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. Problems reported here get to the maintainers fast and reliably. Problems reported on the forum below help your fellow hikers avoid problem areas until they get fixed, but not all maintainers read this regularly so also use the problem report form.

To report illegal trail use go here.

Suffern-Bear Mountain Trail Markings

On August 27th, 2010 stacycat says:

Yesterday I hiked the Suffern-Bear Mountain Trail from Conklins Crossing to the trail head in Suffern. The Trail markings need to be refreshed. At one point, on a overlook ridge, about 500 feet east of where the trail intersects with the Kakiat Trail, there are no markings visible for a turnoff. After the final gas-line cut which crosses the trail towards its Suffern terminus, the trail becomes very confusing as to where it picks up again. I headed down , thinking that since I was within earshot of the NY Thruway down below, that I was close to the end of the trail, and that I couldn't go wrong. I wound up overlooking the thruway and stopped by a chain link fence. I had to bushwhack in a northerly direction over several extremes of rises and falls in the topography until I found the trail close to the trailhead. This is a strenuous and potentially hazardous trail that needs to be more clearly marked. Many of the blazes are extremely faded.

Agreed.

On August 27th, 2010 Michael K7 says:

I hiked the same area today (from the Kakiat to the trailhead in Suffern), and i agree with Stacy. There are many spots where the blazing is extremely faded or missing altogether, in both directions.
Sadly, i actually sent in a report of this exact problem to the TC about a year ago, but nothing seems to have been done. When i hiked the entire SBM a few months ago, i had to make the final descent in the dark, and the fact that i made it down without a problem i consider to be a combination of luck and the fact that i know this area of the trail well from having hiked it numerous times .
If need be, i will be taking a can of yellow spray paint with me the next time i hike this section of SBM...

Major Welch Trail

On August 21st, 2010 PVPatrick says:

I ran up the Major Welch from Bear Mt Inn recently and noticed that the trail "disappears" at the summit. It seems that the crews building the new trails on Bear Mt have obliterated the trail markings going over the edge and along the west side of Bear Mt to Perkins Drive.

West End of Major Welch Trail Closed

On September 1st, 2010 Georgette Weir says:

You're correct. Please see Trail News item about this here:

news/major-welch-trail-bear-mountain-closed

Thanks

On August 23rd, 2010 Michael K7 says:

Thanks for the warning. I was planning on hiking that trail for the first time soon, so it's good to know i'll be winging it after the summit.

Major Welch Trail

On August 21st, 2010 PVPatrick says:

Fire Safety

On August 18th, 2010 Michael K7 says:

I haven't been hiking in about 6 weeks due to a foot injury, but today i made it out to Harriman, and spent some time on the Kakiat, Blue Disc, TMI and R-D trails. I also did the orange/blue loop through Dater Mountain Park.
I've done this hike numerous times before. None of the streams i usually pass had any water in them. In fact, i did not see any water at all during my hike. I have never seen Harriman this dry.
If you are out hiking and/or camping, please use caution if you must have a fire. One mistake could mean the loss of a substantial part of our beloved park.
I realize most people reading this already practice good fire safety, but i felt it was important enough to post anyway. Thanks.

Part of Highlands Trail in NJ not maintained

On August 16th, 2010 LP says:

On August 7, 2010, I hiked the Highlands Trail from Spruce Run Park in Clinton Twp, NJ to Tunnel Road off of Rte 173 in Jugtown, NJ. I believe most of this is section 9 of the trail, but I'm not sure about that. Please note that this entire stretch of trail (I hiked 12.4 miles) is NOT maintained. I hiked through waist high weeds and thorny bushes for a lot of this time, and it was not pleasant to put it mildly. If you plan to hike here, I would highly recommend wearing long pants and definitely check for ticks when you are done. In many places, where the trail is is not obvious at all, and you really have to pay close attention to the blazes because they can be confusing. There is also quite a bit (as in miles) of paved road walking, so if you have foot problems like flat feet that are bothered by hard surface walking, I wouldn't bother with this hike. I do not recommend hiking this trail until it is bushwacked and cleaned up. Definitely do not bring children - they will be lost in the high weeds and grasses. The trail has many beautiful meadow views, so when it is cleaned up it will be a very pleasant experience.

