Pelton Pond and Canopus Lake Fahnestock Park Loop

Clarence Fahnestock State Park
Putnam Co.,
New York

Hiking Trails:
Pelton Pond Trail: Yellow Blaze
Hemlock Grove Trail
Owl Run Trail

Total Time: 1:15 hour
Estimated Distance: 2.0 Miles

Pros: Scenic lakes
Cons: None
Hike Type: Loop
Level of Difficulty: Difficult in icy conditions

Hiking Partner:
Shimmy Rosenberg

Google Maps of Parking:
https://goo.gl/maps/RRLG45h8WhGZV6ji8

The temperature was very cold, but much of the snow had melted, especially at the upper areas of the hike more exposed to the sun. We parked at the Long Mountain Trailhead, and took the Long Path up the mountain, taking the historic Fingerboard-Storm King Trail part connecting parts of the Long Path. We enjoyed the sweeping view on the top, and descended down the northern flank. At the bottom of the deep valley, we crossed the brook and then crossed back, and then took the unmarked road through the valley to the Long Path. We then took the Long Path back to our car.

Map of of the Route

Pelton Pond

Canopus Lake

Long Mountain Winter Loop

Harriman State Park
Orange Co.,
New York

Hiking Trails:
Long Path: Green Blaze
Fingerboard-Storm King Historic Trail: Brown blaze

Total Time: 1:25 hour
Estimated Distance: 1.9 Miles

Pros: Good climb, scenic view
Cons: None
Hike Type: Lollipop Loop
Level of Difficulty: Difficult in snowy conditions

Hiking Partners:
Simcha Krongold
Rayzi Friedman

Google Maps of Parking:
https://goo.gl/maps/s4L9zgCfyabbNFdi9

The temperature was very cold, but much of the snow had melted, especially at the upper areas of the hike more exposed to the sun. We parked at the Long Mountain Trailhead, and took the Long Path up the mountain, taking the historic Fingerboard-Storm King Trail part connecting parts of the Long Path. We enjoyed the sweeping view on the top, and descended down the northern flank. At the bottom of the deep valley, we crossed the brook and then crossed back, and then took the unmarked road through the valley to the Long Path. We then took the Long Path back to our car.

Map of the Route

Silvermine Lake and Ski Loop

Harriman State Park
Orange Co.,
New York

Hiking Trails:
Menomine Trail: Yellow Blaze
Silvermine Mountain Trail: Unblazed

Total Time: 1:20 hour
Estimated Distance: 2.5 Miles

Pros: Scenic Lake, Pretty hike
Cons: None
Hike Type: Loop
Level of Difficulty: Difficult in snowy conditions

Google Maps of Parking:
https://goo.gl/maps/cDKEEoqrF8u2TK2c8

This hike was in the middle of an active snowstorm. This was not an intensive snowstorm and the roads were mostly fine, but there were several inches of fresh snow and it was still falling intensely during the hike. I parked in the Sterlingmine parking area, and took the Menomine Trail alongside Silvermine Lake.

 At the trail intersection with the unnamed road, I went west along that trail, and then took the trail that goes up to the top of Silvermine Mountain. The trail is not marked and is hard to follow, making it somewhat difficult. At the top of Silvermine Mountain, I took the trail connecting to the western ski trail, and walked down the ski trail down the steep hill, past some sledders and a snowboarder, and then back to my car.