Harriman Hiker: Harriman State Park and Beyond: State Line Trail to Bellvale Mountain Ridge

Abram S. Hewitt State Forest,
Passaic Co., New Jersey /
Appalachian Trail National Scenic Trail Area,
Orange Co.,
New York

Hiking Trails:
State Line Trail: Blue blaze
Appalachian Trail: White blaze

Total Time: 3:45 hour
Estimated Distance: 7.3 Miles

Pros: Very scenic area with good climbs and good views
Cons: Parking is difficult when busy, lots of sun and limited tree cover

This was a beautiful spring day. It was cold in the morning, but quickly warmed up. I had been to the area many years ago, and decided it was a good opportunity to revisit the area especially for my quest to further facilitate my travels along the Appalachian Trail.

I found the parking area for the State Line Trail to be full, so I turned around on Lake Shore Rd, on the side of the road on the New York/New Jersey state line. I took the State Line Trail up the mountain, and at the end of the trail at the Appalachian Trail, and took the Appalachian Trail north to Prospect Rock. Prospect Rock has a sweeping view of Greenwood Lake with a large bedrock exposure. There is also a seasonal flag put up every spring that remains through the fall.

I continued on the Appalachian Trail after Prospect Rock, and then descending along the trail until the next ascent, which is a steep climb with rungs in the rock to be able to climb. There is another excellent view at this point wither another excellent vantage point of Greenwood Lake and beyond. I then continued on the Appalachian Trail north past the cairns and along the ridge, to the next view. I then turned around and took the trail back the same way.