Reviews for Harriman Trails A Guide and History

The average rating for Harriman Trails A Guide and History based on 2 reviews is 5 stars.

Review # 1 was written on 2021-05-29 00:00:00 Chad Bowling I absolutely love this book. As the leader of a women's hiking group that hikes this area regularly, this book has proven an invaluable resource--not just as a book about the terrain or length of the trails in Harriman and Bear Mountain State Park, but as an incredible historical guide to the area. There is so much history here--from stories of the Revolutionary War to explanations for the names of the trails and shelters. I had no idea that Claudius Smith's father had owned the land in Long Island that is called Smithtown--or that he had originally owned what is present day Monroe. Claudius Smith and his brothers became a band of horse thieves who hid out in the mountains in which my group often hikes. Being able to share these layers of history adds to the joy of being able to introduce the trails to my hikers, and adds to our on-trail discussions. While I haven't read this book cover to cover as I would a regular history book, I have skipped around quite a bit in order to read specifically about the trails I've hiked and plan to hike. I tend to annotate as I go, so at this point, my copy is totally marked up.

Review # 2 was written on 2012-08-17 00:00:00 Joseph Macneal I personally knew the author of this book. He walked the trails himself along with a group of other people. I have walked the trails at Harriman, and it's a beauty! You are secluded, surrounded by peace, nature, and birdies chirping. I've even walked it snow covered; the mountains are quite a sight covered in white.