Day-Trip Destination: Harriman State Park & Bear Mountain State Park

            When you think of the area surrounding New York City what comes to mind? Congested roadways? Suburban sprawl? 46,613 acres of forested state land? If you just cocked your head in confusion, you may have never heard of Harriman State Park.

New York City skyline viewed from Harriman State Park

            Located just 30 miles north of New York City in both Orange and Rockland counties, Harriman State Park is the second largest state park in New York. The park offers 200 miles of hiking trails, 31 lakes and reservoirs (most open to small watercraft), three beaches, plenty of picnic spots, two public campsites, many group campsites, and miles upon miles of well-maintained scenic roadways providing the visitor with countless ways to spend their time there.

View from West Mountain, Harriman State Park

In the summer months, many urbanites leave the suffocating heat of the city to escape into serenity and freshness of Harriman State Park; because of this, what is known as the “front-country” (picnic grounds, beaches, and campsites near to the road) can become quite crowded, so an early start to the day is recommended. Although the front-county amenities draw quite a crowd, Harriman’s true treasure is its “back-country”; an expanse of preserved wildlands that visitors can explore as they please. If one dares to leave the security of the roadside and venture deep into the forested hills of the park, they will be greatly rewarded with stunning vistas, wildlife encounters, historic ruins, and, perhaps the most appealing attraction, peaceful solitude. The extensive network of trails gives hikers the ability to plan a leisurely day-hike with the wife and kids, or a rigorous multi-day backpacking excursion.

The exposed peak area known as Bald Rocks is a popular destination for hikers 

Neighboring Harriman State park is Bear Mountain State Park. Though much smaller than Harriman, Bear Mountain holds many gems, such as Hessian lake (which is host to rental pedal-boats), an overnight inn, an ice skating rink in winter, and a roadway to the top of Bear Mountain, which offers stunning mountain vistas. Bear Mountain’s and Harriman’s trail systems are connected and span both parks, allowing even greater distance hikes for the bold and physically fit.

View from the summit of Bear Mountain; car accessible 

Getting to these two wonderful parks is simple, even for those residing in New York City. If you will be traveling by car, the drive consists of crossing the George Washington Bridge, taking the Palisades Interstate Parkway north, and getting off at one of the many Harriman exits (exits 15 through 18) that is nearest to your preferred destinations within the park. In totality, the drive is about 40 minutes long. The town of Tuxedo, which is on Harriman's western border, has a train station known as Tuxedo Metro-North Station, which leaves on the Port Jervis line to Hoboken, NJ. This trip by train is approximately one hour.

Please, I ask that you take the necessary precautions before your trip to either Harriman State Park or Bear Mountain State Park. Be sure to inform someone back home of where your going and what time you’ll be back, have the park’s emergency phone number, do not go into the back-country without a map or compass, have both food and water, and practice environmental responsibility.

Harriman State Park/Bear Mountain State Park phone number: 845-786-2701

Recommended trail maps: http://www.nynjtc.org/product/harrimanbear-mountain-trails