Trailhead Parking

For New York locals eager to immerse themselves in the stunning natural beauty and challenging trails of Harriman State Park, finding a convenient and accessible starting point is key. The Trailhead Parking lot located at 1183-1175 County Rd 106 in Southfields, NY 10975, serves as an excellent, free gateway to some of the park's most rewarding hiking experiences. While the lot itself might be small, its strategic location provides direct access to a network of trails that promise adventure, scenic views, and a much-needed escape from the urban hustle.

This specific trailhead parking spot is a well-known secret among local hikers, offering a prime starting point for exploring the rugged terrain and lush forests that define Harriman State Park. It's a place where you can quickly transition from your vehicle into the heart of the wilderness, ready to embark on memorable journeys along trails like the Black Rock Hogencamp Trail and the Ramapo-Dunderberg Trail. For New Yorkers passionate about hiking, this modest parking area represents the beginning of countless outdoor possibilities.

The Trailhead Parking is conveniently located at 1183-1175 County Rd 106, Southfields, NY 10975. This address places it directly within Harriman State Park, a vast and popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts in the New York region. County Road 106 (also known as Kanawauke Road) is a key thoroughfare through Harriman State Park, making the trailhead relatively easy to find.

For those traveling by car from New York City, the drive typically takes approximately an hour to an hour and a half, depending on traffic. The trailhead is accessible via major highways and parkways that lead into the Harriman area. Once on County Rd 106, the parking lot is identifiable, though as reviews suggest, it is quite small.

A crucial aspect of accessibility for this specific lot is its limited capacity. Reviews indicate "Only 4 spots, 5 if everyone squeezes." While it's noted that "You can park off the on the shoulder," this isn't always the greatest or safest option. Therefore, arriving early, particularly on weekends, is highly recommended to secure a spot. Despite the tight parking, the fact that it's a "Free lot" makes it a popular choice for budget-conscious hikers.

Public transportation to this specific trailhead is not direct. Hikers utilizing Metro-North Railroad service to nearby stations like Tuxedo or Harriman would likely need to arrange for a local taxi or rideshare service to reach this point on County Rd 106, as shuttle services often operate to more central park areas rather than specific, smaller trailheads. For most New Yorkers, driving remains the most practical way to access this particular trailhead.

The Trailhead Parking at 1183-1175 County Rd 106 primarily offers access to hiking trails and the fundamental service of free parking. As a modest trailhead, it does not provide extensive amenities typically found at larger park facilities.

• Free Parking: The most significant service is the availability of free parking spots, which is a notable benefit for hikers looking to avoid parking fees common at some other park entrances.

• Direct Trail Access: The lot provides immediate, direct access to popular and well-regarded trails, including the Black Rock Hogencamp Trail and the Ramapo-Dunderberg Trail (R-D Trail), allowing hikers to start their adventures without delay.

• Clearly Marked Trailhead: While specific details about signage at the immediate lot are not provided, trails in Harriman State Park are generally well-blazed, and the trailhead should be clearly identifiable for entry onto the mentioned trails.

• Access to Diverse Terrain: By connecting to the Black Rock Hogencamp and Ramapo-Dunderberg trails, hikers gain access to a variety of terrain, including rocky ascents, descents, and forested paths suitable for challenging hikes.

• Proximity to Wilderness: The location allows for a quick immersion into the wilderness of Harriman State Park, offering a sense of escape just steps from where you park.

• Overnight Parking (Check Park Regulations): While specifically mentioned as "free lot," general overnight parking rules for Harriman State Park lean-tos (like Tom Jones Shelter, which can be accessed from the R-D Trail) often permit overnight parking at designated trailheads without extra fees or permits. However, it's always prudent to double-check current park regulations for any updates regarding overnight parking.

Despite its small size, the Trailhead Parking on County Rd 106 is a highlight for its direct access to some of Harriman State Park's most engaging and challenging trails.

• Access to Black Rock Hogencamp Trail: This is a key feature, providing hikers with direct entry to the Black Rock Hogencamp Trail. This trail is known for its ruggedness and often leads to interesting rock formations and elevated viewpoints.

• Gateway to Ramapo-Dunderberg Trail: The lot also offers access to the Ramapo-Dunderberg Trail (R-D Trail), one of Harriman's significant and often more challenging routes. This trail traverses varied terrain, including rocky scrambles and steep climbs, offering rewarding views and connections to other popular destinations like the Tom Jones Shelter.

