Hiking Trail Conditions

Posted February 2nd, 2009 by webmaster

Mud? Ice? High water at stream crossings? This is the place to let the hiking community know what you encountered, where and when (be as precise as possible). Suggestion: Make the trail or park name your subject.

To report serious trail problems that need Trail Conference attention, go here.

To report illegal trail use go here.

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Vandalism in Norvin Green South.

On January 17th, 2010 Bob says:
The Signs that were on the Sign post at the junction of the Mine Trail (yellow) & the New Roomy Mine Trail (Orange) that now connects Wyanokie Falls (Blue Mine Brook Falls) and the Roomy Mine has been vandalized and the metal signs have been removed but the post remains. Please consult the map in the NYNJTC Kiosk and map inserts in Map#115 for directions, until we can get the signs replaced. And if you spot vandalism on any of our trails please report to NYNJTC Headquarters in Mahwah. Thanks, Ynoke

Harriman Snow Conditions

On January 13th, 2010 PVPatrick says:
Currently there are only a couple of inches of snow in some places to virtually no snow in other south sloping spots. There are some icy spots and ice covered rocks, frost heaves, etc, but no need for snow shoes. Sorry this didnt end up under the right message.

Snow Conditions in Harriman

On January 12th, 2010 jddeller says:
I am looking to do an overnight snowshoe/backpack trip in Harriman. Does anyone know how much snow there currently is on the trails? Also, would appreciate any recommendation for a 5 mile or less hike to one of the shelters - something that can be done on snowshoes (assuming there is snow).

Hike to shelter

On January 18th, 2010 BrianSnat says:
One hike I recommend is the loop to the West Mountain shelter. Great view from the shelter. "Keep not standing fixed and rooted, briskly venture, briskly roam" - Goethe

Agree with Patrick

On January 13th, 2010 Michael K7 says:
I just did a hike in Harriman today (Tuxedo to Sloatsburg), and what Patrick says is true- there is only a couple of inches of snow in most spots, and some spots have no snow. With it supposedly going up into the 40's this weekend, much of the snow that is there is likely to be gone by next week. As for a shelter/hike recommendation, you would have to let us know what part of Harriman you wanted to hike in, how you were getting there (public transport or car), and when you're going. Once we know this, it might be easier to make a recommendation.

1/8/10 car break in at reeves meadow

On January 8th, 2010 banjolady says:
Today a car was broken into at reeves meadow- passenger side window smashed. No visible purse- car was a volvo xc70 wagon. I think they started breaking into mine but were interrupted-i've got some marks on the passenger side. Luckily my friend carried her wallet. Please let the hikers in your clubs know about this. park police took down our info and said that they had not heard of other recent breakins. .
Susan    fri 1/8/10

Ramapo-Dunderberg/Triangle junction

On January 3rd, 2010 Wounded Knee says:

There's a major blowdown at the southern junction of the Ramapo-Dunderberg and Triangle trails -- big tangle of trees and branches, partially obscuring the blazes.

-- Wounded Knee

Blowdown

On January 9th, 2010 johnm says:
This blowdown has been reported to the Trail Conference Harriman area (certified) chainsawyer teams who group reported blowdown sites and will plan to include this one in an outing for clearing. The teams cleared hundreds of blowdowns during each half of 2009. We appreciate the reporting of blowdowns and other trail problems.

back country skiing

On December 30th, 2009 ydfranklin says:
does any one know if there is enough snow any were in the catskill mountains to do some BC skiing? even if there isnt enough yet, can any one tell me some good trails/ mountains to back country ski on?

List of parks for cross-country skiing

On January 6th, 2010 Doug C says:
The NY-NJTC has compiled a list of great places and parks to cross-country ski in New York and New Jersey in order to let members know where to go. http://www.nynjtc.org/content/ten-great-places-crosscountry-ski-new-york...

High Water at Bridge Crossing on Indian Rock Trail

On December 28th, 2009 ahl124 says:
Tried to hike this on 12/27/09 and I could not cross the Wanaque River due to the amount of rain and snow melt from previous week. Was well over boot height and moving swiftly.

Common

On December 29th, 2009 BrianSnat says:
A common occurrence Fortunately the level of the Wanaque drops quickly after storms and melts.

