Many roads in No. Jersey  and New York are closed due to this huge rainfall, so access to trail heads could be difficult.  In addition, you may find bridges gone, or the usual crossings under a lot of water.  It will take some time for this water to recede.    

PLEASE, any trail damage/bridges out, trees down, report directly to Trail Conference Office using this form

http://www.nynjtc.org/webform/trail-problem-report

today 3/14 route 17 was closed in sloatsburg and tuxedo. i drove the long way around to reeves meadow and the pine meadow trail was under water (of course). most snow is gone but there are still some snowy or icy places on less traveled trails. going up the stony brook trail i found that BOTH of the kakiat trail bridges are out. the HTS bridge and the other bridges south of HTS on pine meadow and stony brook trails are fine-did not get up to 7hills bridge yet. hopefully rt 17 will reopen monday but call if you are going thru that area to confirm. i will post pics and videos of the very impressive rushing waters later on--if interested send me an email.  susan  banjolady.susan@verizon.net

Regarding parking conditions in Harriman, our Trails Chair for the region reports; 

I can confirm the situation as follows:

Johnsontown circle is plowed.

There is room to park all around the circle on the outer rim.  This is not a lot different, perhaps slightly restricted, from normal parking there for the past year or so since the center of the circle was blocked off to avoid rutting and to grow grass.

Reeves Meadow lot is plowed and also has about the normal spaces in the lot itself.  Across the road the pull-off is plowed but is probably adequate for only about 5 cars unless everyone cleverly parks diagonally.  In my opinion, there is otherwise insufficient space alongside 7-Lakes Drive to park, shoulder width adequate to get only about half off the road, and may be frowned on by the police. 

John

It should also be noted that most trails are covered with a foot or more of snow and a considerable amount of downed trees and limbs should be expected. Larry

Word has come from our volunteers in the Catskills:

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

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.

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.

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*** 

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.

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.