Harriman Hiker: Harriman State Park and Beyond: November 2022

The New Weis Center /
Norvin Green State Forest
Passaic Co.,
New Jersey

Hiking Trails:
Otter Hole Trail: Green blaze
Hewitt-Butler Trail: Blue blaze
Wyanokie Circular Trail: Red blaze
Macopin Trail: White blaze

Total Time: 2:30 hour
Estimated Distance: 4.2 Miles

Pros: Good climb, great views
Cons: None
Hike Type: Double Lollipop loop
Level of Difficulty: Slightly difficult

Google Maps of Parking:
https://goo.gl/maps/3FoA6k6295nubhLy6

Hiking Partner:
Yehudah Koblick

I was at Wyanokie High Point earlier in the year, and wanted to make it across the ridge to Yoo Hoo Point, as well as hike to Wyanokie High Point from the The New Weis Center. The day started off nice, but as the hike progressed, the weather deteriorated, and the last 1/2 hour included steady rain which got us wet.

We parked at the The New Weis Center and took the Otter Hole Trail passed the picnic area and Highlands Natural Pool, passing a scenic cascade on the Blue Mine Brook along the way. We thgen took the Hewitt-Butler Trail up to Wyanokie High Point. We then went back down the same way up, and went to Yoo Hoo Point across the ridge. We turned around back to the Hewitt-Butler Trail, and then took the Macopin Trail down the mountain back to the Otter Hole Trail, which took back to our car, taking the unknown music-blazed trail on the other side of the brook at the New Weis Center near the end.

Map of the Route

Information Kiosk at the Beginning of the Hike

Abandoned Cabins at the New Weis Center

Cascade Along the Blue Mine Brook

Richard N. Warner Kiosk, at the Beginning of the Mountain Ascent

First View on Wyanokie High Point

View of Assiniwikam Mountain from Wyanokie High Point

Yehudah Koblick on Wyanokie High Point

Me on Wyanokie High Point

Final Ascent to Wyanokie High Point Summit

Wyanokie High Point Summit

Yoo Hoo Point

Wyanokie High Point from Yoo Hoo Point

View from the North-Facing View on Wyanokie High Point

Catskill Forest Preserve,
Greene Co.,
New York

Hiking Trails:
Escarpment Trail: Blue blaze
Horse Trail: Yellow blaze
Long Path: Green blaze
Schutt Road Trail: Red blaze
Kaaterskill Falls Trail: Yellow blaze

Total Time: 2:45 hours
Estimated Distance: 5.2 Miles

Pros: Amazing views, scenic waterfall
Cons: Area can get busy
Hike Type: Loop
Level of Difficulty: Moderate

Google Maps of Parking:
https://goo.gl/maps/A9f7Mwh2s7MKp7eY9

I was off for Thanksgiving, and decided to visit this hike which I had not been to in a long time. Further, I had never yet hiked the new connecting trail from the top of Kaaterskill falls to the bottom. I decided to take my time off in the morning and early afternoon to do a bit of a travel to one of the most scenic areas in the Catskills, Kaaterskill Clove and the Escarpment.

It was a beautiful late fall day. Even high up in the Catskills it was probably 50 degrees and sunny with little wind. (Though it was much colder in the shady areas and later in the day.) I parked at the new parking area at the end of Laurel House Road, and took the Yellow Trail down to the bridge crossing Spruce Creek, to to Escarpment Trail. I was surprised how busy this area was during this time of the year and on the actual Holiday. However, once I passed the falls area, I hardly saw anyone else and it was very quiet. Apparently all the foot traffic was to visit the falls.

I took the Escarpment Trail to the Layman Monument, and then went above the escarpment line passing several great views along the way. I passed the Yellow connection trail, and then passed Sunset Rock and Inspiration Point. The Trail then joined with the Horse Trail and then the Long Path, which I then took the Schutt Road Trail. I took the Schutt Road Trail back to the Escarpment Trail, which I then took briefly along the same route before, to the Kaaterskill Falls Trail.

I took the Kaaterskill Falls Trail trail down, then passing the new steps, and went to the upper and lower falls. I couldn't get too close as it was icy and slippery. I got to the pleasure to meet a fellow hiker from my area at the falls, Yoely Goldstein, and he added me to his hiking group chat. (See the last picture below.) I then turned around and went back along the Kaaterskill Falls Trail, back up, to the Escarpment Trail and the Yellow Trail and then back to my car.