• Challenging Terrain: The trails accessible from this lot are not for the faint of heart. They often feature "steep rocky accent with some scrambling," as noted by a reviewer, providing a strenuous and physically rewarding experience for experienced hikers.

• Secluded Feel: Due to the limited parking and the nature of the trails accessed, this trailhead often provides a more secluded and less crowded hiking experience compared to the park's more developed areas.

• Natural Beauty: Hikers will be immediately immersed in the dense forests of Harriman State Park, enjoying the natural sounds and sights of the wilderness, which is particularly beautiful during fall foliage.

• Opportunities for Longer Loops: The interconnectedness of the Black Rock Hogencamp and Ramapo-Dunderberg trails allows for the creation of various loop hikes of different lengths and difficulties, providing flexibility for adventure planning.

As a free public trailhead within a state park, the Trailhead Parking on County Rd 106 does not offer commercial promotions or discounts. Its primary "special offer" is the free access it provides to the trails.

• Free Parking: The most significant advantage is the "free lot" status, eliminating parking fees often associated with other state park entrances or major trailheads. This is a direct saving for hikers.

• Cost-Effective Outdoor Recreation: Since there are no entrance fees for the trails accessed from this lot, it represents a highly cost-effective way for New Yorkers to enjoy challenging and extensive hiking in Harriman State Park.

• Self-Guided Adventure: The nature of this trailhead promotes self-guided adventures, allowing hikers to explore at their own pace and skill level, leveraging freely available online maps from organizations like the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference.

• Off-Peak Season Advantage: While the lot is small, visiting during off-peak times (weekdays, early mornings, or outside of prime summer/fall weekends) can increase the chances of securing a free spot, effectively allowing you to enjoy the trails when they are less crowded.

The Trailhead Parking at 1183-1175 County Rd 106 is a specific access point to trails within Harriman State Park and does not have a direct phone number or dedicated office. For information regarding the trails, parking, or the broader park, hikers should refer to the following resources:

Address: 1183-1175 County Rd 106, Southfields, NY 10975, USA

For General Harriman State Park Information:

• Phone: (845) 947-2444 (General information line for Harriman State Park, though this number may direct to a main office and not have specific information about a small parking lot).

The most reliable and essential resources for planning a hike from this trailhead, including detailed trail maps, current trail conditions, and advice on parking, are:

• New York-New Jersey Trail Conference: www.nynjtc.org. This organization provides comprehensive maps and is crucial for navigating Harriman State Park trails.

• New York State Parks Website: parks.ny.gov/parks/145/details.aspx. This site offers general park information and any major alerts or updates.

Given the small size of the lot and potential for shoulder parking, it is always advisable to have a backup plan for parking or to consider alternative, larger trailheads in the area if this one is full.

For New York locals, the Trailhead Parking at 1183-1175 County Rd 106 in Southfields, NY, is a suitable and attractive option for accessing Harriman State Park for several compelling reasons. Despite its limited capacity, its key advantage is the "free lot" status, offering a cost-effective entry point to world-class hiking without the added expense of parking fees often found at larger park facilities. This makes it particularly appealing for regular hikers or those on a budget.

Crucially, this trailhead provides direct access to some of Harriman's most engaging and challenging trails, including the Black Rock Hogencamp Trail and the Ramapo-Dunderberg Trail. As one reviewer aptly stated, while the parking might be a "3/5," the "trails" themselves are a "5/5." This emphasis on the quality of the hiking experience is paramount. Locals seeking strenuous "steep rocky accent with some scrambling" will find exactly what they're looking for, pushing their physical limits and enjoying a true wilderness adventure that feels worlds away from the city, yet is conveniently located just an hour's drive away.

The fact that it is a smaller, less prominent access point also contributes to a more secluded feel on the trails, especially compared to the park's more popular attractions. For New Yorkers craving a deeper connection with nature, a challenging workout, and the simple satisfaction of a free and rewarding hike, this trailhead on County Rd 106 offers an excellent opportunity to explore the rugged beauty of Harriman State Park.

Trailhead Parking

1183-1175 County Rd 106, Southfields, NY 10975, USA