Not So Urban Athletics: Hike Lake Skenonto

Beautiful Harriman State Park is my playground, it's one of the largest wild areas near NYC. I've been hiking and paddling there dozens of times yet there are still thousands of acres in the park I've not seen. Come with me today as we go on a day hike and explore a bit.

Our path will wind over a series of low mountains as it leads us to quiet and pristine Lake Skenonto. This loop hike has it all--a combination of heart-accelerating climbs, breath-taking views and a seemingly untouched lake. And if we are lucky and my map reading skills are sharp this day, we may be able to explore an abandoned mine or two.

The important stuff...

• By RSVPing for this event, you agree to the following waiver of liability https://bit.ly/3atj0C5

• This is going to be an INTERMEDIATE hike of about 9 miles. You don't need to be a world-class athlete to participate, but you need to be in decent physical shape. We will be out all day so leave your afternoon/evening open.

• This is a social hike, the pace will be moderate -- we'll be stopping to take in the views and smell the flowers. If you yearn to channel your inner Mountain Goat and feel the need to race everyone to the top of the mountain, this is not the hiking trip for you. Dress in layers of non-cotton clothing, wear hiking boots or trail shoes (I wouldn't recommend sneakers but that is at your discretion), a hat, bring 3 liters of fluid, a packed lunch and/or snacks.

• Rain cancels the hike.

How to get there...

Train
Catch NJT train #7829 departing NY Penn Station at 9:14AM. Transfer in Secaucus to the Main/Bergen-Port Jervis Line train #0071. You'll arrive at the Tuxedo Station at 10:29AM.

Car
Tuxedo is about an hour drive from NYC. Take the George Washington Bridge to the Palisades Interstate Highway heading North. In about 19 miles exit the parkway at exit 9W onto the Thruway (Route 87/287) which heads west. About 10 miles later, exit the Thruway at exit 15A. At the exit turn left onto Route 17 North. After about 4.9 miles you will see the Tuxedo (Park) Train and Police Stations on your right. You can park in the commuter lot (W 41.19376, N 074.18453) for free on weekends and holidays, don't park in the train station lot.