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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Minnewaska State Park

On March 8th, 2010 btsullivan@post.com says:
Minnewaska State Park was open this weekend. Great snowshoeing. Has any one strated to thing of f\doing some fund raising to keep Minnewaska open??? I am not talking obout taxes.

Pyramid Mountain

On March 5th, 2010 BrianSnat says:
Main lot is plowed out and trails have been packed down. Microspikes or Stablicers recommended but no need for snowshoes if you are staying on trail. Snow is about 15 inches with deeper drifts and some thin areas as well.

Harriman/Bear Mountain S. P. Parking

On March 5th, 2010 Larry Wheelock says:

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

Minnewaska State Park/Sam's Point Preserve

On March 4th, 2010 joepb70 says:
A/O 3/4/10, Minnewaska State Park and adjacent Sam's Point Preserve are currently closed since the recent February snowstorms. Minnewaska is hoping to be open for the weekend but I am skeptical that will happen. I will try to post a reopening date once I am informed. Mohonk Preserve is open.

Deep Snow in the Catskills

On March 4th, 2010 Larry Wheelock says:

Word has come from our volunteers in the Catskills:

    The Northeast part of the Catskills received 64" (Hunter Mt. is saying 84") last week.  The roads, while open, are only a lane to a lane and a half wide.  None of the parking lots are plowed out, actually behind 6 to 7 foot walls of snow from the plows.  There is really no parking for any of the trail heads.  It might be a good idea to put this on the TC website for this weekend as the weather is supposed to be good.  Also, the snow bowed and broke many trees along the roads.  There is no reason not to think the same is true on and along the trails.  Trail finding may be difficult, if not impossible on many trails.  Exhaustion is a definate possibility of people trying to break trail thru four or more feet of unpacked snow.  I don't know the situation is the Central or Southern Catskills but would imagine it to be close to the same.

 

More Catskills

On March 5th, 2010 BrianSnat says:
I saw a trip report from Balsam Mountain in the south central Catskills last weekend and the some photos showed the blazes on the trees to be just above the snow. So figure a snow pack of 4-6 feet. Also Plattekill ski area in the western Catskills reported 92 inches of snow last week. That's Utah like numbers!

Harriman near Sloatsburg

On March 1st, 2010 Michael K7 says:
Still at least 2 feet of snow in most spots. Some trails have been tread, some still fresh (i was making first tracks today in some spots). Snowshoes would've definitely made for easier going. Hiking was easier in the AM, as the snow was still more solid, but in the afternoon when the temperature was warmer, it got even more difficult. I know this is a long shot, but i lost a hat- red and black skull cap, on the HTS trail by the scenic overview at Ramapo Torne. If anyone finds it, i would appreciate it if you let me know- it has sentimental value. Thanks!

Pine Meadow Trail from 7 Lakes Drive

On March 1st, 2010 Michael K7 says:
Also, if you are coming from the train station, and taking Pine Meadow trail from where it starts off of Seven Lakes Drive, there are MAJOR blowdowns at the trailhead and beginning of the trail.

Snow in Catskills

On February 28th, 2010 Georgette Weir says:
Advice circulating on the weekend (Sat., Feb 27) is to stay out of the Catskills. Reports are there were 5 to 7 feet of snow. Many roads unpassable. Lots of downed trees on roads as well as on trails. Parking areas may be inaccessible.

snow in harriman

On February 28th, 2010 banjolady says:
harriman/bear mt got loads of snow, some trailheads not plowed out yet. snow wet and heavy in many places. lots of blowdowns and snowballs hitting you from the trees. many trails hard to follow since there is snow on trees and rocks. very beautiful!! on Sat 2/27 bear mountain was only cleared parking lot. park police and tiorati station had no power. hazardous wires and trees down near 1777E on the unmarked trail along gray's hill between iona and bear mt inn.

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.
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