The Jewish Outdoors Club

Hey folks!!!

Join us on Sunday, August 8th for an amazing hike in Harriman State Park, and optional swim, after the hike, in Lake Welch.

Organizer:  Lisa Sara Marko

What is the hike like?

Park: Harriman State Park in Rockland County, NY.
Length: 7.2 miles
In typical JOC style, we'll conquer this peak with the most fun possible. We'll be taking the Raccoon Brook Trail to get to the top.
From one person's description: (READ THIS BEFORE SIGNING UP!)
 
This loop hike at the southern end of the park climbs Raccoon Brook Hill and Diamond Mountain, with several panoramic viewpoints, and runs along cascading Stony
Brook and scenic Pine Meadow Lake. At the top of the climb (elevation 1,150 feet), the trail comes out on a rock ledge with a panoramic southwest-facing view. This
spot – the western summit of the mountain – is the halfway point of the hike, and it’s a good place to take a break. The trail continues along the crest of the
ridge, soon once again coming out on open rocks, with more views. It then descends through thick mountain laurel, comes out on an open area, and climbs slightly to
reach the eastern summit. Pine Meadow Lake is to the right, but the lake cannot be seen from the summit when there are leaves on the trees.  Should take approximately 4-5 hours.
 
What is the itinerary?
We will leave at 10:30 am on Sunday, August 8th, for the drive from the city. Taking summer Sunday traffic into consideration, we will arrive at the base in time for a 12 pm hike start. The goal is to be done by 5:00 in the evening and head back to the city at that point.

If you want to cool off and swim after the hike there is Lake Welch; a five minute drive up the road.  Meeting location and directions will be provided to registered participants only in a separate email. 

WHAT TO BRING
Essentials: $3 fee, minimum 2+ liters of water (3 liters is recommended), lunch, snacks, backpack, hiking boots/trail shoes/high top sneakers, sun hat/baseball cap,
sunscreen, bug spray.
Optional: consider climbing/workout gloves, camera, sunglasses, extra pair of socks, energy bars/extra snacks, trail mix etc.
Disclaimer: We reserve the right to turn down anybody who arrives without proper gear, especially, but not limited to, missing backpack, too little water, or
inappropriate footwear. Not appropriate: Open toed or backed shoes and sandals, flip-flops, Crocks.
 
TRANSPORTATION & MEETING DETAILS:
Meeting location and directions will be provided to registered participants only in a separate email. Public transportation available (although you
have to hike an extra mile to the meeting point).
 
COST: $3 JOC Fee, plus $10 driver appreciation fee (passengers please bring exact change). NO cost to park.
Must I be in good shape?
A definitive yes! In This is appropriate for most fit hikers, and not appropriate for slow or inexperienced hikers. No, it is not a race, and we will certainly take
some time to appreciate the natural beauty that surrounds us, but we also have a specific destination to reach in a timely fashion.
 
How much room is there?
There is room for 30 people.  Priority will be given to drivers, as needed.
 
How do I sign up?
Please answer the following questions by email:
 
1) What is your name?
2) What is your cell phone number?
3) What is your email address? (please retype it even though it appears in my inbox -- it is much easier for me)
4) Do you have a car? If so, leaving from where, with how much room for passengers?
5) Do you have strenuous hiking experience? Please elaborate or list a similarly-difficult hike you've recently completed.
AND
Please bring 3$ on the day of the hike.
 
What if it rains?
In the event of light to moderate rain, we will take a different route up the mountain - one that would not involve hazardous scrambling on wet rock. Heavy rain or thunderstorms will cancel.
 
 
Thanks, and hope you can join us!
 
-Sara Marko