Highlands Trail in Clinton WMA

On August 17th, 2010 Brenda Holzinger says:

Thanks for the post about your recent hike on section 8 of the Highlands Trail in Hunterdon County.

This is a section of the Highlands Trail that we struggle with because we are not permitted to do any maintenance in Clinton WMA between April 15 and August 1st in order to protect and leave undisturbed significant bird nesting areas. The HT Supervisor has spent at least two full days recently in that area attempting to clean it out, but it is almost impossible to do without a substantial mower after all the grass grows for 4 months. The WMA will not assist us with the trail maintenance.

I think your comment that the entire section is unmaintained is a bit misleading, although I completely agree with you about the Clinton WMA. The HT through the remainder of this section should be in pretty good shape based on other recent reports I have received, and is not subject to the maintenance requirements of Clinton WMA.

We are always trying to do our best to both maintain and keep improving the entire 150 mile route of the HT. However, as you may know, the entire HT project--routing, building and maintaining--is performed by volunteers. If you are interested in joining this effort we would welcome the assistance! This weekend we will be building a small reroute between Tower Hill and Jugtown Mountain to move the HT from its current route through the power line right of way, which is not the most pleasant place to hike.

Please feel free to contact me directly if you have any questions about the Highlands Trail. You can also find information about the HT sections via this link: www.highlands-trail.org/description.html.

Thanks for taking the time to post a report. I hope you are able to enjoy hiking other sections of the Highlands Trail.

Brenda Holzinger
Chair, Highlands Trail--Hudson to Delaware Rivers
email: brendaholzinger@gmail.com
cell: 973-303-3538

Some Delaware Water Gap Trails Closed - Wildfire

On August 9th, 2010 Jeremy Apgar says:

Note: All trails are open again as of noon on Saturday the 14th.

Larry Wheelock

From National Park Service website on 8-9-2010 http://www.nps.gov/dewa/index.htm:

A wildfire burning within Worthington State Forest has resulted in hiking trail closures within Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, which adjoins the state forest.
The following trails are closed until further notice to ensure public and firefighter safety:
Kaiser Trail - the 2 mile trail is closed from the trailhead on Old Mine Road to the Appalachian Trail.
Coppermine Trail - the 1.8 mile trail is closed from the trailhead on Old Mine Road to the Appalachian Trail at Camp Road.
Appalachian Trail - the trail is closed from the Mohican Outdoor Center south to Holly Spring. Hikers will follow alternate routes along nearby roads. The Appalachian Trail is open from the Dunnfield Creek trailhead north to Holly Spring.

Rattlesnakes

On August 2nd, 2010 wizzer103 says:

I went hiking in Harriman yesterday on the Reeves Brook Trail I saw a 5 foot long Timber Rattler just a few feet off the trail not too far from the information center. If you go hiking here keep an eye out! What an awsome sight. I got a few really nice pictures.

Yes!!!

On August 13th, 2010 coolhandgatsby says:

I've seen rattlesnakes many, many times in the park. The good news is that they are very tame and it usually takes a lot just to get them rattling. The bad news is that they are very tame and you might not even know one is there until you step on one . . . which I once almost did on Panther Mtn.

Is Russell Brook Road from Cooks Falls passable (on foot)?

On July 22nd, 2010 Nick says:

hi! last winter i did the stretch of russell brook road between the mud pond trail and the trout pond trail (to make a loop, starting from the trout pond trail end). i've never come from cooks falls. is this lower stretch of the old russell brook road passable (on foot, of course). also, is there available parking at that cooks falls end of the road? thanks!! (this is in the western catskills)

Cooks Falls

On July 23rd, 2010 BrianSnat says:

I don't believe it is. I know some people who were camping there a few weeks ago and they had to approach the area from the north.

Oops.

On July 23rd, 2010 BrianSnat says:

OOps, I missed the "on foot" part. I'm sure it is. I was there after the road washed away and there was nothing that would keep someone from walking it. Driving is a whole 'nother matter.

russell brook road is great, on foot

On July 25th, 2010 Nick says:

thanks for the replies. i did this today with a friend, and we found that russell brook road is completely passable on foot, with only one river crossing, one ditch scramble, and a few other minor rough spots. This is actually a very beautiful road. And... it's not overgrown at all, though there are a few spots with japanese knotweed invasions.

