Rockland County,
New York
Trails:
Suffern-Bear Mountain Trail (SBM) - Yellow Blaze
Total Time: 1:15 Hours
Total Distance: 2 Miles
This hike was a beautiful autumn day at the peak of the foliage colors. I took a little bit of time off of work to enjoy the fall and the weather. Parked the car at the top of the large hill on Gate Hill Road, right where it crosses the Minesceongo Creek. Took the SBM trail up the service road to Jackie Jones Tower, and then went along the trail to the abadoned road at the ORAK ruin.
The ORAK ruin is composed of several abandoned structures that are interesting to explore. According to the book "Harriman Trails: A guide and History" by William J. Myles, he states that the ORAK Ruin was a mansion that belonged to George Briggs Buchanan, a vice president of KARO Syrup company. In 1939, the park bought the property from Buchanan, and demolished them in 1973.
From the ORAK ruin continued along to the trail past the Jackie Jones communication tower, and then to the Fire Tower. Climbed the Fire Tower to get an unbelievable view. Took the same route back.
Map of the Route
The gatehouse at the ORAK Ruin
One of the structures at the ruin.
Jackie Jones Communications Relay Tower
The Fire Tower behind the trees
Atop the Fire Tower.
Facing east towards Haverstraw and Hudson.
View of High Tor and Bowline Power Plant.
Zoom into High Tor with Hudson River.
Looking north towards Bear Mountain,
on the right, and Bare Rock Mountain
to the far left, and Breakneck Ridge
in the very far center background.
Zoom into Bear Mountain. Facing North.
Facing west towards Lake Welch.
Facing west towards Lake Welch with
Fire Tower grid in view.
Me on the Fire Tower
A Swiss fellow hiker, Jag, climbing the Tower.
Jag was kind enough to send me some pictures to post.
Jag was kind enough to send me some pictures to post.
A picture of me on the Fire Tower.
Taken and graciously sent to me by
fellow hiker Jag, who is also a great
photographer.
On the SBM where it goes down the service road.
Absolutely stunning autumn foliage!
How did the park system allow the "relay tower", thought is a state land, no building?
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