed trail. I didn't get a photo/timestamp because a group of men were chilling there - at least they told me "you probably want to go left" (they were right!). 

[10:27am - Timp-Torne Trail/Suffern-Bear Mountain Trail]

A few minutes after, the Suffern-Bear Mountain Trail joined the Timp-Torne Trail as the trail rambled around a rocky-slabby stretch. The trail(s) eventually came up to a confusing cairn that made it look like one of the two trails turned, but no, both trails continued straight. I felt validated by an older man at the same cairn who was also confused. I was rewarded by the world's weakest and shorest breeze that added a solid five minutes back to my life!

[10:35am - Suffern-Bear Mountain Trail]

The trailbed started to get a little grassy near the split of the Suffern-Bear Mountain Trail and the Timp-Torne Trail. I was nervous, because I remembered being a little miserable in this upcoming stretch when I hiked it in the spring. Thankfully, I didn't expect any lingering winter conditions. To my absolute dismay, I was about to hike on the most overgrown trail I'd ever been on. 

The grass was so grown-in that I couldn't even see the rocks beneath my feet, which made for some slow hiking and interesting footing challenges. A dislodged rock eventually hit my shin, BUT there were plentiful blueberries, so I guess that's a win? I was nervous about ticks, but I was so sweaty that I'm pretty sure they'd drown upon first bite. 

The Suffern-Bear Mountain Trail turned into a more shaded area and the trail conditions improved... for about a minute before getting bad again. It steeply descended on an eroded footbed before climbing over a knob and getting even grassier. The trail continued to ramble about with another pathetic breeze that still felt good, alternating between steep/eroded and flat/grassy. 

A longer, steeper, awfully eroded pitch tragically felt amazing after pushing through the grass for a while, but not to worry, I was soon back in the grass again! I reminded myself to be grateful because I'd had great conditions all day...

The Suffern-Bear Mountain Trail joined a stream in a familiar area, crossed the stream, and then continued through a grass-free eroded area. I remember this area had a lot of running streams in the spring, but it was mostly dry this time of year. 

After leaving the dried wet area, the trail becomes only slightly grassy again and begins to follow an old road grade, which it left at the Fawn Trail junction to climb up and over a pud. The trail descended to cross a couple of mossy streams and then began to rise again with rough footing to the junction with 1777W - finally!

[11:18am - Suffern-Bear Mountain Trail/1777W]

I took a water and snack break at this junction while wondering if I actually even liked hiking anymore. Just as I got moving again, I almost stepped on a black snack that sent my 6 feet into the air! My camera lens was fogged up due to the thicker humidity in this area, and I was solidly cranky at this point.

I passed a sign for the "Doodletown Walking Tour" along the trail, which I'm sure has an interesting history. 

"WALKING TOUR. Follow this map to the homesteads of the long-gone hamlet of Doodletown. Homes are numbered as they existed in 1957. Those circled in red have a sign-post on the trail with a photo of the house. A book, Doodletown: Hiking Through History in a Vanished Hamlet on the Hudson, by former resident, Elizabeth "Perk" Stalter, is available at the Park Visitor Center on the Palisades Parkway." from trailside sign.

There was a slight breeze and dash of sunlight, attempting to keep me alive. The Suffern-Bear Mountain Trail began to climb again, mostly easily but slowly due to tired legs, past some mid-stage spotted lantern flies (DEATH TO THEM!), past a couple of deer, and soon to Seven Lakes Drive - progress!

[11:36am - Suffern-Bear Mountain Trail/Seven Lakes Drive]

I was OFFICIALLY in the home stretch now! The Suffern-Bear Mountain Trail crossed Seven Lakes Drive onto an access that road that may or may not have connected to the one from before. The sun was HOT at this point in the day, and abundant now that the access road began to follow a power cut. I could hear a comical amount of motorcycles blasting "Low Rider" from the road down below as I climbed up the height-of-land, my final climb of the day!

At the height-of-land, the Suffern-Bear Mountain Trail veered right off of the power cut for the final descent, which closely paralleled the power cut with decent footing. I caught a small peek-a-view to the Bear Mountain Bridge from this area, and I could soon hear people down below at the state park!

I began to emotionally prepare for my reentry to society as the trail began to zig-zag down, crossing the power cut many more times. I came across a lone turkey, that was soon joined by another turkey and a BUNCH of babies, which was super fun to watch! I caught a glimpse of another five-lined skink before landing on another access road, where the trail turned left.

According to the lack of track on AllTrails, it looked like that stretch of trail was a relatively recent reroute. I veered right at a split and passed some overgrown stairs before finally exiting the woods and making my way to the trail's official terminus back at the junction with the Appalchain Trail and Major Welch Trail!

[11:57am - End of Trail at Bear Mountain State Park]

All that was left was my final walk through the state park, which was BUSTLING with people, cookouts, and overall energy. I was sweaty, tired, and stinky, which was in stark contrast to the 99% of people who were all around. The main parking lot was completely full, but the lot I parked in was only half full. My sausage fingers were full present, and I made it back to my car at the same time as the trail runners who I started the morning with!