Also, for the record, at the Cooks Falls side, there is road side parking with space for maybe 4 cars. The 2005 maps do not indicate any parking, so i thought i'd mention it here.

Russell Brook Road

On July 26th, 2010 srtmaintainer says:

Thanks for your report Nick, this is truly what the trails condition forum was created for. Andy Garrison

Confirmation of roadside parking area

On July 26th, 2010 Jeremy Apgar says:

Nick,

Glad to hear you enjoyed this section of Russell Brook Rd in the western Catskills.

The new 2010 edition of our 'Catskill Trails' map 144 shows this section as a dashed woods road with labels 'Road Closed' to indicate it is not drivable. We also included a roadside parking symbol at the southern end since we learned during the production of the map that there was a spot for a few cars at this end of Russell Brook Rd, and your posting confirms this!

~Jeremy, TC cartographer

Looking for Blueberries

On July 14th, 2010 Laurie Heffner says:

Are there any blueberries left on High Point in the Catskills, or am I too late?

Maybe you should pony up

On July 23rd, 2010 thex says:

Maybe you should pony up some money and just go to the store and buy some blueberries. Leave whats in the forests for the animals that live and rely on the blueberries. Maybe then, we won't see so many skinny deer, hungry bears going onto peoples property and instigating a bear hunt. You might tink its a small percent of blueberries being taken, but if everyone takes a handful, just think that thats a meal an animal could have relied on. Besides, I've seen people leaving with huge bags of blueberries, a couple of gallon zip locks. Tell me that doesn't affect animals. Haven't we taken enough from our forest friends? Just thing about were you are right now, no matter were it is, its lost animal habitat. STOP THE GREED!!!!

Blueberries on High Point

On July 20th, 2010 brownjoeus says:

I was on High Point on July 13 and while they were there, they were smaller than I've ever seen up there. They are/were around though. Here in the Gunks it's like they're "predried" on the bush.

Blueberries

On July 14th, 2010 srtmaintainer says:

I assume that you mean High Point in the Shawangunks! The answer to your question is that plenty of them can be found on the Shawangunk Ridge at this time. Andy Garrison

Blueberries at Sam's Point

On July 19th, 2010 DoOver says:

I was at Sam's Point yesterday. Blueberries are in! Brian

Occupation?

On July 10th, 2010 BrianSnat says:

Occupation? That's a bit hyperbolic.

In Harriman we share the trails with groups large and small and people from all walks of life.

It's not like they are playing war games, they are hiking. It's little different than encountering one of those huge hiking groups we see in Harriman, only these people are wearing camouflage.

Even if I considered their presence an inconvenience, these are the the men and women who are willing to put their lives on the line to defend our country. If that means that I'm inconvenienced for a few days by their presence, so be it. A few days of sacrificing my peaceful enjoyment of the trail is insignificant to the sacrifice they are willing to make.

Army War games

On July 12th, 2010 fsteinmann says:

I was hiking in northern Harriman on Thursday and in southern Harriman on Sunday and heard what sounded like artillery fire. I believe this had to be some sort of summer training at WP.

Unless something has changed.....

On July 10th, 2010 PVPatrick says:

Harriman is a state park designed for peaceful recreation, not a military exercise area. As far as sacrifice, these are novice career army people voluntarily working towads commissions. Also, apparently the rules of the park do not apply as they park vehicles anywhere and walk off trail. I think the PIPC should rethink the idea before this becomes an annual event.

I bumped into the occupiers several times

On July 10th, 2010 hiker4414 says:

It was a pleasure to meet and talk with them. I only wish we were still permitted to hike thru West Point. There used to be trails that ran all the way from Harriman to Storm King. 5 or 6 Years ago the Long Path was routed off roads and thru W. P. property, but our access was terminated after only a month or two. Does anyone know the reason?

Good point!

