Silvermine Lake & Black Mountain

Harriman State Park,
Rockland Co.,
New York

Trails:
Menomine Trail: Yellow blaze
Appalachian Trail (AT): White blaze
Ramapo-Dunderberg Trail (R-D): Red blaze

Total Time: 3:00 hr
Estimated Distance: 4.5 Miles
Level of Difficulty: Slightly difficult
Level of Recommendation: Highly Recommended
Points Of Interest: Scenic Lake, Good climb, and amazing views

Hiking Partners:
Shimmy Rosenberg


Google Maps of Parking:

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This hike was at the peak of the fall foliage, with the striking colors in full force. I wanted to get a hike with a beatiful lake and solid viepoint, so this was the perfect combination. We parked at the Silvermine Lake parking area off Seven Lakes Drive, and took the path along the western part of the lake towards the dam. At the dam bushwacked down slightly, and then crossed the outlet stream on the rocks. Over the other side there is an old road that is an unmarked trail that first goes along the northern shore of Silvermine Lake, and then slowly climbs the mountain. Not too far later it hits the combined AT and R-D Trails.

At that intersection we took the combined AT and R-D Trails up black mountain, where there is a short but solid climb to a fantastic viewpoint where you can get a very pretty view of the lake. Continued along towards the summit of Black Mountain, which provides one of the best views in the entire Harriman Park. We also explored the Spanish Mine on the top of Black Mountain. The Spanish Mine is mostly filled in and only a short pit, and not all that interesting.

From here we turned around back and continued along the AT all the way to the Menomine Trail. Stopped at the shelter for a few minutes which was extremely busy, and then took the Menomine Trail back to the parking area.

Map of the Route

Foliage at the Beginning of Hike

Silvermine Lake. Western shore.

Silvermine Lake, near Dam

Silvermine Lake, near Dam

Group of Japanese crossing the brook near the lake outlet

Black Mountain. First viewpoint overlooking the lake.

Same view, zoomed in.

Same viewpoint, different angle of Lake

Near the summit of Black Mountain.
Facing south towards Hi-Tor.

View from Black Mnt Summit.
Facing south with Manhattan Skyline in view straight ahead.

Summit view. Facing south.

The inconspicuous Spanish Mine.

The busy shelter at the AT and Menomine Intersections.

Another Lake Shot on the return.
From the southern shore of the lake along the Menomine Trail.