General/Off Topic

I found an old NY times article on the history of the area and it mentions the creek containing the "hell hole" as being named Sankapagh around the time of Hudson's exploration. http://query.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F60E17FA3C5415738DDDA00994D0405B8485F0D3

Hi Michael!

The Sterling Trails map is currently at the printer and we anticipate having it available in the next 1-2 weeks.  You can find out more information about the map by clicking here:
http://www.nynjtc.org/panel/sterling-forest-trails-map.

You can also leave your e-mail address and we'll send you an e-mail as soon as the maps are available for purchases.  If interested, you can sign-up for this e-mail notification here:
http://www.nynjtc.org/webform/subscribe-sterling-forest-trails-notification

Thanks for your interest!

~Jeremy, TC cartographer

Thanks for your comments, kaylen!

We do offer a detailed inset map of the Bear Mtn area in the Harriman Trails map set, but this mainly shows additional trail features, park buildings, etc. and does not include the details you mention like cliff faces.  Our trail maps are focused on the trails and are not necessarily geared toward orienteering uses.  In certain cases, we may try to include details that may be helpful for orienteering purposes, but as you mention, there are often maps available that provide that level of detail, and this is not something that we are trying to accomplish with our trail maps.  We certainly commend those that make orienteering maps as we realize the amount of effort that goes into mapping the fine details of the terrain.

~Jeremy, TC cartographer

Hi, I agree with you that they are interesting, especially when we find a post from someone we know.   I'll find out from TC Office who replaces these, what happens, and if there is interest in scanning and posting.        Please email me at cnjtrails@optonline.net so I have your email information and name to pass on; or to give you an answer.  

Thanks!

In my experience, the timber rattlesnakes in the park are pretty good about letting you know you're too close. For the most part, the snakes will know you are approaching before you see them because they are so sensitive to ground vibrations. I've never had a snake problem in the shelters or tenting areas near the shelters. All of my encounters with snakes in Harriman have been during the day when they are sunning themselves on rocks or the trail. Always check your footwear before you insert your foot in the morning. You're looking not only for snakes, but any other bugs that might sting or bite.

In addition to the snakes, there are black bears in Harriman. Unfortunately, many inexperienced hikers fail to follow basic bear-country practices while in the park. Following a few simple guidelines will help keep the bears (and humans) safe. These are a few of the basic bear-country practices, per NY DEC and the US Forest Service you should consider following:
1) The only lawful places to overnight in Harriman are near the shelters. There are plenty of established tent sites near the shelters. When you get to the shelter area, find your tent site and designate it as your sleeping area. About 100 yards downwind of your sleeping area, find a spot that you can designate as your food prep area. Food and other attractants should always remain in the food prep area. Attractants include food, cooking gear, garbage, cosmetics, soap, first-aid kits and other odorous items.
2) Keep a clean and neat site. Pack out any food you might spill.
3) Do all of your food prep, cooking and eating in the food prep area. Never eat or take food or other attractants into your tent.
4) When finished with dinner, strain any food solids out of your dishwater and pack them out with your garbage. Scatter grey water over a wide area away from your sleeping area and water sources.
5) Pack out all garbage and trash. Never bury garbage; bears will find it and dig it up, and you’ll be teaching them camp sites are a good place to look for food. Don’t burn garbage or leftovers; a campfire is not hot enough to completely incinerate the remains, and the smell is very attractive to bears.
6) Hang food and other attractants from a tree limb at least 10-15 feet off the ground, 4-5 feet from the tree trunk and 50-100 yards downwind of your sleeping area (if possible).
7) Never leave food or other attractants unattended, even for a few minutes, unless they are in a bear resistant container or food hang. It’s an open invitation for everything from ground squirrels, birds and even bears to stop by and make off with the loot. This also means not hiding or stashing your pack full of food near the main trail while you take a side trail.
8) I don't recommend sleeping in the clothes you ate dinner in, especially if you've spilled or you're cooking something odorous. I take a weight penalty and bring along a set of thermals I wear only for sleeping. I normally take time after dinner to wash the sweat and smells from my face and hands. It also helps keep my bag smelling better longer.