On July 10th, 2010 srtmaintainer says:

Good point about the trails that used to run on West Point land. I do imagine trails through the heart of the area where they do military maneuvers could be an issue with them. As for the LP though, it ran along the outer boundary of the military land. Maybe it's time to reopen negotiations on the LP route. On the main topic! I would be happy to see the Military hiking the Shawangunk Ridge Trail, I too would thank them for their courageous service. Andy Garrison

Army Maneuvers

On July 6th, 2010 thegup says:

Often when I hike the Camp Smith trail up to Anthony's Nose, I pass troops in full gear on the trail. I make way and applaud them, thank them for their service etc. It is an honor to be on the same the trail. ...

Army at Harriman

On July 2nd, 2010 PVPatrick says:

There were dozens of army vehicles and perhaps hundreds of army personnel all over the southern part of Harriman yesterday. They didnt appear to be carrying guns, but was a bit surreal. Anyone have any idea what was going on?

Army training exercises in Harriman

On July 2nd, 2010 Daniel Chazin says:

We have been advised that the West Point Military Academy has been doing some training involving long-distance hikes in Harriman. The following is the press release issued by West Point about these training exercises:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - RELEASE NO. 40-10 - CADETS TO TRAIN AT HARRIMAN STATE PARK - June 16, 2010

WEST POINT, N.Y. - The Palisades Interstate Park Commission and West Point have developed a world class land navigation training exercise for about 1,400 cadets that will be held in Harriman State Park from June 29 until July 13. (Training will take place in Harriman North and South.)

It is typical that military academy cadets conduct a variety of training activities annually from mid-May to early August in and around the West Point installation.

Cadet summer training is an integral part of the four-year leader development process that prepares cadets to earn their commissions as officers in the U.S. Army and become leaders of character to meet the challenges of a changing world.

Character training tips

On July 19th, 2010 PVPatrick says:

Dont leave your k-ration garbage in the park on the trails. Dont build ground fires on ridgetops when there is extreme fire danger in the park.

A two week military

On July 2nd, 2010 PVPatrick says:

A two week military occupation? Is this the kind of thing that needs to take place in the region's refuge from reality? It flies in the face of the Harrimans, Perkins and those that forethought to preserve this special place as an oasis. I am outraged..though they were all very polite. Isn't west point big enough for these kinds of exercises?

Ramapo Reservation, Yellow Trail

On June 10th, 2010 Phil McLewin says:

The Yellow Trail bog bridges south of Camp Yaw Paw and north of gas line are in passable shape but hikers should use caution. Full replacement due by October 2010

Source: John Moran, Trail Chair

still more nonsense from the TC

On June 6th, 2010 hiker4414 says:

Claim in the Dan Chazin description of the new AT route up Bear Mtn: "this new trail segment has been constructed to sustain the impact of the millions of feet that annually make their way up this popular route." I challenge the TC to provide statistics to support this claim. The credibility of the TC is at stake.

Thanks for your close reading

On June 7th, 2010 Georgette Weir says:

Thanks for your close reading. Clarification and correction of the numbers provided to Daniel Chazin for his hike write-up is, indeed required. In the planning stages of the project, a consultant hired by PIPC reported the park has 3+million visitors annually, and 500,000 of them make it, by foot, bike, motorbike, or car, to the summit. There, they encounter the AT. Thousands more walk on pieces of it elsewhere on the mountain as links to other trails. "Millions of feet annually," (500,000 x 2 + an inexact pluralizing 's') is an overstatement. The new trail at Bear Mountain was designed to accommodate a minimum of 100,000 walkers a year.

Split Rock Rd, Rockaway NJ - Parking

On June 5th, 2010 Estelle says:

A continued caution to hikers at Split Rock Reservoir. Do not park along Split Rock Rd - tickets are being issued. The only parking is in the fishing access parking lot on the East side of the dam. We hope to resolve this issue, but for now, no parking along Split Rock Rd.

