Hey all, I'm trying to plan a Saturday day hike out of the city without a car. I keep seeing Harriman State Park recommended, and I noticed NJ Transit has a Tuxedo Park stop. Is that actually a good way to do it? It looks close on the map, but I can't tell if the trailhead is walking distance from the station or if it's all twisty roads with no shoulder. I'm a decent walker but not trying to add 4 miles on pavement before the hike. Also, do weekend trains even stop there reliably? Last time I assumed a Metro-North flag stop was simple and got stuck for a bit. Any advice?

Tuxedo Park is doable but it ain't a proper trailhead right at the platform. The old route up to the Ramapo-Dunderberg trail starts about a mile or so from the station, partly on roads, then you hit the woods near Southfields? It's not a shoulderless death march but you do walk past some private-ish looking spots. On weekends the train stops there but check the schedule because some runs skip it or you need to tell the conductor? Actually that's the Manitou flag stop thing. Tuxedo is a regular stop but not every train. Download the trail map before you go; service is spotty once you're up on the ridge. I'd also look at Sloatsburg or Harriman station depending which side of the park you want.

Wait, this is exactly what I was wondering. So if I get off at Tuxedo, can I do a loop without needing a cab? I don't want to be calling a car from the top of a mountain. Is there a good loop to a viewpoint? Also, what shoes do people wear on Harriman trails? I only have regular sneakers and I keep reading 'rocky' which could mean anything. Also is there anywhere near the station for coffee or a restroom before I start? I'm nervous about getting off a train and having zero facilities.

Harriman is rocky but regular sneakers will survive if you're not doing a long scramble. More important is water and a paper map. The Tuxedo approach: from the station, you walk north on the road, then pick up the Tuxedo-Mt Ivy trail or Ramapo-Dunderberg. There's a loop up to Claudius Smith Den area but I forget the exact trail junction. You won't need a cab, just patience. If you want easier logistics, take the train one stop to Harriman? No car, anyway. Sloatsburg also works if you're going to the southern end of the park, but that's more road walking. Check the NJ Transit app before you go; weekend return trains can be weird and missing one means a long wait.

I did this! Got off at Tuxedo a couple weekends ago. The walk from the station to the trailhead felt fine, but I definitely second-guessed myself because the street signs are not exactly 'this way to Harriman.' It was maybe 20-25 minutes of walking with a few cars. Once you hit the woods, the trail is narrow and rocky. I didn't need a cab. I did a short out-and-back to a viewpoint and came back. One thing: the return train platform is not obvious? It's just a little shelter and you wait on the correct side based on which way. I almost got on the wrong side. Also, no bathroom at the station that I saw.

Glad you survived the platform confusion, DykerNewbie. That's the stuff that gets people. For anyone still on the fence, this is less stressful than a lot of car-free day trips, but check the train times like you'd check a lease detail—off topic, but if you want to see how small stuff turns into big building problems, the earlier thread Second 'bedroom' has a vent but no window—can I ask for a rent abatement or break the lease? about the vent/no window 'bedroom' is a good rabbit hole. Anyway, the Tuxedo walk is not bad. If you're new to Harriman, I'd actually suggest going to Harriman station instead and walking into the park from the north? More woods, fewer private driveways. But if you already scoped Tuxedo, the Ramapo-Dunderberg northbound ridge has some great views and you can turn back when tired.

Thanks EastHarlem_E and DykerNewbie. This helps. So you're saying Harriman station might be the better first-timer move? Is that also a walkable trailhead or do I need a cab? I'm fine with a mile on a road, but I'd rather not be guessing. Also, CollegePoint_C, that vent/no window thread is wild—I had the same in my first apartment. Anyway, if I go early Saturday, am I going to be alone on the trail or is this a zoo? I don't need to be alone, actually. I'd rather see other hikers.

Harriman station is a little more straightforward for the southern/western side, but it also dumps you near some busy road crossings. It's not a cab situation. Weekends are pretty popular, not a zoo like Bear Mountain but you'll see people. If you want solitude, go farther up the ridge or start earlier than 8. The main thing: don't rely on phone signal. I've seen too many people wandering with a dead battery asking where the train is. Print the NJ Transit schedule or screenshot it. There are streams but not always at the station, so bring water.

Okay so maybe I'll do this next weekend. Would the loop from Harriman station to something like Pine Meadow Lake be okay for a beginner? I keep seeing 'breakneck' and I know that's not me. I just want a few hours out, not a survival story. Also is there a sandwich or coffee near the Harriman station? I need to plan around no food. If not, I'll pack from the city.

Pine Meadow Lake from Harriman station is a solid beginner day, but it's not exactly short—maybe 7ish miles round trip depending on route, with some rolling rocks. If you just want a few hours, do the Tuxedo out-and-back to a viewpoint or the Claudius Smith Den loop. Food near Harriman station is basically nothing, maybe a deli a few blocks down in the village? Don't count on it. Bring a sandwich, a bagel, whatever. The train ride itself is easy, and once you're on the trail it's quiet. Just watch the return schedule like a hawk.