Green Pond Harriman Late Fall

Harriman State Park
Orange Co, NY

Hiking Trails:
White Bar Trail: White blaze
Dunning Trail: Yellow blaze
Island Pond Woods Road: Unblazed

Total Time: 1:20
Estimated Distance: 2.8 miles

Pros: Quiet scenic area
Cons: None
Hike Type: Out and back
Level of Difficulty: Figue 8 Loop

Google Maps of Parking:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/HtuExHDEghmKXfcV9

It was late fall and the weather was colder than usual, with heavy winds. In fact I found out after that the area was under a high wind advisory. I had meant to go on a longer hike and visit the Boston Mine, but due to the uncomfortable wind conditions I opted to make the hike shorter.

Green Pond is a very scenic area of the park. It's in a remote, quiet part, and is a small, natural lake surrounded by foxtail phragmites. Over the ridge to the west of Green Pond is a nice view facing West towards Sterling Forest. 

I parked on Kanwauke Road at the White Bar Trailhead, and took the trail north to the Dunning Trail. The Dunning Trail goes alongside the northern and western flank of Green Pond, with rocky overlooks and an interesting rock overhang. The trail then climbs up the western ridge and ends at the White Bar Trail, which has been parallel. I took the White Bar Trail a short distance north to the overlook, and then took the White Trail back on its parallel route to the Dunning Trail to Island Pond Road. Island Pond Road is a woods road that ends right near Kanawauke Road when its connects with the White Bar Trail. I then continued along the White Bar Trail back to my car at the trailhead.

Map of the Route

Hunting Information for the New Hunting Policy in the Park

Map Route at the Trailhead

Greenery on White Bar Trail

Green Pond

View Near Valley of Boulders

Hemlock and Rhododendrons on Island Pond Road

Long Path Beginning at Ft Lee and Carpenter Trail

Palisades Interstate Park
Ft. Lee / Edgewater
Bergen Co, NJ

Hiking Trails:
Carpenter Trail: Blue blaze
Long Path: Green blaze
Shore Trail: White blaze

Total Time: 1:50 hour
Estimated Distance: 3.9 Miles

Pros: Good views, historical area
Cons: Urban region
Hike Type: Loop
Level of Difficulty: Moderate

Google Maps of Parking:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/F8ACd22crVqYou1o7

This was a warm autumn day with late season foliage. This area is where the rural and urban meet. It's right across from Manhattan, but it's quiet and peaceful and in the woods. I parked on Hudson Terrace, right near the Carpenter Trail trailhead, and crossed over the Palisades Parkway on the pedestrian bridge.

I then reached the Long Path, and stopped for the nice view north of the bridge on top of the Palisades cliffs, and then took the Carpenter Trail down the steep trail and under the tunnels to the end of the trail at the Shore Path. I walked to Ross Dock and took some more pictures there, and then took the Shore Path south under the George Washington Bridge, and then continued along the trail back to Route 9W.

I then cut across up the hill to the end of Fort Lee Park, at the view over Edgewater, and then walked along Fort Lee Park to the beginning of the Long Path. I then took the Long Path down to Route 9W and headed north under Route 95 and took the new pedestrian/bike bridge. I then continued along the Long Path back to the Carpenter Trail and back to my car.

Map of the Route

Carpenter's Trailhead Information Plaque

Pedestrian Bridge Over the Palisades Parkway

Palisades Parkway from the Pedestrian Bridge 

View of the George Washington Bridge & Washington Heights

Descending the Carpenter Trail

Tunnels on the Carpenter Trail

Near Ross Dock

View of Manhattan Skyline from Ross Dock

Hazard Beach Near the Bridge

View from the Shore Path

Edgewater from Ft. Lee Park

Ft. Lee Park View

Old Cabin at Ft. Lee

Cannons at Ft. Lee

Start of the Long Path and Shore Trail

New Ramp Bridge Over Palisades Parkway Ramp