Bearfort Waters/Clinton & Highlands Trail

On June 5th, 2010 Estelle says:

The reroute of the BW/C and Highlands Trail has been completed. All the HT blazing is done, some of the BW/C yellow blazes will be completed shortly. The HT crosses Clinton Rd, Pequannock Watershed at P4 and now continues straight up the hill. It turns left and co-aligns along the newly created Bearfort Waters/Clinton (yellow) trail. Since it's new, take care to follow the blazes. There is no longer a loop hike possible since the trail across the beaver dam is closed. The beavers have made this crossing nearly impossible! It's possible to hike from P4 to parking area P9 using a car shuttle. This is a beautiful hike along ridges, with, at one point, a view of Buckabear Pond and Clinton Reservoir. After the beaver dam, the rest of the hike is along the reservoir. Check the Highlands Trail webpages for further detail.

Happy hiking!

Nice trail

On June 19th, 2010 ljstephan says:

Very nice new trail, I took a hike along it today. Also on the trail with me were a rattlesnake and a couple of bears. They seemed to like it too!

Re: "Nice Trail" & Rattlesnakes.

On June 22nd, 2010 Bob says:

Thanks for the compliment , this trail represents many hours of volunteer labor. This year seems to be hosting a bumper crop of Rattlesnakes and we caution hikers to be on sharp lookout for where they plant their feet and hands. They are not aggresive unless you happen to step on them. Their favorite hangout is rock out crops with a Southern exposure, but we've also encountered them in untypical habitat. Please keep in mind that Timber Rattlesnakes are an Endangered species and are protected by New Jersey Laws. They serve an important niche in the forest ecology so please don't harm or disturb them. Thanks, Ynoke

Timber Rattlers

On June 23rd, 2010 thegup says:

Deserve your respect http://catskillmountaineer.com/animals-snakes.html http://www.venomousreptiles.org/articles/345?venomsid=f065e3fa57ac4a0dab...

Old Perkins Drive closed for summer

On June 5th, 2010 PVPatrick says:

The semipaved "old perkins road" which connects the AT at its first road crossing on the east side of Bear Mt and the AT again across Perkins Drive on the west side of the Mt is closed as the trail relocation begins the next phase.

What is the next phase?

On June 7th, 2010 thex says:

What is the next phase?

The downward spiral staircases of Bear Mountain/Harriman.

On June 3rd, 2010 thex says:

Does anyone else disagree with the new Appalachian trail at Bear Mountain? I think its rediculous in many ways. First, this easy stair case is going to make it easier for people to get to parts of the trail/forest that they would never have even tried to get to, because it would be to difficult, so they would stay at the bottom, by the inn. But now, its just been made easier for people to get up there, litter, get loud have screaming kids etc. It used to be kinda peaceful, tranquil and clean up there, but I guess those days are now over. Also, what about all the wildlife that was displaced by this staircase? Everything from tiny ants to deer and bear have either been displaced, killed, scared off or something. In other words, this did nothing for the wildlife of Bear Mountain. Kind of makes NYNJTC and their supporters look and act like the Marines and corporations in Avatar. They had a goal and just did it, with only thinking of themselves and the money they are hoping will come in with new NYNJTC members and donations. I know thats the main goal. And yes, I have read enough and talked to enough people these past few years about how desperate the TC is for money. Seams that the TC and trail maintainers are forgeting what the forest is all about. BEING WILD AND CHALLENGING! Almost every time I'm on a trail in Bear Mountain or Harriman SP, there is some kind of stairs, bridges, steps, chainsaw cut blow downs and other man made things to let me know that this area is not wild and free. Its being made for the weak and the filthy. Yea, I always leave with a backpack full of others garbage. Maybe if people wouldn't mind walking over/around a blown down tree, we wouldn't have to walk through garbage as much. The TC seams to always be fighting for open space, to do with what THEY want, not for whats good for the forest/wildlife. They just took millions of dollars away from the EPF. And this is in the NYNJTC own words: "The bad news is that in exchange, the Environmental Protection Fund, which pays for land, water, and air protection measures across the state, will be reduced to $134 million from the $222 million it was at in 2009/10. This disproportionately large cut of almost 40% comes on top of the nearly $500 million that has been swept from the EPF in recent years, and which has created a significant backlog of unfunded projects, straining organizations, municipalities and others partnering with the state on environmental programs." So yea, the TC has a bunch of non self thinking droids to go and speak out for what the TC wants. So go ahead, try to justify this raping of the park and open spaces to boot. I won't be supporting them, and trust me, I'm not the only one who wants to keep the parks/forest wild and staircase free.