[12:02pm - End of Hike]

There was a long line of cars trying to enter the parking lot at the toll booth, which was collecting payments now. Overall, this was a nice hike, and with a bit of trail maintenance, the whole trip would have been a blast!

Step-by-Step

- Park at Bear Mountain State Park.

- Start hike on Appalachian Trail.

- Follow Appalachian Trail to summit of Bear Mountain.

- Descend Bear Mountain on Appalachian Trail.

- At jct., hike out-and-back on blue-blazed Major Welch Trail to view.

- Continue to descend Bear Mountain on Appalachian Trail.

- Cross Seven Lakes Drive.

- Continue to follow Appalachian Trail.

- At jct., turn left onto blue-blazed Timp-Torne Trail.

- Suffern-Bear Mountain Trail joins on right.

- At split, turn left onto yellow-blazed Suffern-Bear Mountain Trail.

- Cross Seven Lakes Drive.

- Follow Suffern-Bear Mountain Trail back to car.

Map of Bear Mountain State Park (NYSDEC)

Photo Album

Twin & Indian Head Mountains via Jimmy Dolan Notch Trail & Devil's Path (Catskill Park)

Twin & Indian Head Mountains via Jimmy Dolan Notch Trail & Devil's Path (Catskill Park)

Hike Type: Lollipop Loop w/ Spur

Distance: 8.80 miles

Elevation: 2,382 feet

Time: 4 hours, 22 minutes (3 hours, 56 minutes moving)
Hiking Challenges: Catskill 3500 Club

The Hike

Time for adventure du jour #2! I noticed Twin Mountain and Indian Head Mountain from the road leading to the trailhead and truly they didn't look too horrible (especially compared to Sugarloaf), so I was feeling confident! I had a sandwich and a Celsius and I was feeling MUCH better. My feet were a little sore, but I was not overly worried about that. The access road had a comical (but understandable) amount of "NO PARKING" signs once the pavement ended, and the actual parking area had ample parking (and two porta potties!). I made use of one before getting suited up. I also noticed a blue car that I saw at the Plateau trailhead - how fun! I was dreaming of doing the out-and-back to Twin and then the loop over Indian Head, but was willing to accept just a full out-and-back to both, or even just to Twin - goal was to listen to my body and reasonably push myself.

[9:25am - Devil's Path]

I signed the trail register right at the trailhead and overhead a couple hiking parties talking about doing the full Devil's Path (they're crazy). The beginning of the trail started similar to Tuckerman Ravine - wide, rocky, but completely easy. There was a gently trickling creek, I crossed paths with my first person of the day, and soon came to the junction with the Jimmy Dolan Notch Trail!

[9:32am - Jimmy Dolan Notch Trail]

The Jimmy Dolan Notch Trail immediately and easily crossed a creek before beginning a long, easy rise through what felt like a rerouted trail. It was warmer out at 68 degrees, but it tragically felt warmer with the humidity in the air. Naturally, I got another bug in the exact same eye as the trail crossed a multitude of dried out drainages. Somewhere around 0.8 miles, the trail exhibited some impressive cobblestone-like stonework that continued for an impressive amount of time. 

I continued along the luxurious sidewalk as I realized I simply was not gaining much elevation... at all. The bugs were enjoying the airspace around my ears as I neared the 2500ft contour, which is where the trail began to climb more moderately with a few zig-zags.  

After, the trail briefly flattened and then began to CLIMB. It was only about 400 feet of elevation, but it happened quickly and steeply with loose, wobbly footing. I went from wonderfully walking to dreadfully slogging past a nettle grove (I was so tempted to touch one just to see how bad it actually hurt but my survival instincts prevented that, thankfully). 

The trail pivoted from unstable, wobbly rocks to larger, stable rock, which I guess was an improvement? Thankfully, I soon landed in Jimmy Dolan Notch, marked by the Devil's Path/Jimmy Dolan Notch trail junction!

[10:19am - Devil's Path/Jimmy Dolan Notch]

From here, I dropped my pack and followed a herd path straight past the Devil's Path sign and through the rugged and wild Jimmy Dolan Notch (AllTrails had a trail mapped to an overlook). There really wasn't much of a view, BUT the geology was magnificent!

Back at the trail signs, I was living in the land of 1,000 flies and chugged some water (water water this time, not Nuun, and it was glorious). The trail sign listed Twin Mountain as being 1.1 miles away - off I go!

The flies continued to be abundant, but thankfully they were neither swarming nor biting. The trail was initially a little grown-in, but was soon completely fine. Staying on-theme, the trail soon became wildly rugged but geologically magnificent. There was a small breeze (thank goodness) that ushered me along while I admored the flowering clovers (I never realized that clovers flowered until this year). 

There was a small scramble past, around, and through some more cool rocks and I passed humans #2 and #3, both of which were in good spirits (a good sign!). The Devil's Path passed a couple of rock caves and shelters and I caught a tree view toward Indian Head from scramble #3. After rounding a shoulder, the terrain and temperature both cooled off in some denser woods, soon passing a grown-in ledge view to Indian Head.

