Frozen Lake Sebago and Skenonto

Frozen Lake Sebago and Skenonto
Harriman State Park,
Rockland and Orange Cos.,
New York

Total Time: 2:00 hours
Estimated Distance: 4.7 miles
Level of Difficulty: Moderate
Level of Recommendation: Highly recommended, but rarely possible
Points of Interest: Frozen lakes
Pros: Hike on a lake
Cons: None

Hiking Trails:
Victory Trail: Blue blaze
Triangle Trail: Yellow blaze

Google Map of Parking:

View 2014 Hiking Locations in a larger map

The weather had warmed up briefly Saturday and Sunday, but the lakes in Harriman were still frozen. The weather was in the mid-30's, which is warm for a frozen lake hike. Lake Sebago rarely fully freezes over, but it had been frozen this week so I took the opportunity to hike on it. As expected, there were many ice fisherman enjoying the frozen lake, and there was even someone biking on the lake! This was actually the first time I had seen Lake Sebago frozen and thus my first opportunity to hike on it.

Lake Sebago is one of the largest lakes in Harriman. I parked at the Lake Sebago boat launch off Seven Lakes Drive and headed west across the lake towards the northern arm of the lake. I went the length of the entire arm, which is over a mile in distance, to a small marshy island and then to the beach area. (The beach is currently being renovated and has been closed the past two summers.) From there I took a connector path to the Victory Trail, and took this trail towards Lake Skenonto. Once I reach Lake Skenonto, I hiked along the edge of the Lake, but it was a bit slushy in certain areas, and considering there was no one else around I didn't feel comfortable on this lake and went back to the shore and back to the Victory Trail. At the south end of the lake I went on the Triangle Trail, and took this trail back towards Lake Sebago, and then went across Lake Sebago again back to my car.

Map of the Route.
Harriman/Bear Mountain State Parks Southern  Map

Flag Indicating Ice on Lake is Safe at the Parking Area

Just Entering the Lake at the Parking Area. Notice all the Footsteps.

Looking West Across the Lake

Looking South Towards Diamond Mountain

A Biker on the Lake with His Dog

Me Lifeguarding at the Beach

Looking South Towards Diamond Mountain, with a Floating Dock

Looking  North Towards the Extended Arm of the Lake

A Bald Eagle Flying Above the Lake.
This is a Magnificent Bird to See in the Wild.
I saw two of them - this is the Second One.

Small Island and Lake Sebago Beach in the Distance

Interesting Perspective and Cloud Cover Looking Back Near the Beach

Old Abandoned Ruins Heading Towards the Victory Trail

Lake Skenonto from the Northern Shore, Looking South

Lake Skenonto After I Ascended Off of it

Lake Skenonto Southern point, Looking North

Entry Point Back to Lake Sebago from the Triangle Trail

Boat Dock on Lake Sebago

Me on Lake Sebago

Fishing Hole

Panoramic View in Middle of Lake Sebago.