Times Square on the Long Path

For New Yorkers who love to explore the vast and intricate trail networks of the region, "Times Square on the Long Path" in Harriman State Park is a name that immediately piques interest. While not a bustling urban center, this landmark within the wilds of Southfields, NY, serves as a crucial and "interesting hallmark" for hikers. It's a renowned trail junction, a confluence where several marked and unmarked trails intercept, making it a pivotal point for planning diverse and engaging hikes. Whether you're passing through on a longer trek along the storied Long Path or using it as a hub to explore the surrounding "great landscapes," Times Square offers a unique experience deep within the tranquility of one of New York's most cherished state parks.

Times Square on the Long Path is more than just a junction; it's a significant waypoint and a central meeting point for trails within Harriman State Park. As one local hiker aptly puts it, "No matter how you plan your hikes in one time or another you will be passing by." This is due to its strategic location where major trails converge. Specifically, it's the confluence of at least three prominent trails: the Long Path (LP, green blaze), the Ramapo Dunderberg (R-D) Trail (red dot on white blaze), and the Arden-Surebridge (A-SB) Trail (red triangle on white blaze). This makes it a natural hub for navigating various loops and through-hikes. While it may not be the "most scenic location" in itself, the journey to and from Times Square is often filled with "lovely hikes along the woods roads leading into it" and offers access to "some great landscapes in any direction."

The "rock is as solid as they make them," indicating the durable nature of the terrain, though it can indeed be "wet, wet, wet" depending on recent weather, adding to the real-world challenge. The deep park location means it offers a truly "quiet area," a stark contrast to its urban namesake. This provides a genuine sense of escape and immersion in nature, allowing hikers to fully appreciate the serene beauty of Harriman State Park. It's a place where you can pause, reorient, and then embark on new adventures, knowing you're at the heart of one of New York's premier hiking destinations.

Times Square on the Long Path is located deep within Harriman State Park, accessible from Southfields, NY 10975, USA. As a remote trail junction, there isn't a direct street address for Times Square itself. Hikers typically access the area via various trailheads within Harriman State Park, driving to designated parking areas and then navigating the trail system. Common starting points that could lead to Times Square include parking lots near Lake Kanawauke or Lake Skanatati, or along specific sections of Seven Lakes Drive. For example, some routes might begin from the hikers' parking lot on Route 106, approximately 2 miles west of the Kanawauke Circle. While public transportation directly to this remote junction is not available, the park's popularity ensures that driving is the most common and convenient way to reach the trailheads. The journey into Harriman State Park itself offers a scenic drive, transitioning from developed areas to the tranquil, forested landscapes that define this extensive wilderness preserve, setting the stage for a truly immersive hiking experience.

Services Offered (within the broader Harriman State Park system, encompassing Times Square):

• Access to a vast network of clearly marked and blazed hiking trails, including sections of the Long Path, Ramapo Dunderberg Trail, and Arden-Surebridge Trail.
• Detailed maps are available for purchase (e.g., NY-NJ Trail Conference Harriman-Bear Mountain Trails Map Set) or often online, essential for navigating this complex junction.
• Proximity to backcountry shelters (like the Bald Rocks Shelter or Big Hill Shelter, depending on the chosen route from Times Square) for overnight backpacking.
• Opportunities for diverse wildlife viewing and nature photography.
• Designated parking areas at various trailheads (check specific trailhead details for capacity and regulations).

Features / Highlights:

• Major Trail Junction: The most significant feature of Times Square is its role as a crucial convergence point for several major trails, including the Long Path, Ramapo Dunderberg Trail, and Arden-Surebridge Trail. This makes it an essential navigational landmark and a hub for creating various loop and through-hike itineraries.

• Deep within Harriman State Park: Its location "pretty deep in the park" ensures a genuine wilderness experience. This allows hikers to escape the sounds of roads and development, finding true "quiet" and solitude amidst nature.

• Access to Varied Landscapes: From Times Square, hikers can choose paths that lead to incredibly diverse "great landscapes." Depending on the direction chosen, you can explore rocky ridges, serene forested areas, wetlands, and ascend to viewpoints offering panoramic vistas of Harriman State Park and beyond.

• Solid Rock Landmark: The junction itself is often identified by "the rock," a prominent and solid feature that serves as the physical "hallmark" where the trails meet. This makes it easy to identify and a memorable spot for hikers.

• Gateway to Extended Hikes: For long-distance hikers on the Long Path, Times Square is a known waypoint. For day hikers, it provides the flexibility to craft custom routes that can include other notable features of Harriman, such as Surebridge Mountain, Pine Swamp Mountain, or the Valley of Boulders, by linking up different trails.

• Educational and Navigational Significance: For experienced hikers and those learning navigation, Times Square serves as a practical lesson in trail systems, demonstrating how multiple blazes and paths seamlessly intertwine.

• Rich Natural Environment: The surrounding area, typical of Harriman State Park, is characterized by dense forests, diverse flora and fauna, and fascinating geological formations, providing a rich natural environment for exploration.

Promotions or Special Offers:

As a remote natural trail junction within Harriman State Park, "Times Square on the Long Path" does not offer commercial "promotions" or "special offers." The intrinsic value and "offer" here are the free public access to its unique navigational significance and the breathtaking natural beauty of Harriman State Park. There are no entrance fees directly for hiking this junction. However, visitors should be aware of potential parking fees at certain Harriman State Park trailheads, which contribute to the maintenance and preservation of these invaluable natural resources. Any "special offers" related to the broader park experience would typically come from the New York State Parks system or affiliated environmental organizations, such as the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference. These might include annual Empire Passes for unlimited park access, or opportunities to participate in guided hikes, trail maintenance events, or educational workshops, which enrich the hiking experience and foster a deeper connection to the natural environment.

Contact Information:

Address: Times Square on the Long Path is located deep within Harriman State Park, accessible from various trailheads in the Southfields, NY 10975, USA area. As it is a specific point on a trail, there isn't a direct street address. Hikers typically use a trailhead address to begin their journey into the park.

Since Times Square is a natural trail junction, there isn't a direct phone number for it. For comprehensive and up-to-date information regarding Harriman State Park, including trail conditions, parking details, and any advisories, it is highly recommended to consult the official New York State Parks website. Additionally, the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference (NYNJTC) is an indispensable resource. They publish detailed maps (e.g., Harriman-Bear Mountain Trails Map Set #118 & #119) and guidebooks that clearly mark Times Square and its intersecting trails. Local hiking groups and online forums dedicated to Harriman State Park also provide valuable community insights and recent trail reports.

Conclusion: Why Times Square on the Long Path is Suitable for Locals

For New Yorkers, "Times Square on the Long Path" offers a truly unique and enriching hiking destination. Its location deep within Harriman State Park, easily accessible from the metropolitan area via scenic drives, provides a profound escape into nature without extensive travel. This iconic trail junction is suitable for locals for several reasons: it acts as a central point for countless customizable hikes, catering to varying skill levels and desired durations.

The "interesting hallmark" of Times Square itself, where multiple "marked and unmarked trails" converge, makes it a fascinating navigational challenge and a memorable waypoint. More importantly, its surrounding landscape, characterized by "great landscapes" in every direction, offers the peace and "quiet area" that many New Yorkers seek. It’s a place where you can truly immerse yourself in the natural world, far from urban distractions. Whether you're a seasoned long-distance hiker traversing the Long Path or a local seeking a day of exploration through varied terrain, Times Square serves as a pivotal point for adventure and discovery, making it an ideal choice for any New Yorker looking to connect with the vast and beautiful wilderness right in their backyard.

Times Square on the Long Path

Southfields, NY 10975, USA