[10:45am - Devil's Path/Twin Mountain South Peak]

After the grown-in view, the Devil's Path rounded the south peak of Twin Mountain and a short spur path led to a rock that provides views of... trees. It was kind of a neat spot, just being immersed in trees, though! The sun was HOT. 

After the south peak, the trail became wonderful! There was soon a fantastic view to Sugarloaf and a shoulder of Plateau Mountain plus many more distant peaks. It was a shame that it was so hazy out, but that's really just a hazard of hiking in the summertime.

The sun was BAKING me, so I didn't stay to enjoy the view. I passed some blueberry bushes that weren't quite ready for snacking, and then the Devil's Path began to tragically, but easily descend. The descent felt like a long time, but I'm sure it truly wasn't that bad. 

The col was covered in beautiful trees and moss and then the Devil's Path began to steeply climb again (at least the rocks were still really cool...). Thankfully, the climb was short and sweet (even though I thought I was going to die from exhaustion) and soon passed a "no camping" area and then the somehow even more-inconsquential-than-Plateau summit, which had "TWIN" etched into a trail marker.

[11:13am] - Twin Mountain Summit

Right after the boring summit was a nice viewpoint, simialr to the one off of the south summit, but lesser. I enjoyed some pistachios and water (water had truly never tasted so good), wrung the liters of sweat out of my sshirt, and soon began me trip back to Jimmy Dolan Notch.

I passed over the height-of-land and what I think was a summit rock ~5ish feet off trail and then scrambled down back to the col. I dilly-dallied a little too long taking photos, and the flies unfortunately discovered my hair (which I can't imagine smelled very good, but to each their own, I guess...). The re-ascent was moderate at worst with mostly good footing - truly fine. I enjoyed the view from the south peak's ledge with a wonderful, short-lived breeze. I scrambled down the three scrambles, soon landing back in the notch.

[11:38am - Devil's Path/Jimmy Dolan Notch]

Now it was decision time. I had three options: 1) go back to the car from here, 2) go up Indian Head, descend back here, and return to the car, or 3) do the full loop from here. My emotional heart wanted to do the loop, but I was worried about the heat, exhaustion, and my lack-of-abundance of water. I puhed off the decision until later, again. I shoved some more pistachios into my mouth, popped an Advil for my aching shoulder (thanks, Plateau), and started climbing again just as an unhappy couple arrived from the Jimmy Dolan Notch Trail.

I was upset when I realized that I hadn't seen a 3500' Feet sign ONCE on these hikes - maybe they're only for the taller peaks... The Devil's Path was steep, but not as bad as the climb up Twin or even to the notch. I was going slow, but I was glad it was easier. I nearly stepped on a tiny frog, but thankfully saved his life. 

Continuing to climb, I laughed at how soaked my soaks and even shoes now were. I made the decision that I would do the loop as long as my heart rate went back down after my climbing was done. There were tree views behind back to Twin Mountain, and soon the Devil's Path rounded a corner and the shoulder, arriving at a wonderful plateau walk.

[12:00pm - Indian Head Mountain Summit (approx.)]

Somewhere along this ridge walk was the summit of Indian Head Mountain! I had hoped to see a sign, cairn, or etched trail marker, but I truly saw nothing. There was one moment of a grown-in viewpoint, which might have been near the summit. I was also borderline delerious, so I may have missed something. Soon enough, I started descending, past a guy I saw in the parking lot who asked me "is the summit far?" - I just said "uh I don't think so?"

I came to an overgrown ledge view where there was a nice breeze - I took a moment here to wring out my shirt (again). I traversed an unproblematic mud put, which was home to dozens of dragonflies. I was actively trying to hike slow to keep my heart rate low and to hopefully cool my sweating. I caught a baby view over to Overlook Mountain and then descended along the bottom of the cliff wall which was truly more impressive than the view.

I crossed paths with a few folks and then kicked another rock with the same foot I used to painfully kick a rock on Plateau, which was a solid bummer. There was a steep descent to a "no camping" area, where I "enjoyed" feeling a squelch with every step due to my soaked shoes from my sweat. 

[12:21pm - Devil's Path/Overlook]

I descended to a nice overlook that had a view to a knob that I was going to have to hike over (I think). There was a small poster of a "Gone, Not Forogtten!" memorial just before. On a lighter note, from the view I heard a woman go "what the f**k"? and made the mistake of looking down at a near-vertical climb that I would have to soon descent.

The woman and her daughter slowly made thier way up the scramble and then I CAREFULLY made my way down. I passed a BUNCH of grouses in the col - presumably a mom and her babies. Mom grouse went left and babies went right, so a lot bird whining ensued afterward. I passed another grown-in view and climbed up and over the knob (or climbed the knob and passed the view - unsure of the sequence of events) and began to daydream about all the liquids I was going to drink after my hike. 

[12:39pm - Devil's Path/Sherman's Overlook]

I passed a peek-a-view to Plattekill Mountain and then descended along (more) cool rocks, passing another view to Plattekill Mountain and then a very nice view to Kaaterskill High Peak and its surroundings. I shoveled the rest of pistachios, killed my water, and took my first sit of the day (besides in my car) in the shade to mentally prep for my final three miles. I later learned that this viewpoint is "Sherman's Overlook."

