Trying to make a no-car Saturday work. I know the Port Jervis line stops at Tuxedo and all the maps make it look like Harriman is right there, but I've heard mixed things about the walk from the platform to an actual trailhead. I don't need a big epic loop, just a few hours in the woods without road-walking the whole way.

Has anyone actually done the station-to-trail thing recently? Is it signed or is it a 'follow the gap in the fence and hope' situation? Also curious if Sloatsburg or Suffern would be less annoying for a solo walk.

Done Tuxedo a couple times. It's real but it ain't signed for the first chunk. From the station you basically walk north through the lot, then hug the edge of the road under the overpass, and the woods open up by the old stone wall. The first ten minutes feel wrong, then you hit the actual trail.

If you want zero weirdness, Sloatsburg is easier to start, but Tuxedo gets you into the ridge faster.

Sloatsburg is the move if you're solo. Tuxedo can feel like you're walking along somebody's driveway for a while, and after rain that section holds water. From Sloatsburg there's a straightforward road walk to the trailhead and at least a deli right there. Not as pretty at first, but fewer 'am I trespassing?' vibes.

Oh! I LOVE the Tuxedo start! Have you tried the spur up to Claudius Smith Den? It's not a big loop but the cave/overhang area is so much better than the flat route people usually do. The first part from the station is totally unglamorous, yes, but once you cross into Harriman proper there are these old stone walls and the trail gets rocky in the best way. Bring tick spray! The tall grass near the station is no joke.

Appreciate it. So the gap in the fence is a real thing, not just someone's shortcut? I'm not trying to end up on a Ring camera. Sounds like Tuxedo wins for quicker woods, Sloatsburg wins for deli and less guesswork. Might just do Tuxedo and eat after.

Is it okay on a weekday morning, or do I need to worry about hunters/parking lots being empty?

The gap is real but it moves around because of the construction. Last time the obvious cut-through near the old depot was blocked, so I walked an extra block and found another opening. Weekday morning you'll be fine, just don't wander off the power line cut until you see a blaze. There are usually a few regulars out there, but it's not crowded.

Anybody done the Suffern station start? I tried it once and remember a long shoulder with no sidewalk before the trail dipped into the woods. Maybe I went the wrong way. Tuxedo at least isn't Route 59.

Suffern is fine if you're heading up to the Bear Mountain ridge, but that first stretch is absolutely a road walk. Have you tried going from Suffern to the Suffern-Bear Mountain summit? It's a real climb and the view opens up near the power line. I wouldn't do it as a 'quick few hours' though. For a quick day, Tuxedo to the Den and back is perfect!

Okay, you've sold me. Tuxedo to Claudius Smith Den and back it is. I'll bring my old boots and not my clean sneakers.

One more practical thing: does the Tuxedo stop have a bathroom or is it Hoboken or bust? I'm taking an early train.

Hoboken or bust, basically. Suffern sometimes has a public one but it's locked more often than not. Tuxedo is a platform and a dream. Pee before you get on the train.

Go before you leave Hoboken, and maybe carry a roll of TP in a ziplock. The woods don't care, but the start near the station is too open for that. Once you're past the stone wall you have options. Also: don't follow the wide woods road down to the right if you see one; it dead-ends at a swampy patch.

Yes! And if you have extra time after the Den, keep going a little past it on the ridge! There's one rocky overlook where you can see the Thruway and it's strangely beautiful. Have you tried the small loop that cuts back through the hemlocks? It's steep but so quiet. I did it last fall and there was nobody out there.

Did it this morning. The first ten minutes are just as ugly as promised, but once you're up in the rocks it's great. The Den was worth it. I overshot the return and ended up on the hemlock path InwoodHillGirl mentioned, which was steep but fine.

Thanks all. Next time I'll try the Suffern side, maybe with a buddy instead of solo.