Frozen Little Dam Lake and AT

Sterling Forest State Park
Orange Co.
New York

Hiking Trails:
Appalachian Trail: White blaze

Total Time: 1:20 hours
Estimated Distance: 2.2 Mile

Pros: Quiet area with nice lake
Cons: None
Hike Type: Out and back / Lollipop loop
Level of Difficulty: Moderate

Google Maps of Parking:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/QduLCp5L5osNreXT8

It had been very cold and the lakes in the area were frozen. However, I was at Lake Skanatati on Friday and the most of the lakes in Harriman were frozen but they were still not listed as safe by the rangers. I called the Harriman office at Lake Tiorati prior to the hike, and they said that none of the lakes were open for walking and ice fishing in Harriman, but some were in Sterling Forest, including Little Dam Lake.

I went to Little Dam Lake, which is a small and shallow lake. I parked on Bramertown Road at the bend, and took the road to the dam. I walked along the lake to the small islands on the northern part of the lake, and then went to the shore and the went to the Appalachian Trail (AT). I took the AT north up the mountain and then down to Orange Turnpike, and then turned around back along the AT southbound. I then crossed the frozen lake again towards the dam and then went south back to my car.

Map of the Route

Frozen Lakes Sign

Path the Little Dam Lake

Approaching the Lake

The Dam at Little Dam Lake

Walking on the Frozen Lake

Island in the Lake

Winter Greenery Along the Appalachian Trail

Ascending the Mountain

Appalachian Trail at the Road

Back at Little Dam Lake