Raccoon Brook Hills Trail/Cascade of Slid Loop

December 1, 2012

Distance: 5.4 miles
Time: 3 hours ? minutes
Map: Harriman - Bear Mountain Trails (south map)
Parking: Reeves Meadow Visitor Center - this lot is small and normally full. We always have to park along Seven Lakes Drive next to the visitor center.
Restrooms: At the visitor center, but closed in the winter
Post hike dinner: Jewel of Himalaya, Yorktown Heights, NY
Directions: Racoon Brook Hills Trail / Cascade of Slid Loop

Notes:
This parking lot is almost always full, so parking is normally along the road. Even though it was in the low 30's out, and an overcast windy day, with a chance of freezing rain in the morning, the lot and street were packed. The downside of starting a hike at a visitor center.

It is very good to bring a hike description for this one (see link). Some of the intersections are confusing, so it helps to read the written description of this hike.

This hike has no road crossings. We did pass a lot of people hiking, due to the fact that this hike starts  at the visitor center (even though the visitor center was closed). When we got to the Raccoon Brook Hills trail, we gradually started seeing fewer people on the trail. It was cloudy out, so this hike didn't really have any views (I believe it does when it is clear). The brook/falls are nice - would have enjoyed them more in the summer. I think this would be a great trail to do on a summer weekday (not weekend). I thought the Racoon Brook Hills Trail was scenic - I like the parts of Harriman where you hike in clearings, and see grasses and glaciatic boulders.

The 2012 Harriman map says that 2 of the bridges are out - but they no longer are!

Year to date miles: 381.4

Moxie loves to roll in the snow

Hi Trek!

Trail intersection

This bridge is sturdier than it looks.
It's base is made out of trees - which is why the slats aren't so even.