Not So Urban Athletics: Hike Lake Skenonto
Details
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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.
A $3.00 organization fee will be collected at this event, your organizer is in the running for hardest working person on meetup. While everyone else is running in the other direction, I'll be the first one to jump in front of that bear when he tries to eat you.
The Important Stuff ...
• 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: Take the 9:14 AM New Jersey Transit Northeast Corridor train #7829 from Penn Station to Secaucus Junction, where you will transfer to the Port Jervis line train #0071 and take that to Tuxedo, NY. You'll arrive at 10:17 AM and we'll meet at the train station to start the hike. Round trip train fare is $26.00.
Driving: 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.
Please post if you are driving and can pick up passengers (how many and from where), If you need a ride, please be proactive and contact a driver directly. Passengers, as a courtesy you should chip in for gas, tolls, and coffee for the driver.