Rt. 106 Now Open from Rt 17 to Kanawauke Circle!

On December 21st, 2009 yankee.clipper says:
We've been informed that the bridge reconstruction project near Lake Kanawauke is now finished, and that Rt. 106 is now clear and open all the way! Ed Goldstein

Poached Egg and other vandalism

On December 5th, 2009 dsuttr says:
An organized group of Visigoths is committing criminal mischief in Harriman Park. Not content with performing their evil work on the AT, Blue Disc, Sign and Map removals in Doodletown, Little Doe and Rock house MT cairn desecration , Myles Bench eradication with a chain saw, they now have struck Poached Eggs destroying the cairn on Pine Meadow Road and the initial three blazes posted at that site. These are not individual acts of Vandalism but are part of a highly organized network of destructive vermin. respectfully, dave sutter

Trail Vandalism

On December 23rd, 2009 dshecht says:
The vandals have also struck the Parker Cabin Hollow and White Bar Trails. On PCH many of the blazes have been bashed (with a stick?) or stabbed (with a knife?). On the White Bar - from 106 to the Nurian (as far as I went) most blazes have been defaced with a black marker. There are some angry people our there. Donald Hecht

Pine Meadow Trail - entrance at Ramapo Equestrian Center

On October 16th, 2009 stephensherman says:
Found out today that horses can be easily spooked.

When hikers are in the woods, and the horses hear, but can't see them, that spooks them. Walking around the open, visible area of the parking lot and paddock is much less disconcerting to the horses.

On returning and approaching the horse paddock, (about halfway down the hill from the gas line) call out "hikers coming thru," thus giving the riders a chance to settle their horses and move them away from the trail.

Update: Sign now posted, advising hikers to call out.

It also can't hurt, as you start your hike, to chat briefly with any riders (if convenient), and ask those riders what they would like you to do on your return.

Horses are easily spooked and can throw their riders, causing serious injury, so please be considerate & careful when using the Ramapo Equestrian Center trailhead.

Dry spring at William Brien Memorial Shelter

On September 22nd, 2009 jmb says:
Passed this dry spring 19 Sept 2009; it's just south of the shelter (at the intersection of the AT and Menomine Trail) on a very short light-blue-blazed side trail.  Nothing but a few muddy leaves.  Water available from brooks north and south of shelter on the Menomine Trail.

Schoharie County: Mine Kill Falls to Gilboa (Nickerson CG)

On September 21st, 2009 slinkygirl816 says:
Just did this short hike on Saturday. The reservoir/creek was quite high and came up onto the trail a few times, but nothing impassable. The path was quite muddy though, so just be aware.

Update: Clinton Rd is open - Pequannock Watershed

On September 16th, 2009 Estelle says:

The bridge replacement is complete - Clinton Rd is open!

Clinton Rd in West Milford NJ is temporarily closed to through traffic.  The bridge over Mossman's Brook will be replaced within the next couple months.  Parking at P3 is accessible from the South only.  Parking at P4 is accessible from the North only for Two Brooks Trail and Highlands Trail heading north.   For Clinton West and the Highlands Trail South of the bridge, access Clinton Rd from the South only. (you will have to drive past the barricades in both instances) The bridge can be crossed by foot until it's removal.  Then it will have to be rock hopping across the brook until November.  We'll try to find a good crossing point for hikers. West Milford DPW has posted detour signs.

victory trail near skeeonto

On September 14th, 2009 dsuttr says:
.Major bulldozing is destroying this fragile area. does anyone know when the telephone line construction will be completed and are there plans to repair the muddy roads caused by this extensive destruction?

Lake Skenonto

On September 16th, 2009 PVPatrick says:
I have no information on what is going on there, but I did notice that there was absolutely no protection for the lake, and wetlands to the north that feed it, from erosion from the road which comes within a few feet of the lake in places, no silt fence, hay bales, nothing. The potential for damage to the lake is great and certainly could be mitigated with a little protection. Many of the harriman lakes(see Silvermine and Kanawauke lakes) are in an advanced state of eutrophication, why is Skenonto not being protected?

