"Harriman, NY" Harriman by xdescendx

Harriman State Park, located in Rockland and Orange counties, is the second-largest park in the parks system, with 31 lakes and reservoirs, 200 miles of hiking trails, three beaches, two public camping areas, a network of group camps, miles of streams and scenic roads, and scores of wildlife species, vistas and vantage points. Harriman State Park's major facilities include Lakes Welch, Sebago, Tiorati and Silvermine, the Anthony Wayne Recreation Area, Sebago Cabins and Beaver Pond Campgrounds."

The area was inhabited as early as 1724 by Nicholas Conklin, and his descendants had several cabins on the land when the Palisades Interstate Park Commission acquired the land for the Harriman State Park. The dam that created the lake was built by Civilian Conservation Corps labor under William A. Welch of the Park Commission. The lake was built as part of a collection of cabins, roads, a water system and incinerator. Thirty-five camps were planned but most were never built; none exist presently.

This is a great hike through Harriman State Park. The trail begins at the visitors center off 7 lakes drive. Head behind the center and there are varios trail markers. Most lead to Pine Meadows Lake at the top. I like to take the white treil which leads to the blue trail. This will take to to Diamond Mountain which will bring you to several overlooks and eventually to a scenic view of Pine Meadow lake.

• Pros:Fresh air
• Cons:mosquitos