Text and photos by Ritam Chakraborty, POBS Expedition Program Coordinator
Top banner image: A view from one of the many summits in Harriman State Park
In mid-November, after wrapping up our expedition and overnight programs for the season, our Expedition Team set out on a recon trip to Harriman State Park. Earlier this year, we introduced a few student crews to the park and were eager to explore its potential as a permanent course area.
Our goal? To chart new routes for our 5 Day Peer Leadership courses beyond our usual destination in the Delaware Water Gap area. We scouted for campsites, climbing sites, water sources, and access points—opening new opportunities for students and instructors alike.
Harriman State Park, just 30 miles north of NYC and under three hours from Philadelphia, is a treasure trove of natural beauty. Home to the Lenape’s Munsee people, its 200 miles of trails wind through lakes, rocky vistas, and forests—perfect for outdoor adventure.
Our first morning, we awoke to a frigid 26°F. Our campsite host, Dominic, reminded us of the strict fire ban and we should under no circumstances be tempted to use the fire ring in our campsite.
Of course, we have been seeing the effects of the drought play out over the last month, as streams we have relied on for sustenance have been slowly drying up this fall. On our drive in, we had passed through West Milford, still blanketed in a thick smoke from the now contained Jennings Creek Fire. For us, the effects of extreme weather is always a concern as we navigate life outside for young people.
After warming ourselves with hot coffee and savory miso oatmeal (recipe), we set off on the trail. In order to maximize the campsites, water sources, and access points we could assess, we split up and set out solo to walk different sections of trail.
The nervousness of navigating a new area alone was quickly replaced by a wave of tranquility as soon as I entered the forest. Walking by myself, I felt immediately relaxed in the incredible silence of the woods, only interrupted by the occasional birds and squirrels scurrying to collect their winter rations.
The path snaked through the bare trees past surprising views and lakes hidden in the forest. I ate my hummus wrap for lunch, taking in some sun on the top of a mossy rock with a view of Lake Sebago. At the junction of trails known as “Times Square”, where one crew of students had taken a wrong turn earlier this year, I spent several minutes studying my map to avoid making the same mistake.
I met up with the other instructors at one of the great gems of the region, the rock climbing area aptly named “Ramapo Powerlinez” near the town of Ramapo (“Sweet Water”).
Ramapo Powerlinez is an expansive site with almost a hundred named and graded climbs. We felt like Goldilocks, searching for routes that were easy enough for new climbers, yet challenging enough to give students a chance to expand their comfort zones.
By nightfall, we reached Bear Mountain, taking in the glittering city skyline under a twilight sky. We saw the recon trip as a time for reflection and closure for the year. As the forest slumbers during the winter, our team takes our own break to rest after a long year of programs.
Come spring, we’ll be back in Harriman, this time leading student crews through its stunning landscapes.
