Elk Pen at Harriman State Park, NY

We have been at Harriman State Park many times. It is a place we like to stop by whenever we go to up state NY for hiking or skiing. Every time, we stopped by the seven lakes, but we never actually hiked any of its trails. This year, during the holiday season, we found the Elk Pen trail (the second hardest one in the park). There is a beautiful lake on top of the mountain called Island Pond.

Parking: Elk Pen Parking lot within Harriman State Park, NJ

Description from the park:

Take the AT (Appalachian Trail) through the meadow to AS (red trail). Turn right on to the start of AS. Continue on AS for approximately 3.5 miles. AS will intersect with AT at the Lemon Squeezer. Turn left on to AT and follow back to the hikers’ parking lot.

It is claimed to be 5 miles, but it took us about 7 miles with a few missed turns. The trails wander through big boulders, numerous streams, and fallen woods. It was a tiring hike because of some climbing, but we enjoyed it a lot.