Trail Conditions Forum

Mud? Ice? High water at stream crossings?

This is the place to let the trail community know what you encountered, where and when (be as precise as possible). Suggestion: Make the trail or park name your subject.

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Troop201's picture

Submitted by Visitor (not verified) on 03/04/2013 - 10:44pm
Does anyone know as to whether there is still snow and/or ice on the trails in Harriman?  If so, how much?
PVPatrick's picture

Submitted by Visitor (not verified) on 03/05/2013 - 9:13am
Most of the snow is melted, but there's a little snow/packed down ice remaining at higher elevations on north facing slopes which are a little slippery on steep sloping trails.   Its been below freezing at night so there are some icy stream crossings as well.  More snow is forecast for this wednesday-thursday.
dplass's picture

Submitted by Visitor (not verified) on 03/11/2013 - 10:21pm
Thinking about going this weekend; is there flowing water near Dutch Doctor Shelter?
joerichkus's picture

Submitted by Visitor (not verified) on 03/12/2013 - 9:29pm
Yes, there is a flowing brook not far to the west of the Dutch Doctor's Shelter.  It should be good water after using a Steripen or filter or whatever method of water purification you use.  On the map it is called "Spring Brook."
dplass's picture

Submitted by Visitor (not verified) on 03/15/2013 - 11:39am
Thanks for the update.  I have a filter which I've now  packed!
joerichkus's picture

Submitted by Visitor (not verified) on 03/16/2013 - 8:45am
You're welcome.  Just take the TMI trail  several hundred feet west from the White Bar junction (just a couple hundred feet south of the Dutch Doctor Shelter).  The TMI Trail crosses the Spring Brook with several stepping stones.  I crossed it on Thursday and it looked good.
psr7070's picture

Submitted by Visitor (not verified) on 03/02/2013 - 5:22pm
The bridge that crosses the Wanaque River from the Long Pond Iron Works Trail to continue on the Sterling Ridge or Hansclever Trails is gone. It has been washed away by the previous storms. Since there is no other crossing and the river water is fast and high, anyone traveling either north or south on these trails is cut off from continuing.  If anyone knows when this bridge will be replaced, please let us know. 
Daniel Chazin's picture

Submitted by Visitor (not verified) on 03/03/2013 - 10:29am
This bridge was washed out in August 2011 by Hurricane Irene.  The Trail Conference was recently awarded a $24,000 Recreational Trails Grant to fund the replacement of this bridge.  Hopefully, the bridge will be replaced in the relatively near future, but probably not until this summer, at the earliest.
Frosty's picture

Submitted by Visitor (not verified) on 02/25/2013 - 12:39pm
Hi,   I'm looking for some new trails to explore as far south as Phili, as far west as the PA turnpike NE extension, and as far N/NE as Bear Mountain. I'm very familiar with the Water Gap and the southern to mid sections of Harriman. In your opinion what are the toughest (i.e. most fun/rewarding) trails between the Water Gap and Bear Mountain.  By toughest I mean steep climbs, number of scrambles, orienteering, etc.   Thanks in advance for any feedback.
BrianSnat's picture

Submitted by Visitor (not verified) on 03/02/2013 - 10:50am
Bearfort Mountain in NJ. It's the eastern section of Wawayanda  State Park (around Terrace Pond) and most of Abraham Hewitt State Forest.  The latter has a pretty steep climb (starting on Warwick Turnpike) along the Bearfort Ridge Trail  to the top then it's ridgeline most of the way however there are some fun rock scrambles along the route. There are also some fun rock scrambles approaching Terrace Pond via the Terrace Pond North Trail from Clinton Road  
Michael K7's picture

Submitted by Visitor (not verified) on 03/02/2013 - 11:26am
Suffern-Bear Mountain Trail end to end- 23.5 miles Ramapo Dunderberg Trail end to end- 23 miles 7 Hills Trail end to end- i think about 9-10 miles The trails at Schunemunk Mountain have some steep ascents and descents if you're willing to travel there.
Frosty's picture

Submitted by Visitor (not verified) on 02/16/2013 - 3:58pm
Hi Folks,   Plans for my AT section hike fell through...but I at least want to get in a day hike this weekend.  How are the trails around Harriman/Bear mountain and the Delaware Water Gap?  Is there any snow left or has it become a mud puddle?   Thanks for any feedback.
Frosty's picture

Submitted by Visitor (not verified) on 02/19/2013 - 8:24pm
Yesterday was a perfect day for a hike.  Cool temps, mild wind and blue skies...   Here's the route: Vistor Center: Pine Meadow: Stony Brook: Kakiat: Seven Hills:?Yellow Trail?: Pine Meadow:Suffern Bear MTN:Conklin Crossing:unmarked trail on south side of Pine Meadow Lake: Pine Meadow: Visitor Center   Most of the route was in snow ~ 8 - 12 inches deep and broken all the way through with some ice in a few rocky outcroppings and shaded sections of the ridge.  Pine Meadow, between the visitor center and the lake, was hard pack snow / ice and was the hardest part of the route.  My buddy was wearing tracks and had no problem, but I was bare booting it and without poles I'm sure I would have fallen a few times.   Hopefully you got out this past weekend too!  
Weekendhiker's picture

Submitted by Visitor (not verified) on 02/16/2013 - 4:43pm
I was wondering the same thing. I usually head out at Reeves. It's been some time since I've been out, but I'm itching to hit the trails. Anyone have any updates??
PVPatrick's picture

Submitted by Visitor (not verified) on 02/17/2013 - 10:36am
Theres still snow, I'd estimate 0-8 inches, in the Highlands/ Harriman areas; deeper at higher elevations and north facing slopes, barren ground on some south facing slopes. Theres some ice and mud at wet areas and stream crossings.  I ran trails near Silver Mine lake yesterday and used Microspikes but you could be ok with just hiking boots.
Aaron Schoenberg's picture

Submitted by Visitor (not verified) on 02/14/2013 - 2:19pm
I was informed that the bike trail along the hudson is closed between Nyack & Haverstraw. Can you still park at Nyack Beach? Please confirm. Also, is there a simple listing of all closed trails where I can look on the NY/NJ conference website for this info? Thanks. Saw nothing on the closure of this trail on this site since Oct. 29.
Pole Dancer's picture

Submitted by Visitor (not verified) on 02/13/2013 - 4:22am
We were planning to hike February 22 & 23 between 17A & 7 Lakes Road on the AT. How are the conditions? Is it icy or deep snow. Is 14.5 miles & 12 miles feasible for those days? Any help would be appraciated. Thank you
Daniel Chazin's picture

Submitted by Visitor (not verified) on 02/13/2013 - 9:08am
You're not planning to do this hike until next week.  Right now, the trail is covered with about a foot of snow from the storm we had last weekend.  But that could all melt by February 22nd if we get warm weather between now and then.  On the other hand, we could get another huge snowstorm next week.  So there is no way to predict trail conditions so far in advance during the winter.  Check back again a week from now!
rshiking14's picture

Submitted by Visitor (not verified) on 02/17/2013 - 11:32am
Warm weather recently has just melted much snow in harriman, it seems you guys will be good, have fun!
Delwong's picture

Submitted by Visitor (not verified) on 02/08/2013 - 6:17pm
Anyone know which lots in Harriman are most likely plowed after a major snowfall?  Planning a hike or Sunday and want to minimize the hunt for a plowed lot.