An hour north of New York City is one of the best hiking trails I have ever hiked. Situated in Harriman State Park near Sloatsburg, NY, the Pine Meadow Lake Trail starts right by the visitors’ center near the park’s western entrance. Its 5½ miles of trail ends up at a beautiful lake, where many people go for a swim.
The beginning of the trail winds alongside Stony Brook creek. Shady trees line the creek and offer great places to rest or picnic. I often pause here, sit on a boulder near the creek, and listen to the sound of water tumbling over the rocks before I start hiking up the trail
Following the Pine Meadow Lake Trail’s red blazes, you will come to a fork in the path. The trail to the left winds along the creek still, while the trail to the right climbs the hillside. Take the trail to the right. Pine Meadow Lake Trail is a bit steep at first, but mostly flattens out and rolls along the contours of the earth all the way to a gorgeous lake.
Keep following those red blazes. In spots they are difficult to see, so stay aware of your surroundings. Don’t get confused if you end up on a yellow blaze trail (Stony Brook Trail) or a white blaze trail (Kakiat Trail) as these merge with the primary Pine Meadow Lake Trail for awhile. If you get confused, take the white blaze Kakiat Trail straight through intersections until you find the Pine Meadow Lake Trail’s red blazes again.
Trail maps are available at Campmor on NJ Route 17 and other camping stores, and I recommend you get one. There are plenty of people walking these hiking trails, so if all else fails, ask for directions.
You might want to rest at Ga-Nus-Quah Rock, a huge boulder that looks like a profile of an Indian. I have always wondered what significance the original people of this land gave to that rock. The Lenni-Lenape Indians originally inhabited this area.
Shortly, you will glimpse the western shore of Pine Meadow Lake. What a breathtaking sight to see after a long hike! Many people who hike up here in the hot summer go for a refreshing swim. Upon your approach to the lake, veer off to the left if you want to see some huge rocks that the more adventurous souls jump off.
I am not the only one who thinks this is one of the best hiking trails in the New York area. In the summer and especially on the weekends, the parking lot by the visitor center fills up fast, so get there very early. Most people seem to stick around the creek area. Once you get deeper into the woods, there will be far fewer people on the trail and time for some solitude. Allow about 3 hours for the complete round-trip.
Sturdy lightweight hiking boots are recommended for this trail, as it is rocky in places. However, I usually wear lightweight sneaker-type shoes on the trail and just watch where I walk. Take water, of course, and enjoy one of New York’s best hiking trails!
