Pine Meadow Lake at Harriman State Park. (Wikimedia Photo)
In early June, the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference will release the new book “Circuit Hikes in Harriman.”
The book, written by Don Weise, profiles 35 loop hikes and trail runs in Harriman and Bear Mountain State Parks.
Just 30 miles north of New York City, Harriman and Bear Mountain State Parks span 52,000 acres and provide outdoor enthusiasts with one of the highest concentrations of hiking trails in the northeast. Countless natural and historic gems lie within its borders, including lakes, scenic vistas, ravines, iron mines, railway tunnels, and ruins. Long distance trails, such as the Appalachian Trail and Long Path, also run through the parks.
Circuit Hikes in Harriman is the first comprehensive guide to circuit hikes in the New York metropolitan area’s most popular hiking destination. Eight of the loops are suitable for trail runs and there is one approved mountain biking loop. Each chapter contains a detailed map, elevation profile and photos. Many chapters offer longer and shorter options. The hikes run a wide range of lengths and difficulties, from easy jaunts under four miles in length to strenuous loops of over nine miles.
The photos show fantastic views and interesting features that one might encounter while on the hike. Each map has been designed to clearly show the hike route and identify the many different points of interest along the way. The hike routes were selected by author Don Weise after more than 20 years of leading hikes and runs through the parks.
The book will retail for $15.95.