Trail Conditions Forum

The water pipe repairs in the Popolopen Gorge area have been completed and the trails are open. Two other updates: The Pop Bridge is still out and there are no immediate plans to replace it. Also some of the trails in there lost their blazes when trees were removed. The blazes will be replaced asap. RE: Posted 9/23/2011:   Work to replace a water line that runs through the Popolopen Gorge will close the Popolopen Gorge Trail and portions of the 1779, 1777W and Timp Torne Trails beginning at about the end of September, according to the Palisades Interstate Park Commission. The closure will affect trails for a distance of 2.2 miles through the Gorge.

Great to be back on the Long Path after an extended period of time off. The never ending journey has begun again. After thinking the warm winter would allow Brother & I to try to cross this section of the LP back in December 2011, we were rebuffed due to extensive icing. So we tried again this weekend and I'm happy to report the mission was successful! Not without sore legs and, amazingly enough, icing still present on the trail above 3500' !!! What a surprise to see the white stuff still hanging on. While it did not stop us from getting through, there were many sections where it did make passage a little challenging. In particular the Cornell Crack was the worst of it. The whole length of the crack was iced over, varying from 4" to 8" wide, right where you would want to use the toe of your boots to climb or desend the crack, which is fairly steep. We met another hiker that told us there was an alternative route but we could not find it. In the end we took our chances and prayed the small strip of exposed rock at the bottom ledge would be enough to stop our decent as we spread out and went sitting down the crack. Fortunately the plan worked. We were thankful we were headed northeastwards and down the crack but saw many others heading in the other direction and having to asend the crack. I would propose to the TC staff and NYDEC a reroute for this section or at least have an official alternative to this particular section. It would have made this area less trying and frankly safer. We didn't see too much wildlife during the trip which was a little disappointing. It was also apparent to us that this area is at least a month behind the NYC Metro area in terms of plants greening up. Still pretty brown but the small wildflowers were coming up and that was a consolation of sorts. Wow is it dry. No water anywhere. None of the areas along the trail that indicate water, once you pass the entry/parking areas, has water. If you are going to this area, make sure you bring water and lots of it. Views from the top of Slide are disappointing. Time to clear some of the growth. Views from the top of Cornell were excellent on the west side and passable on the east side. View from the ledge on Wittenberg was the best of all and expansive. Overall this hike was challenging and fun. We averaged about a mile per hour, including breaks. OK for older, out of shape guys. All I could think of during the trip was a quote from R.S.M (Regimental Sergeant Major) Sandy Young from the movie the Wild Geese during initial boot camp training, "Right, let's try for our first heart attack, shall we?". Weather was clear with high clouds and cool with a breeze. Temperatures topped out in the 60's.

I'm thinking of going this weekend to do my spring trail maintainance. Are there any fire issues in this part of Harriman? Is there a way to get updated info on this? Thanks

We were thinking of hiking in the Catskills today, but decided against it due to the high risk of fire there. So, we chose this hike in Harriman: http://www.nynjtc.org/hike/seven-hillshtsreeves-brook-trail-loop-ramapo-torne-and-torne-view We decided to do the whole orange-blazed Hillburn-Torne-Sebago trail to Ramapo Torne. As we were ascending up the steep rocks, we came to a clearing part way up where the ground was black and smoldering. Then we saw a few trees on fire & smoke. My partner looked around a bit, and said there was quite a large area that was smoldering. Not a raging fire, but quite a few trees burning. I'm guessing the black smoldering stuff on the ground was dead leaves that had burned out. Given the huge number of cars at the visitor center, we were surpised that the trail hadn't been closed. We turned back the way we came (up wind fortunately). On the way back we saw that someone must have just taped off the Hillburn-Torne-Sebago trail at the base of the ascent. Then we heard a helicopter above, which we saw approach the summit and started circling it.   It was interesting to see, but we were glad it was a small fire.

  I love West Mountain Shelter for day hikes, but when I read here that people are planning to bring entire boy scout troops to camp there, its popularity makes it less attractive to me for an overnight.

Hi, I'm just wondering whether anyone knows what the deal is with Exit 16 on the Palisades Pkwy. I wanted too use it to get to the Tiorati Circle but hesitated when I saw that it said closed. But I wasn't sure if it meant that Sebago Beach was closed for the season or that the road  was not open for use. When I finally did get to the circle, there was a sign that said that the road, which is Tiorati Brook Road was closed at a certain point and was to be used for local traffic only. I'm confused as to whether this road is accessible or not because it would be easier to get to Tiorati using this exit instead of having to go all the way around from exit 18. Also in response to the comments about the crowds on the trails. I'd like to know which are the least used sections and trails of the park because I too have run into large crowds and unless I'm able to get to the trails just around sun-up, it can get pretty busy with all of the people.

Please, we need all the help possible, we lost our dog near the pound ridge reservation. It is a Cockapoo, white, very small, answer by the name of Daisy.   If you see her, She has a ChIP.

Now I understand why the park is being so strict.  On nice weekend days, Harriman is literally overrun with what appear to be inexperienced hikers, some in large groups.  A few weeks ago, I must have passed 200 people.  For part of my hike, I was fairly close to Reeves Meadow, which as we all know is a prime parking lot.  And on top of many of them looking like they were out for a quick stroll, sometimes without even a pack, they were often unfriendly.  None of the smiles and greetings hikers extend to each other in the backcountry.  I know many people will blame New York City but to be honest these looked like locals using the park as a place for their dog to do his business or to keep themselves in their trim shapes.  I love Harriman for the variety of its trails and the ability to construct interesting loop hikes but I think I will stay away.  Unless of course it's raining or a very cold winter day.  

Good Advice.  I would add don't try to climb Breakneck wearing flip flops, which I have seen with me own eyes.

Does anyone know if the section of Platte Clove Road that goes to Prediger Road from the east out of West Saugerties is open?  Or will I need to get to Prediger from the west down Platte Clove coming through Tannersville?  I know it is supposed to be closed in winter but I thought with the very mild winter it may be open prior to April 15.  I am looking to get there on April 7 or 8.   Any idea?