The best walks and hikes around Harriman

Yes, the park has several options suitable for beginners and families. A great choice is the Orange Heritage Trail — Crane Park. It's a relatively flat and well-maintained path that runs alongside scenic wetlands and streams, making for a pleasant and accessible outing.

Yes, dogs are generally permitted on the trails in Harriman State Park, but they must be kept on a leash at all times. Be sure to bring enough water for your pet and follow park regulations to ensure a safe and enjoyable hike for everyone.

Harriman is accessible from New York City by train. You can take the Metro-North Port Jervis Line from Penn Station to either Sloatsburg or Harriman station. From there, you can often walk or take a short taxi ride to nearby trailheads to begin your hike.

The Lemon Squeezer is a famous, fun, and challenging feature in Harriman State Park. It's a very narrow passage between large boulders that you have to squeeze through. For a route that includes this unique rock scramble, consider the Lemon Squeezer – Island Pond loop from Harriman.

Harriman is excellent for loop trails, allowing you to see new scenery for your entire hike. The Island Pond loop is a popular circular route that takes you around the beautiful Island Pond through classic Harriman terrain.

Many trails in Harriman lead to rewarding viewpoints. For a challenging hike with panoramic views of the Hudson Valley, look for routes that lead to the West Mountain Shelter. The rocky ridges throughout the park often open up to provide stunning vistas of the surrounding lakes and forests.

The park has 31 lakes and reservoirs, and some trails pass by designated swimming areas. While wild swimming is not officially permitted in all lakes, you can plan a route that passes by one of the park's official beaches, like the one at Lake Tiorati or Lake Welch, for a post-hike swim in season.

The trails around Harriman are highly rated by the komoot community. Hikers often praise the park's rugged beauty, the sheer variety of trails, and the extensive network of paths that navigate around the region's many scenic lakes and rocky outcrops.

For a longer and more demanding day, the Lemon Squeezer – Times Square loop offers a significant challenge. At over 9 miles (15 km) with considerable elevation gain, it combines distance with technical sections for a strenuous but rewarding adventure.

Yes, Harriman State Park offers options for overnight stays. There are several lean-to shelters, like the Tom Jones Shelter or West Mountain Shelter, available on a first-come, first-served basis for backpackers. The park also has designated campgrounds, such as those at Dater Mountain Nature Park, which you can book in advance.

Parking is available at various trailheads throughout the park. Popular spots like the Reeves Meadow Visitor Center can fill up very quickly, especially on weekends. For a potentially less crowded starting point, consider the parking area for the Orange Heritage Trail, which also has the benefit of restroom facilities.

Harriman State Park boasts an extensive network of over 200 miles of marked trails. On komoot, you can explore over 65 curated hiking routes, ranging from easy lakeside walks to difficult mountain climbs, ensuring there's a trail for every skill level.