I continued to descned along MORE cool rocks (I really appreciated how all the cliffs were like... layered. The trail was shale-y but had mostly stable footing, which was welcomed, as it descended back into a deciduous forest. There was now a constant breeze which kept me alive (and the flies away). I began to pass some more... comical looking hikers, starting with a group of four who looked like they have never hiked a day in their lives before, followed by a man in long-sleeved religious clothing hiking up with only a Poland Spring water bottle and a misting battery-powered fan. 

I received a few bug bits at this point and traversed another unproblematic muddy spot (the soft ground actually felt great), and eventually passed people #2 and #3 that I saw forever ago on my ascent up Twin's south peak. I began to regain strength here as the trail began to flatten out and I picked up my speed. 

[1:13pm - Devil's Path/Overlook Trail]

Now, I'm unsure of specific trail names because NYSDEC doesn't actually post trail names on their signs, but the Devil's Path eventually turned left onto a road grade that is either the Long Path, Overlook Trail, or Overlook Primitive Bicycle Corridor, or likely some combination of all three. This was a short stretch, though, as the Devil's Path turned left again off of the road grade soon after.

[1:15pm - Devil's Path/Overlook Trail]

This final bit of new trail REALLY tested me. The flies were more active than they had been and I was exhausted. I did hit a few flies (hard), which felt GOOD. The trail undulated and crossed many dry stream beds, eventually crossing a really well-built mostly-dry brook. Naturally, I soon stubbed the same toe for a third time, but after planning my own funeral, I could see the trail sign for the Devil's Path/Jimmy Dolan Notch Junction! I could have cried! The trail sign said 0.5 to the car, which was more than I wanted, but I was just happy to be almost done.

[1:41pm - Devil's Path/Jimmy Dolan Notch Trail]

Thankfully, it was only 0.25 miles back to the parking lot. I signed out, and soon, I was done! I was fericuously thirsty, but all I had in the car was old Gatorade Zero Fruit Punch Packets, which I immediately chugged ang gave myself a tummy ache... Make it work! It was now a hot 82 degrees, and I decided I was more than allowed to be bonked. Between the two hikes, I hiked 15.6 miles and 4,419 feet, with my longest break being the 30 mintues between hikes. Well earned!

[1:46pm - End of Hike]

I soon made my way to Stewarts in Haine's Falls where I shopped like a madman. I got water, Gatorade, Stewart's brand lemonade, a Recee's Big Cup, a double cheeseburger, and a slice of pizza. I got my first and only muscle cramp of the day back at the car, which was more than fine, as it was time to refuel! The only dud of my haul was the lemonade - it was way too sour for me - everything else was magnificent.

There were a wild amount of people walking on NY-23A, I guess looking to picnic along Kaaterskill Creek? My adventure drive was not over yet, though! To my horror, I-87 had a solid amount of traffic. I guess I was not the only person going back to the tri-state area on the Sunday after the 4th of July... I was VERY tired at this point, and the slow traffic was NOT helping. I decided I deserved a treat, so I found a Dairy Queen near Poughkeepsie that I was going to visit. I woke up for the next 20 minutes, but to my HORROR, the Dairy Queen was not only closed and boarded up, but it was also graffitied. As a Plan B, I went to McDonalds, but the line for that was around the corner. Plan C was going to Walmart for a walking break and a box of cereal... It wasn't fun, but it got me home safe and sound.

Step-by-Step

- Park at Devil's Path trailhead.

- Start hike on Devil's Path (red).

- At jct., turn right onto Jimmy Dolan Notch Trail (blue).

- At terminus, turn right onto Devil's Path (red).

- At Twin Mountain summit, turn around.

- At jct. with Jimmy Dolan Notch Trail (blue), continue straight on Devil's Path (red).

- Follow Devil's Path up and over Indian Head Mountain and back to car.

Map of Indian Head Wilderness (NYSDEC)

Photo Album

Plateau Mountain via Devil's Tombstone Campground (Catskill Park)

Plateau Mountain via Devil's Tombstone Campground (Catskill Park)

Hike Type: Out-and-Back

Distance: 6.80 miles

Elevation: 2,037 feet

Time: 3 hours, 12 minutes (2 hours, 53 minutes moving)
Hiking Challenges: 52 Hike Challenge 2025, Catskill 3500 Club

The Hike

After finishing up the "kinda Bachelorette party but really just wedding planning" weekend, I had a fully open Sunday for some hiking before making my grand return to New Jersey. I had hoped to climb Plateau Mountain in the Catskills on the way up a couple days ago, but thunderstorms prevented me from achieving that. After looking at the stats, I decided I'd do Plateau today and if I had energy left, which I should, I cal also hike the mountians I had planned for today afterwards (Twin & Indian Head). I had a SILLY wake up at 1:45am and was out the door at 2:00am (I giggled setting the alarm because it was so silly). I was shockingly awake for the drive and even saw a shooting star near Worcester! I stopped for food and fuel at the Lee rest area. I started to see early daylight around 4:00am once I was on I-87, and then I had a wonderful drive through the Catskills, passing Hunter Mountain just before the trailhead. There were a few other cars at the trailhead including one van, and it was just a little too dark for me to start without a headlamp, so I got to have a little power nap.

