ABOUT THE PARK:
While bow hunting is allowed in Sterling Forest State Park, this section of the Appalachian Trail follows the federal corridor where hunting is not allowed. One should still wear bright colors as it is a very narrow corridor and there were many hunters parked along Sterling Forest State Park although I saw nobody else the entire hike.
DIRECTIONS:
GPS Coordinates 41.26584, -74.19426
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| Room for about 4 cars along East Mombasha Road. |
I had intended to park at Elk Pen in Harriman State Park. Access to Elk Pen from Route 17 via Arden Valley Road is currently closed due to bridge repair but presumably one could access Elk Pen from Seven Lakes Drive to Arden Valley Road at the Tiorati Circle. I drove all that way only to find Arden Valley Road was also closed from the circle. So on to parking Plan B at the other end of the hike on East Mombasha Road.
UPDATE: I inquired about the ROAD CLOSED signs and barrier from Tiorati Circle and this was the response from Harriman State Park: "The
signage there needs to be changed as it’s misleading for sure. It’s
closed for thru traffic. Anyone trying to go to elk pen is more than
welcome to go around the barricade." Additionally, that part of Arden Valley Road will not be closed from 12/1 - 4/1 this winter as it normally is.
TRAIL MAP:
HIKE DISTANCE: 7 miles (3.5 miles each way)
THE HIKE:
Brodie spent the day with the grandkids. There are scrambles and steep rocky areas, all with thick leaf cover which makes it like walking on ice. Additionally, it is rifle season and although not allowed in Sterling, gunshots could be heard throughout the hike, probably coming from Schunnemunk. With Brodie's fear of gunfire and the treacherous terrain, it would have been very unpleasant for both of us.
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| From the parking area, left a short distance to the Appalachian Trail on the right. |
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| That would not be a fun detour. |
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| The trail stars out fairly smooth but it doesn't last long. |
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| These would be the stepping stones mentioned in the detour, above. Fortunately they were not under water at this time. |
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| The trail runs along Little Dam Lake. |
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| This is the first time I noticed reflective tape along with the AT blazes. Makes sense since thru hikers sometimes hike at night with headlamps. |
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| After ascending, the trail descends to ... |
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| ... Route 19 with a left turn staying on this side since there is no visibility for oncoming traffic. |
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| Where the trail enters back into the woods is a better place to cross the road. |
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| Ascending Arden Mountain. |
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| Passing the blue-blazed Sapphire Trail. |
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| Coming up on the Agony Grind overlook ... |
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| ... of Route 17, the New York Thruway and into Harriman State Park. |
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| Going down ... |
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| ... very, very slowly on slipper leaves trying to find footing on exposed rocks. |
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| It was torturously slow going and I kept thinking that up would have to be better. |
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| At long last ... |
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| ... crossing Route 17. |
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| The sign still says to use Seven Lakes Drive. On well, this way worked and this is open to foot traffic. |
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| Going over I-87. |
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| The AT leaves Arden Valley Road ... |
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| ... coming out at the empty Elk Pen Parking. When Arden Valley Road is open this lot fills up quickly. |
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| Looping around to start the return hike. |
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| Trust me on this, up is MUCH easier and faster and you don't say that every day. |
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| Looking back at the Arden Valley Road bridge and Elk Pen. |
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| At the top at the overlook ... |
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| ... then on to pass the Sapphire Trail. |
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| Arden Mountain |
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| Crossing back over Route 19. |
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| Back along Little Dam Lake. |
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| Finishing at East Mombasha Road with a left to parking just up ahead on the right. |
In case you were wondering how Brodie spent his day...
I'm always of the opinion that up is easier. And when it's leaf covered? That makes some downhills downright treacherous.
ReplyDeleteWhile Brodie looks pampered and content...I'm sure he was missing it.
I am sure had Brodie been along I would have made it down Agony Grind much, much faster but then I would not have lived to tell about it either. So glad I chose not to take him on that hike. They picked him up the night before so he had no idea was I was up to.
DeleteOh no, I'm getting horrible flashbacks reading this one. The Jersey line up to the bridge over the Hudson was the only 50 mile backpacking trip I ever had to bail on as an adult. Those ridiculous ups and downs in this stretch destroyed my knee, and I could really walk by Elk Pen.
ReplyDeleteIt was fun other than my stupid knee!
Ugh, knee pain is the worst when hiking. I always carry a knee brace with me just in case. But I never need use it if I have it. I learned that if I take it out of my backpack because I haven't used it in ages, next thing you know I need it. So in the backpack it stays.
Delete