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Lemon Squeezer Loop
Harriman State Park, NY
Summary: The Lemon Squeezer is a rock formation on the Appalachian Trail in Harriman State Park, NY. Squeeze through a narrow section of rock, then scramble up a rock face. This loop also takes in Island Pond, Boston Mine, and the Valley of Boulders... plus views to the west.
Moderate. Rugged and rocky trail surface, but other than the Squeezer, no real scrambling.
The Lemon Squeezer is a really interesting and fun section of the trail. The AT goes through an opening created by rocks, then you need to squeeze through a narrow section. After the Squeezer, you can scramble up a rock face.
The scramble up the rock face is harder than it appears from looking at a photo, and the shorter you are then the harder it is. Unlike most scrambles in the NJ hiking area... you actually need to use your arms to haul yourself up there. (if you are into bouldering/rock climbing... this would be easy, however)
The scramble can be avoided if you like, by following the sign that says "easy way". But at least give it a shot... it's a fun challenge.
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8.5 miles - The route we took, described below.
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4.0 miles - Just to the Lemon Squeezer and back, from the Elk Pen parking lot. You'll also pass Island Pond.
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Longer - Harriman has such an extensive network of trails... anything is possible. We do recommend having the map set below when hiking at Harriman, simply because there are so many trail junctions.
Map: #119 of the Harriman-Bear Mountain Trails
Books: Detailed trail descriptions
can be found in Harriman Trails: A Guide and History
Parking: There are many parking areas to access the extensive trail system at Harriman, and you can approach the Lemon Squeezer from a lot of directions. We chose to start at the The Elk Pen lot, which is probably the closest to the Squeezer.
Parkway North to the NY border, pick up the NY State Thru-Way North to exit 15a for 17N. Pass the main entrance to the park and keep going, then turn right on Arden Valley. Cross the bridge over the Thruway, and turn right into the large dirt lot next to a field.
Restrooms: None. There was a gas station in town on the way there.
Hike Directions: Overview: AT (WHITE) – Long Path (TEAL) – Arden-Surebridge (RED) – Lichen (Blue L on White) – Ramapo-Dunderberg (RED DOTon WHITE) – Dunning (YELLOW) – Nurian (White) – Stahahe Brook (RED BAR on WHITE) – Arden-Surebridge (RED)
*Quick note about blaze color... there are multiple trails marked red, blue etc, but they often have ways to differentiate... a BLUE L, a RED triangle, a RED DOT. The back of the Harriman Map lists the color for each trail but not these extra designations, we've tried to note them below.
0.0 - There is a path in the center of the field that leads into the woods. Turn right when you reach the woods, then quickly left onto the Appalachian Trail (AT) - marked with WHITE blazes. Head steadily up.
1.3 - The trail crosses a gravel woods road. If you turn right here, you can walk down to Island Pond. Retrace your steps to get back on the trail when done. There was a small parking lot by the pond that was not noted on our map.
2.0 - The Lemon Squeezer. Follow the WHITE blazes through. You can follow the sign for "easy way" if you don't want to do the scramble.
3.0 - 4-way junction with the Long Path... big sign post here. Turn RIGHT and start to follow the Long Path (TEAL plus a Long Path circular disc). The trail follows along a wet swampy area that is on your left.
3.6 - Junction with A-SB (Red Triangle on White - only blaze color not shape is noted on back of map), there is a large rock here. Turn LEFT onto A-SB. (Also blazed for Long Path)
3.8 - Turn RIGHT onto Lichen Trail (BLUE L on WHITE - only blaze color not L is noted on back of map). The overgrown trail heads up to an open rock slab area. There are boulders to sit on for a break here. There is a wide view to the west.
4.4 - Lichen ends at Ramapo-Dunderberg (RED DOT on WHITE only blaze color not shape is noted on back of map). Turn RIGHT onto it.There were tasty ripe blueberries along the trail the day we hiked this... if it's late June into July, maybe you will luck out too.
5.0 - Intersection with YELLOW (Dunning). Turn RIGHT and start following YELLOW.
5.4 - Turn LEFT and keep following YELLOW, it's also blazed WHITE BAR here. In a short bit, the YELLOW turns RIGHT, and is no longer joined with WHITE BAR.
Pass the small Green Pond.
YELLOW ENDS, turn LEFT onto Nurian (WHITE) and go through the Valley of Boulders (a section of large boulders to walk through). Head downhill.
Cross Stahahe brook.
7.4 - turn RIGHT onto Stahahe (RED BAR on WHITE). Nurian goes left.
The trail surface is an easy woods road and is a nice way to end your day... except for the loud road noise on your left. Cross over a bridge.
Stahahe Trail ends and becomes Arden-Surebridge (RED). Pass fields on your left.
8.4 - Turn LEFT back onto the path to the parking lot.