After my nap, I explored the parking area, which had a lovely pond, picnic spots, and some water spigots. My stomach was NOT happy, which was a solid bummer, and I was mentally preparing to take care of a code brown once in the woods. I got suited up a little after 5:30am and crossed the road to start my hike. It was a humid 61 degrees, and it was time to climb!

[5:41am - Devil's Path]

The Devil's Path climbed up some stairs to enter the woods and passed the trail register (I was good and signed it!). I took about 10 spider webs in the first 5 feet of the hike, but thankfully that was the bulk of it. The trail began on a wide footbed through some warm, humid air, and then began to zig zag and steepen up many rock steps, soon switching to a more rugged uphill climb. 

I realized I didn't lock my car which was a solid bummer, but I had already done too much work to turn around. The trail was a calf steep which had my legs on fire! I knew this would be a steep climb, but I don't think I fully comprehended how steep it was going to be. I climbed through a loose, wobbly stretch as the footbed narrowed around 0.5 miles. There was an occasional lukewarm breeze that was the only thing keeping me alive!

There were some obstructed tree views as I ascended another loose graveley stretch steeply. I continued to remind myself that the name Plateau Mountain implies I will have a nice, long walking break, because I needed it! The trail slightly leveled out at an unpleasant grassy patch followed by a talus-y area. The trail then turned and steepened, but thankfully the worst was now behind me (at least the worst in terms of steepness...). 

I passed some fun, white, poofy flowers and then entered a stretch of overgrowth that was just not fun to swim through. After the dreadful stretch, the Devil's Path meandered through the woods past some really cool rock formations followed by one more stretch of loose, awful footing. 

Thankfully, that awful stretch led to the view! The trail kind of split just beforehand - the official trail turned right and easily hiked up stone steps to the viewpoint ledge, and a worn path on the left led to the steep wall of the ledge that was scramble-able up (I kind of read that the trail used to go this way, but I cannot confirm that). I went left for no good reason, hurting my shoulder in the process, but the view was worth it!

[6:38am - Devil's Path/Overlook]

The overlook was really wonderful in the morning, colorful light. It's fun to be in a mountain range that I'm not overly familar with - the only things I could identify were Hunter Mountain on the right with it's fire tower and Slide Mountain on the left. The drainages looked intricately carved between all the surrounding mountains and hills which was just wonderful!

To my absolute delight, the climbing for the hike was basically over! Turning back into the woods, I hiked along a wonderful, flat ridge that some would dare call a "plateau." The footing was good and soft and soon I came to a somewhat grown-in ledge view towards Kaaterskill High Peak.

Loudly buzzing flies were beginning to wake up, but thankfully they were no bother aside from their symphony of sounds. The trail meandered around some unproblematic ferns, eventually nearing (or entering) someone's heavily posted private land. There was an occasional gentle blaze and a few birds adding to the overhead buzzing, too. There were some webs here and there, but only when the trail was narrower.

There was a gentle small scramble and then the Devil's Path swung around a false summit and easily descended into a dark forest before rising past some really cool rock shelf-like formations (I wish I knew more geological terms), soon landing at the junction with the Warner Creek Trail.

[7:14am - Devil's Path/Warner Creek Trail]

The trail junction sign mentioned that the Tremper Mountain Fire Tower was 10 miles away, which was fun to see. Only 0.5 miles to the summit, according to the sign! The Devil's Path easily descended again before rising to a left turn off of what looked like an old trail or road corridoor, arriving at the summit shortly after!

[7:26am - Plateau Mtn. Summit]

The summit was simply the height-of-land on the trail, only marked by the word "PLATEAU" sharpie'd onto a faded red trail marker. I likely would have hiked right past it if the trail didn't begin to descend right after! I did a quick break there to grab a beef stick and swap out my Nalgenes, but I didn't stick around 1) because there was nothing to see and 2) the flies were getting a little close for my liking when standstill.

I ate my beef stick on the move (the Fatty brand with cheese in it... I was not a fan of the texture), easily descending and gently rising back to the junction with the Warner Creek Trail in the beautiful woods.

[7:39am - Devil's Path/Warner Creek Trail]

The return trip to the overlook was inconsequential, just wonderful, easy hiking. I found myself admiring all of the old blazes which made me wonder about something and gave me an idea. My wonder was is the plastic really better for the environment than a paint blaze, or does it not make much of a difference? My gut says a slab of paint MUST be better for the trees than a piece of plastic and two nails, but what I do know... My idea was a cool hiking patch challenge where you have to "collect" photos of all the different trail markers that NYSDEC uses (like yellow, blue, and red, and then the different "eras") - I might research this more.

I used the PeakFinder app at the medium grown-in overlook to find out that to the right of Kaaterskill High Peak was Sugarloaf, Twin, and Indian Head - the latter two I planned to hike afterwards!

