Today I want to give you a virtual tour of Harriman State Park, an underrated gem of a place I often visit outside NYC and each time I do, there’s always more to things to try out. Unlike most other parks in the area (like Bear Mountain and Hudson Highlands) which are often overcrowded, this place isn’t and is often missed by travelers, making it peaceful and at the same time highly adventurous!
Info:
- Name: Harriman State Park
- Cost to enter: Free but some parking areas cost $10 per car
- Distance from NYC: 1-2 hours
- Ideal time to visit for: 1 day or more
- Reviews: 4.9 out of 5
Overview:
Now what is a big deal about Harriman State Park? Well there’s multiple answers to that which I’ll cover in different sections later on but overall there’s just tons of things to see and do there. From hiking part of the Appalachian trail to finding old adandoned mines, partaking in swimming activities and finding other secret gems scattered throughout the park, this place is really a one stop for anyone who loves the outdoors and adventures especially.
I’ve hiked through this place more times than I can tell you and in spite of that, I’m still amazed at how many new places and things I find to do each time I revisit.
Things to do:
Harriman State Park isn’t just about stunning landscapes; it’s also a hub for year round recreational activities. I’m going to walk you through some of the most popular things to get up to in this natural playground:
- Hiking (100s of miles of trails)
- Swimming (many beaches)
- Boating
- Camping (dozens of spots)
- Picnicking
- Exploring one of 30 different lakes there
- Scenic drives
- And much more
The most popular activity in the park by far is hiking and I’ll cover some of the best trails there later on, but let me get into some details about the other stuff you can do there:
For those who prefer the water, the park’s 30 lakes and countless rivers offer idyllic settings for boating and fishing. Whether you prefer canoeing in sheer tranquility or you’re angling for the catch of the day, the serene waters of Harriman State Park provide the perfect backdrop.
Let’s not overlook the importance of a good old-fashioned picnic. Sprawling lawns and designated picnic areas dot the landscape, making it easy to find a spot to spread out your blanket and enjoy a meal amidst nature. A number of spots are equipped with picnic tables and barbeque grills, so feel free to pack those burgers and hot dogs!
When winter makes its snowy entrance, the park transforms into a wonderland for cold-weather sports. Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing become the go-to activities, along with ice fishing for those wanting to brave the chill.
As for autumn I’ll cover that part when I talk about the best times to visit the park.
Top hikes:
- Reeves Brook Loop trail (Loop, 3.8 miles, 800 feet of elevation, moderate)
- Dater Mountain trail (Loop, 2.4 miles, 500 feet of elevation, moderate)
- Anthony Wayne Trail (Loop, 2.5 miles, 600 feet of elevation, moderate)
- Appalachian Trail (A to B trail, 20 miles, 1,500 feet of elevation, hard)
- Long Path trail (A to B trail, 20 miles, 1,400 of elevation, hard)
- Lichen Trail (Loop, 5.3 miles, 500 feet of elevation, moderate)
- Pine Meadow Trail (Loop, 4 miles, 350 feet of elevation, moderate)
- Suffern-Bear Mountain Trail (A to B, 23 miles, 2,000+ feet of elevation, hard)
- Kakait trail (A to B, 9 miles, 1,000 feet of elevation, hard)
- Seven Hills (A to B, 7 miles, 1,100 feet of elevation, moderate)
My advice for beginner hikers is to explore short/more crowded trails like the Reeves Brook Loop trail or the Dater Mountain trail.
Although I named a few trails, here’s the things you need to know about hikes in Harriman State Park:
- Most of the hikes in the park are very wild and easy to get lost on so I would strongly recommend that you have a map of the park on your at all times and know how to follow trail markers. I also recommend trail apps such as Alltrails when you go.
- Most of the loop trails in Harriman State Park are NOT on one colored trail marker. You will need to cross onto colored trail markers to complete the loop.
- There’s numerous gems scattered throughout the park like the Bradley Mine, Pine Swamp Mine and more that you can locate on Google maps, but they often require going off trail to find.
- Although it’s rare to run into them, you may see bears, ticks or even snakes. These are some of the most dangerous animals in Upstate NY but if you go with other people, wear clothing that covers most of your body, you should be fine.
These are some of the countless photos I’ve taken when exploring the place. As you can see, most of them are in the fall when I think the park is in it’s most beautiful state:
Best times to go:
If you’re planning a trip to Harriman State Park, timing is key to make the most of your visit. Having hiked there throughout the year I can tell you a few things but the most important is that going anytime to this park is fine, but if you want to time the weather and have a better, more comfy experience, then here’s what you need to know:
Spring is a fantastic time to witness the park’s flora coming to life. The crisp air and fewer visitors make this an ideal time for those looking to enjoy the tranquility of nature. It’s also a good period for bird watching, as migratory species return.
Summer, undoubtedly, is when the park is at its busiest. The luscious green landscapes and warm weather are perfect for hiking, swimming, and boating. I recommend visiting during the weekdays if you’re not a fan of crowds.
Fall is my personal favorite. The explosion of autumn colors in Harriman State Park is something you don’t want to miss. Cooler temperatures and less humidity also make hiking a real pleasure around this time. Plus, it’s the perfect backdrop for photographers.
Winter transforms the park into a snowy wonderland. This is your time if you enjoy cross-country skiing or snowshoeing. Keep in mind that some facilities may be limited, so it’s important to check ahead of time.
No matter when you decide to visit, always check the park’s website or contact the visitor center for the latest information on weather conditions, trail closures, and event schedules.
To conclude if you love nature and exploring and exploring a lot of secret locations as well as finding gems, then this is the place I’d recommend you visit. To this day I am still shocked by how many new and amazing things I find in this park. Just be careful when you go to not get lost in the woods.
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