| Date | Distance | Time | Elevation Gain | Average Moving Time | Year to Date Miles |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3/27/2021 | 8.5 miles | 5 hours 40 minutes | 986' | 1.8 mph | 48.7 |
Map: NYNJTC Harriman-Bear Mountain Northern - Trail Map 119
Parking: Tiorati Circle
Directions: Head towards the dumpster in the parking area in order to find the trailhead. Head uphill on the blue blazed Lake Tiorati trail. Pass between the old and new water towers, and turn south onto the Appalachian Trail/Ramapo Dunderberg trail. Pass the Fingerboard shelter. Where the AT and Ramapo Dunderberg split, stay on the Ramapo Dunderberg trail. At Times Square, stay straight on the Ramapo Dunderberg. Pass by the large "Ship Rock" boulder. Pass the yellow blazed Dunning Trail. The Bald Rocks shelter will be on the left side of the Ramapo Dunderberg trail. This was our turnaround point, and we returned the same way.
The Ramapo Dunderberg trail is probably my favorite trail in Harriman. The Fingerboard shelter is the first place that Glen and I backpacked to by ourselves, so it has special memories. Our trip back then was right before the shelter closed down due to Cookie, the bear. And then stayed closed for multiple years. Today, I noticed tents around the shelter! I wondered what happened to Cookie, as attempts to scare her away were unsuccesful. She was known to break into people's tents, stealing their food. This year, however, I see bear cables! They look really easy to use. I hope people use them, and this solves the problem. On our way back, there were tons of tents at this shelter. I would like to do a mini backpacking trip here again, but first I want to find out what happened to Cookie!
Today's hike was crowded. For the first 2 miles, there was always someone in front of us and behind us. This was crazy. Glen thought they'd drop off, and yes, some people turned around once they reached the Fingerboard shelter. But still there were so many people. I've never seen this trail crowded before. We stopped at the Bald Rocks shelter and took a break. I haven't camped here, but always wanted to. I even have my perfect tent spot picked out already. At this shelter, there was a large group cooking in the shelter. Maybe 25 people. This shelter had bear cables too! I wonder if they've added them to all of the shelters. One can hope! We had a nice rest, and then headed back. We stopped near the Fingerboard shelter, and Glen napped, while I worked on sketching it. I'm trying to learn to sketch, so every day I practice, practice, practice.
Camping spot next to Bald Rocks Shelter
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