[8:10am - Devil's Path/Overlook]

I soon came back to the main, wonderful overlook that was paired with a life-altering breeze (thank goodness). The view looked completely different with the sun fully shining and it was just as lovely. I took a quick standing break and mentally prepared for a rough descent.

Right away, a little snake spooked me and then I slid about 4 feet on one foot in the uppermost horribly loose section. I got a bug in my eye and smashed my toe against a shockingly hard rock in the overgrown stretch. The middle loose, gravelley section was still loose and gravelley, as was the lowest, which was just as horrible. It was dreadfully sweaty down low, and I got another bug in the same eye as before. Thankfully, after questioning all of my life choices, I reentered a hardwood forest, descended on stone steps, signed out at the trail registered, and made my way across the road back to the car.

[8:45am - End of Hike]

This hike was more tiring than I originally expected (my fault) and I found myself trying to convince myself to call it a day and skip Twin/Indian Head, but it was only 8:45am, I had a full change of clothes, I was about to eat and hydrate, and I would be really proud of myself if I rallied, so alas, I rallied! I also realized I did not need to take care of a code brown in the woods, so that was a win! I filled up a Nalgene at a water spigot and started my short-and-sweet drive over to the Devil's Path trailhead!

Step-by-Step

- Park at Devil's Tombstone Campground.

- Cross street and hike to Plateau Mountain via Devils' Path (red).

- At summit, turn around and return to car.

Map of Indian Head Wilderness (NYSDEC)

Photo Album

Hadley Mountain Fire Tower (Adirondack Park)

Hadley Mountain Fire Tower (Adirondack Park)

Hike Type: Out and Back

Distance: 3.44 miles

Elevation: 1,535 feet

Time: 1 hour, 38 minutes (1 hour, 30 minutes moving)
Hiking Challenges: ADK 29er, Adirondack Firetower Challenge, Operation Alaska Benchmark Challenge

The Hike

It was now the second weekend of April break, and I was in New Jersey, but had to end my day in northern Vermont. I spent some time looking at ways to break up the drive, and landed at the Hadley Mountain Fire Tower on the edge of the Adirondack Park! The drive from NJ to the trailhead was long but easy, and I made it to the empty trailhead just before 7:30am. It was a crisp 48 degrees with a few bugs hovering about, but overall all was good! The access road was dirt and narrow but in good condition. I took care of my Code Yellow just off the parking lot, feared a Code Brown, pulled it together, and got to my adventure!

I chose to be bold and start cold, which was a good move (as always), as I immediately started sweating as the trail got right to work. I had a bit of hip chafing from yesterday's hike in Harriman, but it wasn't burning too badly. Skies were overcast as I climbed up to the trail register that was missing a writing implemenet. 

The trail continued past the register on a wide, eroded trail. The dark, dense forest opened up to a young hardwood area where I noticed a #2 on a tree - maybe this is an interpretive trail? (Yes! You can download the brochure from https://hadleymtfiretower.org/). The #2 was in reference to bear marking on the trees. 

I enjoyed the smell of warm, wet forest as the trail began to climb more steeply. I misssed #3 (bedrock) but did notice marker #4 (natural sculptures). There were lots of small critters around the forest floor doing their morning chores and I enjoyed some hazy tree views behind me. The trail bends at a signed arrow, crosses a creek, and arrives at marker #5 (stream crossing). 

The trail was well-blazed in red and I was sweaty! I climbed up what was the beginning of MANY slabs, which at this moment were wet, but not slippery. I was worrying about the descent, but I'd let that be a later problem. I noticed a tree view to some undercast in the distance and also some early spring budding (as opposed to the almost-leaves of Harriman State Park). 

The slabs got a bit dicier and eventually, the trail turned off of the slabs and continued on steep, rocky footing (which was a welcome change). I zig-zagged through another ledgy spot and climbed up an adorable, ~3ft tall chimney. I felt one single rain drop as the trail continued to rise up to the col between Hadley Mountain and it's neighbor peak (#6 - The Resting Rock on Panther Pass). 

Once in the col, which I guess is also known as Panther Pass, I enjoyed a heavenly walking break before the trail narrowed and began to climb again. The climbing now was much easier as I collected spider webs and continued to fear what my stomach was capable of (remember the Code Brown scare from earlier? It's back!). I passed marker #7 ("Pioneer" White Birch - the first trees to grow after a forest fire) and enjoyed the sound of woodpeckers hard at work.

The trail climbed through a rocky notch and turned left at marker #8 ("Sharp Turn Left!") before steepening in a grassy, ledgy area, which led to a wonderful tree view to a lake. This was followed by another wonderufl walking break and another ledge view to nearby mountains. It even smelled like a pine candle up here - I was so happy.

The climbing became easy at this point as I soon arrived at the old warden's cabin and privy (with a spooky little cave, too). There was a quick scramble and push to the true summit, which was mostly open with wonderful views, the tower, a USGS disc, and a summit bolt. 

The tower climb wasn't too awful and the cabin was open with a small ladder that was terrifying, but worth the extra emotional push. The views north were exceptional, but I couldn't make out the Catskills due to clouds. The tower was marker #10 (Top and the Tower!) and I had missed #9, but it was at the cabin and cave. 

