Appalachian Trail, NY - Little Dam Lake to Elk Pen

ABOUT THE PARK: 

Appalachian Trail in New York - Appalachian Trail Conservancy

Arden Valley Road Closure - NYNJ Trail Conference

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

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: 

Sterling Forest Trails - NYNJ Trail Conference

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.

From the parking area, left a short distance to the Appalachian Trail on the right.

That would not be a fun detour.

The trail stars out fairly smooth but it doesn't last long.

These would be the stepping stones mentioned in the detour, above.  Fortunately they were not under water at this time.

The trail runs along Little Dam Lake.

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.

After ascending, the trail descends to ...

... Route 19 with a left turn staying on this side since there is no visibility for oncoming traffic.

Where the trail enters back into the woods is a better place to cross the road.

Ascending Arden Mountain.

Passing the blue-blazed Sapphire Trail.

Coming up on the Agony Grind overlook ...

... of Route 17, the New York Thruway and into Harriman State Park.

Going down ...

... very, very slowly on slipper leaves trying to find footing on exposed rocks.

It was torturously slow going and I kept thinking that up would have to be better.

At long last ...

... crossing Route 17.

The sign still says to use Seven Lakes Drive.  On well, this way worked and this is open to foot traffic.

Going over I-87.

The AT leaves Arden Valley Road ...

... coming out at the empty Elk Pen Parking.  When Arden Valley Road is open this lot fills up quickly.

Looping around to start the return hike.

Trust me on this, up is MUCH easier and faster and you don't say that every day.

Looking back at the Arden Valley Road bridge and Elk Pen.

At the top at the overlook ...

... then on to pass the Sapphire Trail.

Arden Mountain

Crossing back over Route 19.

Back along Little Dam Lake.

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...