Trail Conditions Forum

Mud? Ice? High water at stream crossings?

This is the place to let the trail community know what you encountered, where and when (be as precise as possible). Suggestion: Make the trail or park name your subject.

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Daniel Chazin's picture

Submitted by Visitor (not verified) on 12/30/2011 - 9:16am
   The 11-mile distance is, indeed, correct.  The book Harriman Trails:  A Guide and History, by Bill Myles and myself, gives very accurate measurements for all trails in Harriman.  Based on the mileages contained in this book, I calculated the length of your proposed hike as 11.25 miles.  Using a piece of string to measure distances on a map is not an accurate method of computing distance, as these trails have many twists and turns that cannot be shown on a map of the scale that we produce.    However, you should also be aware that, for two reasons, it is not feasible to do this hike at this time.  First of all, Route 106 is closed between Route 17 and Seven Lakes Drive, making the trailhead parking area inaccessible (see other posts on this page).  Second, the bridge on the Stahahe Brook Trail over Stahahe Brook (a stone road bridge) was washed away by Hurricane Irene, and I understand that the stream is not crossable without the bridge.  So you will need to choose some other hike for this Sunday.
slabelson's picture

Submitted by Visitor (not verified) on 01/29/2012 - 12:14am
Does anyone know if Stahahe Brook is crossable at this time (on the Stahahe Brook Trail near the Elk Pen)?  Are both bridges gone? Also, does anyone know how to pronounce 'Stahahe'? Thanks!
Georgette Weir's picture

Submitted by Visitor (not verified) on 01/30/2012 - 9:31am

No change to the situation after Irene: This major bridge, formerly adequate for park trucks on the old Harriman Arden Road over Stahahe Brook, is totally washed out; stone arches, embankments and all. Crossing is not possible. We plan to post trail updates as we get them on the Harriman Park page on our website.

exed's picture

Submitted by Visitor (not verified) on 12/29/2011 - 6:28pm
Can someone tell me if the section between 17 and 7 Lakes is open yet? What is/was the issue anyway? Thanks!
Bob's picture

Submitted by Visitor (not verified) on 12/22/2011 - 1:20pm
We advise you not to cross on the Beaver Dam, and both the NY-NJ TC and NWCDC consider this crossing Closed. There are no plans to remove the Beaver Dam at this point, although it's been the subject of many conversations. The dam is very overgrown with brush and trees and there are gaps where the water flows through. To avoid drowned trail sections of the BWC Trail along the western shoreline, a new trail section has been completed on the ridge above the pond, but this still does not facilitate a "loop" hike. Best bet is to park at "P-4", and have a shuttle at "P-9" or the parking area on Rt. 23.
slabelson's picture

Submitted by Visitor (not verified) on 12/22/2011 - 1:52pm
...before I rephrased the question for Brian.  Thanks for your response and advice re. the dam.  I think we'll try the shuttle hike!
slabelson's picture

Submitted by Visitor (not verified) on 12/22/2011 - 12:52am
The new 10th Edition of the North Jersey map set shows the beaver dam area at the southern end of Buckabear Pond (where the Clinton West Tr. terminates at the same point as the Buckabear Pond Tr., and both of them try to reach across the beaver dam toward the new Bearfort Waters-Clinton/Highlands Tr.) as a dashed red 'Unmaintained Trail'.  Is this short section of trail passable?  How deep is the water and how far must one walk thru it?  Can it be bypassed at all or can one hop on rocks, logs, etc.?  I hiked it a few years back when it was semi-frozen and was able to cross by hugging some branches, but I hear the beavers have made significant progress since then. I would love to make a loop by crossing at this point and would appreciate any info on how "unmaintained" it is. Thanks! 
BrianSnat's picture

Submitted by Visitor (not verified) on 12/22/2011 - 12:54pm
If you mean crossing the beaver dam itself, I was there last fall and it was crossable but with the overgrowth on the dam and the unstable footing, it's not an easy crossing. You need to be very careful.
slabelson's picture

