Tom Jones Mountain Foliage

Harriman State Park
Orange County, New York

Hiking Trails:
Ramapo-Dunderberg Trail: Red blaze
Victory Trail: Blue blaze

Total Time: 1:15 hour
Estimated Distance: 1.5 miles
Level of Difficulty: Moderate
Level of Recommendation: Recommended for short but good climb
Points Of Interest: Good climb, excellent view

Google Map of Parking:

View 2012 Hiking in a larger map

This was the last good week of fall foliage. Although this Sunday was past peak, there were still some nice colors, although much of the remaining leaves on the trees were brown. This storm was the day before Hurricane Sandy struck and devastated the area. The storm warnings were all in effect, but the rain and wind was not supposed to be pick up until Monday, so I was safe doing this hike. However, I had to take care of storm preparations such as stock up and items and move all my outdoor furniture, so I needed to do a hike that was shorted than usual.

I parked the car on Lake Kanawauke Road (Orange County Route 106), right after the Little Long Pond. There is a small parking area here that often fills up on weekends. The parking area is a mountain notch in-between Tom Jones Mountain and Black Rock Mountain. I took the Ramapo-Dunderberg Trail south from the trailhead up Tom Jones Mountain. This part of the hike is a good and rocky climb up the mountain, but it is only for about 400 feet up. At the top there are some great views, and the mountain seems to stand out. I then continued along the trail, climbing down into the valley, and took the Victory Trail north back to the road. I then walked along the side of the road as it passed along the marsh back to my car.

Map of the Route

Late Autumn Brush Foliage Ascending Tom Jones Mountain

Beautiful, bright red blueberry foliage on the top of Tom Jones.

Another view, with Black Rock Mountain behind over the notch.
Facing North.

View at the top of Tom Jones Mnt.
Facing northeast.

Another view from the top, facing southeast.
Lake Kanawauke in the distance.

View from the top facing east.
Jackie Jones Tower is in the distance.

View off the summit facing north.
In the distance the Shawangunk and Catskill Mountains are clearly visible.
They are in the distance, though hard to capture on camera.

Near the Descent of Tom Jones on its southern flank.

View south of Parker Cabin Mountain on the descent of Tom Jones.