I took a bunch of photos and then started my descent right at the one-hour mark. I was thrilled to have encountered absolutely zero signs of winter, and I was back at Panther Pass in 15 minutes! On a side note, I really love hiking in New York specifically because you can tell which trail plackards are new and which are old - I find it super fun!

I significantly slowed down on the wet slabs further down and did NOT fall. I did my best to be good and avoid going off-trail, but a few stretches were too dangerous with the moss and moisture to go straight through. The lower slabs, which were dry, were an absolute dream! Soon enough I was back at the car, solidifying that this was a zero-person hike! It was now 60 degrees, and I was on my way to Vermont! I soon drove past a porcupine on the access road followed by some turkeys. Just after, on Eddy Road, I got a great view of Hadley Mountain. The rest of my drive to and over Lake Champlain was just beautiful.

Step-by-Step

- Start hike on Hadley Mountain Trail (red blazes).

- Summit Hadley Mountain, climb fire tower, return to car.

Wilcox Lake Wild Forest

Photo Album

Tom Jones & Dutch Doctor Shelters via R-D and Victory Trails (Harriman State Park)

Tom Jones & Dutch Doctor Shelters via R-D and Victory Trails (Harriman State Park)

Hike Type: Figure 8 Loop

Distance: 8.90 miles

Elevation: 1,601 feet

Time: 3 hours, 38 minutes (3 hours, 30 minutes moving)
Hiking Challenges: Harriman Shelter Challenge, Harriman Trail Challenge

The Hike

Time to (hopefully) finish the Harriman Shelter Challenge! Yesterday, I saw Boop! on Broadway, so no hiking, but now everyone in my New Jersey family was working, and I had a few hours to kill. I accidentally added 15 minutes to my drive by thinking I could skip my exit off of I-87 to use the bathroom at the new Sloatsburg Service Plaza, but that was clearly a mistake... The plaza was beautiful, though! I slowly worked my way to the Ramapo-Dunderburg Trail crossing parking on Kanawauke Road, got suited up, greeted the woman parked next to me who was finishing up her hike, and got right to work!

Unfortunately, the gnats were ABUNDANT. I guess that's just one of the joys of springtime! It was a warm-feeling 60 degrees out, and I soon applied my first helping of bug spray for the season. I climbed along a partial reroute of the Ramapo-Dunderberg Trail up Tom Jones Mountain, which then continued up some steep, open slabs with views behind. The trees had early spring buds, and I was catching plenty of spider webs.

Like much of Harriman State Park, the woods were wide open. This climb was short, but mighty, and I was soon out of breath and at the summit! There were views all around through the spaced-out trees. It felt like a wonderful summer morning.

After the summit, the Ramapo-Dunderberg Trail scrambled down and then I joined a short spur trail to the Tom Jones Shelter. I noticed a black snake about 20 feet off-trail in the grass, just slithering about. There was a wonderful view from the shelter (the second best, in my opinion, after West Mountain). The only sounds I could hear were the birds and I could make out part of a lake down below. What a beautiful morning!

Now I was back on the Ramapo-Dunderberg Trail for a while. I passed some catepillar tents as I descended Tom Jones Mountain. I noticed a stone living room-type structure through the trees on the descent, and I had a nice view to Parker Cabin Mountain, which was my next stop.

In the col, I passed the Victory Trail, which I would hike much later in the day. The Ramapo-Dunderberg Trail crossed an easy creek and began to gently ascend Parker Cabin Mountain, which had more characteristic, open woods. I caught a nice view back to Tom Jones from a false summit, and found two more snakes as I hopped off of the false summit. They were both black and I assume the same kind as the first. I thought rat snakes, but not 100% sure. 

The trail gently climbed and mellowed out at the summit, which was open and grassy with view through the trees - it was so pretty up here.

The Triangle Trail briefly joined in another open area and then split off - I followed the Ramapo-Dunderberg Trail on the left, which was now grassier and less defined as it descended. There was a heavenly breeze that added at least a year to my life, too. I caught some ledge views on the way down. 

I was enjoying the delightful weather as the trail began to steeply descend into the woods, where the white cross trail crossed. After meandering for a bit, the Ramapo-Dunderberg Trail next crossed the white bar trail, wiggled through some unproblematic mud in a Mountain Laurel grove, and then began to climb to Black Ash Mountain (#1?- it's unclear if this or the next peak was Black Ash Mountain, as the official NYDEC map labels both as such... kinda). 

The Ramapo-Dunderberg Trail arrived at a rugged summit followed by a small scramble down in a generally rugged area, but it soon chilled out and became wonderfully grassy. Something wet fell on my face here, but I chose to ignore it. The descent continued to be pretty, grassy, and rolling, and then crossed under some power/telephone lines that were a little too close to my head for comfort!

After crossing under the lines I came to my first new trail of the day! The Blue Disc Trail traversed over a really neat rock dam with a pond on the left (featuring some ducks and a goose) and a stream down below on the right. A steep ascent followed up Black Ash Mountain part two (I need to check the Harriman Trails book to figure out if they're both called Black Ash Mountain). There were nice tree views back towards Black Ash 1 and Parker Cabin, and after some huffing and puffing I made it to the top! The summit slabs were open and dry and provided wonderful views.