Skenonto Road

On September 16th, 2009 PVPatrick says:
I spoke with a park maintenance spokeswoman who advised that the road is being modified to make it easier for the various utilities that use it for access. Supposedly, the DEC has been involved and has approved the project engineering, etc. and that not to worry, next spring, the road will naturally be recovered, and any damage to the lake will be minimal. Additionally, the park spokeswoman also mentioned that they are lowering the level of many of the lakes now by one foot in preparation for expected heavy rains this hurricane season to avoid flooding the Ramapo river. The irony of these two park actions is not lost on me for one.

Stony Kill Falls - Minnewaska

On July 6th, 2009 joannnnnne says:
Does anyone know if the trail to Stony Kill Falls, in Minnewaska State Park, is open? It closed last year due to fire. Also, does anyone know anything about the condition of the trail going from Stony Kill Falls to Lake Awosting? It's listed as unmaintained, and I read somewhere that it was rocky and difficult. But I wonder if it's still doable, if one is a moderately-skilled hiker.

Sterling Valley Loop Trail(Yellow) Flooding

On June 30th, 2009 PVPatrick says:
I don't see mention of this here, but this trail has significant beaver induced flooding north of Mystic Swamp, just west of the P7 parking area in Sterling Forest requiring challenging bushwacking to circumvent.

Sterling Valley Loop flooding

On July 14th, 2009 johnm says:
Thanks for the advisory. The Sterling Valley Loop Trail is not maintained by the Trail Conference. In Sterling Forest State Park about half the trails are taken care of by the Park, and the other approximate half by the Trail Conference. We work closely together. My examination of the flooded location on July 4th, this being during a very rainy season, revealed that passage on foot was possible (keeping the feet dry), with a bit of hopping. Some one had placed a board across the middle of the flooded width, on top of two concrete blocks. A step from water edge to the board was possible, and on the farther side dry land could be reached by a hop to a stone and then to the waters edge. At this particular location and day, the beaver dam adjacent to the flooded path was found breached for about a two foot length. Under the circumstances of all the rain, I suspect that the flooding would have been about the same whether or not the dam was breached- the difference being that the dam would be full, the water higher upstream of the trail, and the water flow about the same. Beaver problems are increasing. The Parks do not typically breach beaver ponds, and even if they were breached the beavers would repair them. A solution is to move the beavers to another location, but that is not commonly done. In dryer times the trail will likely not be flooded: the water level on the opposite side is below trail level (until the beavers become more ambitious downstream). This specific flooding problem is known to the Park. The trail in this area is actually not on park property but the owner allows the trail to cross. There is some consideration of a Scout group building a bridge, but nothing is settled.

Trailhead Closed - Southern Wyanokies-Norvin Green SF

On June 21st, 2009 Estelle says:

The trail head for the Mine Trail/Wyanokie Circular (yellow & red) is permanently closed by the landowner. This trail head is on Snake Den Rd, near the Weis Ecology Center parking lot. We will be posting signs and blocking access at both ends of the private property.  Please plan your hikes to enter and exit the forest trails at other locations. Either using the HewittButler/Mine Trail (blue and yellow) via the Otterhole Trail (green) from the Weis Parking Lot; or use the Highlands Trail from Westbrook Rd/Townsend Rd to the new Roomy Mine Trail extension to access other trails.  We will be creating links / detours very shortly, but ask your cooperation now in avoiding this trail head. 

***Click Here for a map of the revised trail system*** 

too bad

On June 25th, 2009 BrianSnat says:
Terrible news. It was just a matter of time though. "Keep not standing fixed and rooted, briskly venture, briskly roam" - Goethe

Trail Closure: Three Lakes Trail in Fahnestock

On June 19th, 2009 Christie Ferguson says:

The section of Three Lakes Trail, from 301 to Sunk Mine Road, is closed. Due to beaver activity and heavy rains, the trail is not passible, and will remain closed until park management decides otherwise.