Submitted by Visitor (not verified) on 12/22/2011 - 1:49pm
Thanks for your response, Brian! I'm just trying to figure out whether this trail section, designated by the Trail Conference as "Unmaintained" (as opposed to, say, "impassable") is still navigable by a sure-footed hiker with GoreTex boots and a trekking pole.  Is the route right over a beaver lodge/dam and/or is there a stone/cement dam as well?  You mention overgrowth on the dam w/unstable footing and advise caution -- which is more unstable: the beaver debris or the stone part?  And what is the main threat: falling/stepping into water (how deep is it?) or falling off the dam(s)? Sorry to ask so many pesky questions; I'm just trying to assess whether I can make a loop hike with a group of companions by traversing this area. Thanks & Happy Holidays!
stephensherman's picture

Submitted by Visitor (not verified) on 12/19/2011 - 4:56pm
Found a lot of blowdowns on this section of the trail today. Nothing impassable, but worth the attention of the local maintainer.
Michael K7's picture

Submitted by Visitor (not verified) on 12/10/2011 - 8:05am
is a soggy, muddy mess. Other than the ridges, the trails are overflowing in places, and wet everywhere else. The eastern part of the Western Ridge Trail (blue blazed) is submerged under at least 6 inches of water. Every water crossing i did today (with the exception of one) was difficult, and if it had not been for me bringing my overboots, my feet would have been soaked.  There is still snow on the ground in many spots, that will continue to melt, so i don't see this area drying out anytime soon. Lots of slippery, wet rocks, tough descents. Just wanted to give a heads up to anyone planning on hiking there this weekend on what to expect.   Also, the Shortline bus that goes to SM is the same bus that stops at Woodbury Commons- not fun.
LindaC's picture

Submitted by Visitor (not verified) on 12/08/2011 - 1:34pm
Road is closed between rt 17 and seven lakes drive but what about east of seven lakes drive.  I am looking to get to the parking area by Lake Skannatati and I usually come from the Palisades Interstate to Rt 106.  Is that still possible?
Georgette Weir's picture

Submitted by Visitor (not verified) on 12/09/2011 - 9:48am
Yes, that stretch of Rt. 106 is open.
rvflhrs's picture

Submitted by Visitor (not verified) on 12/04/2011 - 2:53pm
Does anyone know if 106 has been opened between Seven Lakes Dr. and 17? Thanks. Roy
Georgette Weir's picture

Submitted by Visitor (not verified) on 12/05/2011 - 10:20am
This county road is still closed betwen Rt. 17 and Seven Lakes Drive and there is no timetable for repair.
rvflhrs's picture

Submitted by Visitor (not verified) on 12/07/2011 - 7:51am
Thanks, Roy
Bearfort's picture

Submitted by Visitor (not verified) on 12/02/2011 - 8:01am
A hiker asked me if there's a bridge currently out on the HT leading up to Big Beech Mtn from Long Pond Ironworks in W. Milford NJ...the only HT water crossings are the brook in old Hewitt village and the tiny crossing north of the Jennings Hollow Trail near the mines (which crosses on stepping stones). I'm not aware of any trouble here, has anyone seen/heard to the contrary?
John Moran's picture

Submitted by Visitor (not verified) on 12/11/2011 - 12:51pm
Yes, the wooden footbridge across the Wanaque River at Long Pond Ironworks washed away without a trace during Irene, and will remain out for the foreseeable future. The bridge carried the Highlands Trail and the Sterling Ridge Trail, along with the Hasenclever Iron Trail.
neil's picture

Submitted by Visitor (not verified) on 12/01/2011 - 9:51am
Hi:   I wanted to do a one night backpack hike next weekend before it gets way too cold.  I was thinking of going from Dunnfield parking area up to Sunfish Pond backpacker site for the night, or possibly from Elk Pen out to a shelter and back next weekend.  I just wanted to get some recommendations for something along these lines that would be a 5-10 mile hike each day to a location I can camp etc next weekend.
Michael K7's picture

Submitted by Visitor (not verified) on 12/01/2011 - 9:22pm
Hi Neil, I just hiked in this area today. You could do the following: -Start at Elk Pen, and take the Appalachian Trail to the Lemon Squeezer -At the LS continue ahead on the A-SB trail until it joins with the Long Path, and take them to the Lichen Trail -Take the Lichen Trail until it ends at the R-D Trail, which you can take to the shelter at Bald Rocks -If this route is too short, using the Harriman/BM map set, you can always extend your hike, but i highly recommend incorporating the Lichen Trail- it is my favorite trail in the park! -The next day, you have plenty of options that will lead you back to the Elk Pen without having to retrace what you did on the previous day. Have fun!