I began to descend with the humming of I-87 in the background while I got my first bug-in-eye of the season. The trail worked its way to another section of slabs with wonderful views - curiously named Claudius Smith's Dens. 

After the Blue Disc Trail turns left at the dens, I continued left and joined the Tuxedo-Mt. Ivy Trail, which gradually descended for a while. I was back in the woods, which was welcomed as I did not have on any sunscreen and I was feeling crispy! There were plentiful woodpeckers overhead and eventually the trail began to skirt around a swampy area.

In this area, I hit my 4 mile/halfway point for the day, entered a field of loose rocks, and got another bug in my eye. The trail began to slightly ascend, but I didn't even notice until I was out of breath. The trail climbed up and over a pretty knoll as I applied some more bug spray since I had a cloud of gnats overhead.

The Tuxedo-Mt. Ivy Trail crossed a few small streams, and soon I turned onto White Bar, where I was assaulted by more bugs. On the plus side, the final shelter of my challenge was on this trail! Yay! A short spur led to the shelter, but I didn't explore much, as someone was setting up their tent.

This started a long series of hiking through mountain laurel groves. White Bar went through one, I got covered in spider webs, and then there was more after I turned onto Triangle Trail. There was an unmarked path on the right (I assume it goes to a camp on Sebago), and then more mountain laurel. I began to feel a bit claustrophobic as critters scurried around on the leaves on the ground. The trail briefly opened back up, but then soon descended back into more mountain laurel!

I finally got a little reward as the trail neared Lake Sebago. There was another unmarked trail on the right, and later a little spur to the shoreline where I saw some fish! I also saw some turtles, but scared them off - sorry!

Another unmarked trail continued along Lake Sebago as the Triangle Trail turned up and away, rising up and over a low ridge, and then right back into a mountain laurel tunnel with fresh spider webs! On the plus side, this tunnel had some small purple flowers on the ground! The trail rose to a second knob and then Lake Skemonto came into view. 

The Triangle Trial soon came to a short spur to a great viewpoint of the lake. I could see a bunch of turtles enjoying the sun, a couple ducks swimming about, and a goose simply hanging out. I could hear bullfrogs, too. A little ways away there was another viewpoint of the same area, which was just delightful. I had also noticed a lot of dry, furry animal poop on rocks. Maybe it belonged to foxes or coyotes?

After the wonderful lake view... I was back into a mountain laurel tunnel. There was an easy rock hop across a swamp that drained into the lake, and then I was officially on the Victory Trail - my final trail of the day! I was greeted by a delightful breeze and many birds singing overhead. There were tree views to the lake on the right and an unmarked connecting spur trail to Triangle on the left. It also seemed like part of this trail used to be paved?

There were some wild sounds coming from the lake - I assume bullfrogs, and I soon came up to the overhead cables again! The Victory Trail followed these cables for a bit - acting like an access road (I think it is the access road). The trail crossed under the lines to turn and rise away from the lake before circling around a really pretty meadow where I saw another black snake! This one was wet, so I'm guessing a water snake? The gnats had also returned in this section, so I kept it moving.

The Victory Trail wound around the meadow, intersecting with a few other gravel and then paved paths, eventually leaving the meadow in an area with some fire damage. I noticed a building through the woods, I guess belonging to the camp. Next was an old foundation on the left as the Victory Trail crossed under the wires again, just before turning off of the access road and back onto a foot trail. 

The trail continued past some impressive rock formations on the right and then I crossed paths with my first person fo the day! It took 7.42 miles and 3 hours, 8 minutes - I was delighted to be alone for so long. I ventured into yet another mountain laurel grove, but thankfully a shorter one than before, and then it became more rugged in an area with a few wild turkeys. The Victory Trail crossed a few streams and then passed the Ramapo-Dunderberg Trail, officially concluding the larger part of this figure-8 loop. 

The final stretch of Victory Trail hopped along stone steps in a muddy section filled with black birds in the air and then went back into ANOTHER mountain laurel tunnel, and then soon enough I was back on Kanawauke Road!

The road walk was short but also a bit of a bummer, especially after having so much wonderful time in the woods. I counted 15 motorcycles on my short road walk. On the left, there was a wonderful beaver meadow, and soon enough I was back at the car! It was now a toasty 75 degrees, and I was so happy to be able to trust rocks again after my Monadnock hike. Oh, and I was also happy to have completed another challenge!

Step-by-Step

- Park at R-D Trailhead on Kanawauke Road.

- Start hike on Ramapo-Dunderberg Trail (south).

- At jct., turn left onto Blue Disc Trail.

- At jct., turn left onto Tuxedo-Mt. Ivy Trail.

- At jct., turn left onto White Bar Trail.

- At jct., continue onto Triangle Trail.

- At jct., turn right onto Victory Trail.

- At terminus, turn right onto Kanawauke Road.

- Follow Kanawauke Road back to car.

Map of Harriman State Park

Photo Album