Correction and alternate to 3 Lakes Closing Report

On June 21st, 2009 yankee.clipper says:
The trail is actually officially closed between Sunk Mine Road and the AT crossing (not Rt. 301). The closing is posted with signs and yellow hazard tape. The ranger said that the closing was due to high water released from John Allen Pond, in an attempt to stabilize water levels there. As an alternate, you can use the AT from Sunk Mine Road, but because of the high water conditions, the stream crossing just north of here may be a problem. A safe and dry alternate is to go north on the gated mine road just east of the bridge (dotted black line on the TC map) and about a five minute walk east of the 3 Lakes Trail. This road will join the 3 Lakes Trail near the junction with the Old Mine Railroad Trail. This is in the closed section, but it is well north of the problem area. The above information was based on personal observation on June 19. Ed Goldstein

AT in NJ Sections 1, 2, 3 - Conditions?

On June 16th, 2009 TheBobR@optonli... says:
I'm planning to backpack from Wawayanda to High Point this weekend. With all the recent rainfall and the forecast of more into the weekend, I'm concerned about the puncheon sections being passable. Any current information on this area?

Blue Disc Trail

On June 15th, 2009 Estelle says:
Hi Folks, thanks for your comments.    The area Trail Supervisor will be notified and hopefully this will get corrected very soon...  at least when this rain stops!

Blue Disk Trail

On June 22nd, 2009 trailgal says:
In response to the notifications of the missing blazes along the Blue Disc Trail in Southern Harriman State Park, I just want to let everyone know that I am aware of it and in the process of replacing not only the vandalized blazes, but all the blazes on that trail with a correct sized (2" X 3") metal blaze. However, it is slow going because of the rain. Thanks for keeping the Trail Conference informed of any trail issues. Kathy Goldman, Blue Disc Trail Maintainer

Fahnstock State park

On May 26th, 2009 skabass1 says:
While hiking in fahnestock state park on the Yellow Trail parallel south to the 301 going north toward Hidden Lake the trail is supposed to boarder the lake to the south and connect with the blue trail. The lake here has flooded the trail and has made it very difficult to cross. We backtracked south on the yellow trail to meet a red trail going south which also connects to the blue trail we were trying to get to. I know its confusing.....

Yes, it is confusing, and

On May 26th, 2009 Christie Ferguson says:
Yes, it is confusing, and beaver activity is the reasoning for the flooding. I will let the volunteer maintainer and Trail Supervisor for the area know about your experience. They are aware of the problem, and have tried some remediation in the past (relocate the trail) but the beavers work faster. Thank you for the report.

Alaskan beaver flooding solution

On May 27th, 2009 kraan2 says:
All this talk about beaver flooding in NY and NJ reminds me of the beginning of Krakauer's book Into the Wild. He describes the Alaskans who found the young man's body as carrying dynamite on their ATVs wherever they go because beaver flooding on backroads/trails is so common in Alaska. When they come to an impassable flooded stretch of road/trail, they find the beaver dam, blow it up, wait for the water to drain off the road/trail, and go on their merry way!

Reminder: Do Not enter caves and mines (bat habitats)

On April 30th, 2009 Estelle says:

A reminder:  the folks at NJ Endangered Species are requesting hikers DO NOT enter ANY mines or caves.  This is to prevent the further spread of the white-nose syndrome fungus that is killing NJ bats.  This will apply in NY also.    The caves in Hibernia are closed, Roomy Mine is closed.

These closings are until further notice.      Thanks for cooperating and caring about the bats.

 

 

Terrace Pond North - New section of trail

On April 26th, 2009 mbspecs@aol.com says:
On Saturday April 25 Malcolm Spector and Toby Golick re-flagged the newly constructed section of trail that takes the trail off the gas pipeline. The trail has been open for almost a year and is now on the TC maps, but has not yet been blazed. I know that the park has taken to printing up custom blazes to use and I wonder if the delay is in waiting for these blazes. The rest of the trail badly needs reblazing as well.

Terrace Pond Trail

On April 28th, 2009 Estelle says:
Thanks for your comments, I have sent this on to the Trail Supervisor for Wawayanda.   And thanks for re-flagging!

Forest Fire on Wurtsboro Ridge LP/SRT

On April 19th, 2009 srtmaintainer says:
A large forest fire is burning on the Shawangunk Ridge in the Wurtsboro Ridge State Forest. http://www.recordonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090419/NEWS/904... The Shawangunk Ridge trail from the VFW to Ferguson road near Summitville is closed, this incudes the Long Path from shawanga Lodge road to Ferguson road.

