Harriman State Park,
Rockland Co.,
New York
Hiking Trails:
Suffern-Bear Mountain Trail: Yellow blaze
Total Time: 1:10 hour
Estimated Distance: 2.3 Miles
Pros: Scenic, quiet area
Cons: None
I had heard that the Jackie Jones Fire Tower had been reopened, with access even to the top enclosed part. The last time I was here, the tower was closed with the bottom stairs removed so it could not be climbed. This hike was my inspection of the tower and seeing it reopened, including the top part. This great news for all hikers and makes this area once again a great hike.
I was off from work, and had a bit of time for a quick hike. I parked at the trailhead parking at the Suffern -Bear Mountain Trail on County Road 106 at the entrance to Harriman State Park. I took the trail past the ORAK Ruin, continuing up past the Jackie Jones Communications Tower, and then to the Fire Tower. I climbed up the steps to the top of the tower, and entered the enclosed area which is now open. It offers panoramic views from all four sides. I took pictures from the top, but the glass was a bit dirty and reflective for my pictures on the top. (Pictures were also from my cell phone). I then climbed down and took the Jackie Jones Communication Tower Road back down to the parking.
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| Map of the Route |
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| Beginning of the Hike with the Trail Marker and Light Snow Cover |
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| Gatehouse of the ORAK Ruin |
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| Orak Ruin |
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| Suffern-Bear Mountain Trail at the ORAK Ruin with the Snow |
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| Another Building of the ORAK Ruin |
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| At the ORAK Ruin with an Interesting Tree |
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| Greenery on the Suffern-Bear Mountain Trail in the Mountain Laurels |
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| Jackie Jones Fire Tower |
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| New Steps on the Fire Tower |
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| View from Fire Tower, Facing North to Jackie Jones Communication Tower |
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| View Facing West to Lake Welch |
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| View Facing Southeast with the NYC Skyline in the Distance |
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| View Facing North |
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| Tribute to the Volunteers who Rebuilt the Fire Tower Inside the Fire Tower |
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