Not So Urban Athletics: Sunset and Full Moon Night Hike in Harriman State Park

I've led you guys on amazing daytime adventures all over the tri-state area but it is my hikes that turn us into creatures of the night that you seem to enjoy the most. Why in the world would you want to hike in the dark? With your vision reduced your other senses become hyper aware and you'll experience the forest in a whole new way. You'll be able to smell and hear that bear about to eat you rather than just see him!

We're going to have a nocturnal adventure at Harriman State Park, one of my favorite local playgrounds. Starting at the Reeves Visitor Center trailheads in the Southern section of the park, we'll trek through the forest along the Seven Hills trail, follow a bubbling brook for a bit, then trek through the forest and ascend to a westward-facing rocky plateau overlooking the Hudson Valley. Here we will stop for a while and enjoy what should be a beautiful sunset.

After the sun goes down, we'll trek a bit further and descend the mountainside to our next destination, Pine Meadow Lake. We'll hang out lakeside for a bit under the full moon, enjoying the stars and serenity of night, and if the mood strikes -- and we can find dry wood -- we'll make a campfire to toast some marshmallows and other fireside goodies.

A little heads up, if you are afraid of things that go bump in the night then you might want to sit this hike out.

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 8 miles and expect to be in the forest until about midnight. You don't need to be a world-class athlete to participate, but you need to be in decent physical shape.

• This is a social hike, the pace will be moderate. 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 -- remember it is chillier at night, wear hiking boots or trail shoes (I wouldn't recommend sneakers but that is at your discretion), a hat, bring 2-3 liters of fluid, a packed dinner and/or snacks, and insect repellent. Also pack a pocket poncho in case of showers.

• Bring a headlamp and spare batteries. You may want to bring an additional handheld flashlight as well. Do not show up expecting your cell phone flashlight to be sufficient.

• You're expected to come to the hike prepared to navigate yourself out of the forest if need be. Download or purchase a hard copy of NYNJTC Harriman-Bear Mountain southern trail map #118.

• Social distancing will be in effect and face coverings are required when that isn't possible.

How To Get There...

Take NJ Route 17 north to the New York State Thruway and take the first exit, Exit 15A (Sloatsburg). Turn left at the bottom of the ramp onto N.Y. Route 17 north, and continue through the Village of Sloatsburg. Just past the village, turn right at the traffic light, following the sign for Harriman State Park. Cross an overpass over railroad tracks and continue along the Seven Lakes Drive, passing under the Thruway overpass, and soon entering Harriman State Park. Proceed for another mile to the Reeves Meadow Visitor Center, on the right side of the road. Park in the Visitor Center's parking lot. If the lot is full, parking is allowed in certain roadside areas.