LP/SRT on Wurtsboro Ridge now open

On April 28th, 2009 srtmaintainer says:
Jakob Franke just stepped out of the woods about twenty minutes ago. He has installed new trail markers on the trail as the old ones got melted by the fire. Jakob reports the trail is very passable and easy to follow.

Blue Disc Trail Harriman

On April 17th, 2009 mengber@nyc.rr.com says:
Starting from about .6 miles from the Johnsontown Rd. trailhead and extending to Almost Perpendicular, someone has torn off at least 5 or 6 of the plastic trail markers (and dropped them trailside) and carved away some of the painted blazes. It's still possible to follow the trail, however. Who would do such a thing?

Blue discs missing = lost

On June 14th, 2009 kellyr says:
I was just about to email the NYNJTC about the blue discs gone missing. Last weekend I was on this trail for the first time and did indeed get lost. (and we did had a map) It took us off trail for a good 20 minutes until we retraced my steps and discovered the discs on the ground near a tree. Soon after all was well and we enjoyed lunch at Almost Perpendicular. Can someone re-mark this trail? First time Harriman hikers could get really lost. Thank you!

blue disc

On April 20th, 2009 banjolady says:
i noticed this as well. the blazes seemed ok further along the trail though. there was also a huge pile of litter so i am thinking perhaps same people are responsible (or irresponsible)....

Harriman Fire - Near Equestrian Center

On April 11th, 2009 NYCHiker says:
Looks like there was a brush fire on the 9th. Just over 100 acres burned.

http://www.lohud.com/article/2009904100371

Trail Running Races corrections

On April 3rd, 2009 PVPatrick says:
The story reported on this site about the trail running races to be held on May 9, 2009 should be modified to say that the race courses involve Bear Mt and Harriman State Parks and that there will be runners on the course from 5am until 6pm. http://www2.thenorthface.com/endurancechallenge/races/2008/bmn_registrat...

May 9 Trail Running Races

On April 7th, 2009 Georgette Weir says:
This has been changed. Thank you.

Vandalism in Pequannock Watershed - NJ

On March 29th, 2009 Estelle says:

A word of caution for those hiking Pequannock Watershed and parking along Clinton Road, or at any of the parking areas for the Watershed.  Two kayakers returned to their car to find the passenger window smashed, and a wallet and cell phone stolen.    Please take all your valuables with you, please lock your car.    This is a fairly remote area with very minimal police patrol and delayed police response. 

Poets Walk Walked:

On March 28th, 2009 btsullivan@post.com says:
Poets Walk Walked: Parking Area to “Summer House” and back Date Hiked: March 20, 2009, Evening Conditions: The trails and carriageways are in good shape – Some areas of mud. Special Required Equipment: Camera, water, map. Comments: The official name of this site is Poets' Walk Romantic Landscape Park. As you might guess from the name, this property was landscaped to show off its Hudson Valley views. It's an ideal spot for a sunset stroll for individuals who just got out of work. Great and interesting views of the Hudson River. Rhine cliff bridge and the Catskills. Went out for dinner in Kinston, NY after the walk.

Black Rock Forest Consortium Trails

On March 24th, 2009 Larry Wheelock says:

We've been informed that the maintenance people at BRF have been cutting some of the larger ice damaged and downed trees blocking the trails in the Consortium. They have not been cleared off the ground yet. They need help clearing the downed material.

For those who can help clear the trails:

Meet on Saturday and Sunday mornings for the next two weeks at the main gate at 9 AM. John and the crew will direct you, and/or drive you, to sections of trails to help with the clearing. They started with the main trails in the north and central parts of the forest and maybe half of them are cleared at this point.

LarryWheelock - N.Y. West Hudson Reg. Rep

New York - New Jersey Trail Conference

156 Ramapo Valley Road

Mahwah, NJ 07430

T 201-512-9348 X16

M 973-650-3228

Ryker Lake Circle

On March 23rd, 2009 gpettypoet says:
The Ryker Lake Circle is blocked at the north end by a beaver dam. It is possible to cross the brook below the dam by hopping from rock to tussock between trees. But it isn't a family hike now. It is impassable at high water. We will attempt a fix this spring. George Petty hiker-poet
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