The staircase is

On June 14th, 2010 thegup says:

The staircase is aesthetically pleasing and Bear Mountain is more a tourist destination than a serious hikers place anyway and has been for many years. I avoid it like the plague as I do Taurus and Breakneck simply because I got tired of watching people from NYC in flip flops on the path. There are hundreds of hikes in NYS that will provide you with the wild unspoiled and difficult experience you seek. You sound as though you should bushwack given your hatred of all man made trails. Try California Hill St Park just across the river if you want a pristine experience.

If we take your idea to it's

On June 6th, 2010 Paul_A says:

If we take your idea to it's logical conclusion then the state should close all "public" land to people. After all every footstep we make compacts the ground and changes things for the wild life small and large. And if this is really a concern, and you think the T.C. is headed in the wrong direction, let me suggest you get involved in the TC leadership and help set a new, and proper, course. It's easy to sit behind a computer and complain, it's more admirable to work for what you think is right and correct. And yes, I think your 2 cents is worth just as much as anyone else's, 2 cents.

Here we go again....

On June 7th, 2010 thex says:

Unfortunately, your 2 cents isn't worth that much Paul_A. You are assuming. I'm sure U know what happens when you do that., but leave ME out of it. I never mentioned once to "close all "public" land to people". Where did you get that? Re-read and take it for what it is and not what you want it to be (now thats admirable!). I'm stating that nature should take its course in these areas. And footsteps don't impact the land nearly as much as the staircase does (even with the millions of people or whatever the TC claims uses it), but it makes it worse, because people will be walking around the staircase. You'll see very soon. When is the concession stands and ferris wheels going up along the AT or somewhere else in Bear Mountain/Harriman? It would be a great money maker for the TC. Then, they can start building staircases all over the park. at every incline. And at this point, garbage cans should be put along the trail every 20 feet or so, but I doubt they would be used. We should all stop wondering why people around here are fat, spoiled, weak and lazy. My point is, leave the trails be and hike them! If you can't climb, then don't. Either find a simpler trail or just stay in the picnic area and eat some more. BTW, the TC is going to do what the TC wants to do to help their business grow. I've tried before.

Trails for nature as well as people

On June 3rd, 2010 Georgette Weir says:

The rebuilt A.T. on the east face of Bear Mountain is intended to:
1. stop and prevent erosion on the mountain caused by hundreds of thousands of hikers who already scramble up it each year
2. encourage people to stay on the trail rather than create a maze of damaging herd paths
3. eliminate the recurring need for relocations (this is the 6th or 7th since the trail's original construction) owing to the high volume of traffic
4. provide a positive trail experience for the novice hikers who frequent this trail section
5. provide opportunities to educate the public about proper trail etiquette (this will be a special focus for the next phase of the Bear Mountain Trails Project)

The mission of the Trail Conference is to promote people's connection with nature, not keep people from enjoying their public parks. Bear Mountain and Harriman State Parks are not wilderness areas, which can be found elsewhere in the state.

I like to run/hike the

On June 6th, 2010 PVPatrick says:

deleted

More nonsense?

On June 4th, 2010 hiker4414 says:

Anyone who does the math can tell you there are not hundreds of thousands of hikers who "scramble up" Bear Mtn each year. Are you counting those who drive to the top? Even with them, it would be very hard to reach your numbers. NYNJTC does a fine job organizing the maintenance of 1,700 miles of trails and probably spends far less than $1,000,000 of the TC budget on trail maintenance. To spend $2,000,000? on a mile or two of trail? To devote 30,000 hours of volunteer service and tie up TC supervision and resources for a mile or two of trail? Imagine if all that effort and a small part of those dollars went into the other 1,698 miles of trails ... the trails reachable without paying an $8.00 parking fee. Then you would be doing something for the hiking public. Ninety percent of your membership doesn't climb mountains to see all the motorcycles and hear blasting radios. I have to agree with those who say the TC is in the AT relo for (perceived benefit from attracting new members) for the money. I do hope the yahoo with the can of spray paint won't come along and sour the volunteer spirit.

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