Information Sheet & Driving Directions

*Finish time is approximate and includes rest stops and mountainside service, and will be determined by the pace of the group. Please note: Finish time can vary by over an hour (earlier or later), so please plan accordingly. We cannot predict exact timing for return to cars. Suggested minimum age is 8 years old.

General:
Imagine climbing to a beautiful mountaintop to experience the blowing of a shofar and the reading of Torah in community with Tamid. We have planned the second day Rosh Hashanah hike to be a time for reflection and regeneration – a fun and unrushed, inspiring outdoor experience for individuals, couples, and families. The hike will be at a casual pace on hiking trails and will allow time for exploring and enjoying all that this natural environment has to offer.  

Highlights:

• 5.4 mile loop hike in a scenic section of Harriman Park with hilly, moderately graded, trails requiring occasional light scrambling.  
• Spiritual and interactive shofar service planned at a beautiful mountaintop.  
• Great views along the way!
• Short closing Tashlich service at pristine trailside lake.

What To Wear and What To Bring:

• Sturdy shoes or hiking boots suited for uneven terrain.  
• Picnic lunch and plenty of snacks for the rest – hiking builds an appetite!
• Minimum of one quart of water per person (two quarts if it is a hot day).
• For clothing – Layers always work best and should include a light sweater (i.e., fleece), rain jacket, and if the forecast is for cooler weather – a heavier sweater or jacket, light gloves, and hat.  Ideally, avoid cotton.
• Light day pack.
• Misc: Sunscreen, bug spray, sunglasses.

What To Know:

• Participants should feel comfortable walking on trails with uneven footing and be able to spend more than a half-day on foot, hiking in the woods on hilly terrain;
• Total elevation gain over the course of the hike is approximately 700 feet;
• There are no restroom facilities at the start or during the hike (other than the great outdoors!).  
• Meet at 8:15 am SHARP at the Lake Askoti and Skannatati Parking Area off of Seven Lakes Drive (see directions below). Please note that there is no cell phone service at the parking area and throughout many parts of the park and hike. Therefore, you would be unable to contact us in the event of a late arrival. We also suggest that you keep a copy of the directions below as back up. Allow plenty of extra drive time to ensure on-time arrival as we will make a prompt departure, and parking is an issue on weekends.  
• Make sure you start the day with a hearty breakfast before arriving.

Directions:

FROM WESTCHESTER:

• Take Tappan Zee Bridge to Exit 13N Palisades Interstate Parkway North. 
• Go approximately 8.4 miles and get off Exit 14 (Willow Grove Road, Rte. 98).  
• Make a left turn at the stop sign onto Rte. 98 West.  
• Continue on Rte. 98 West for 1.4 miles and continue straight onto  Rte. 106 West for an additional 3.4 miles to a traffic circle (Kanawauke Circle).
• At the circle take the immediate first exit (following sign for Seven Lakes Drive, Bear Mountain, Lake Tiorati) onto Seven Lakes Drive.  
• Stay on Seven Lakes Drive for 0.6 miles where you will cross a small bridge and make a (very) sharp left into the parking lot for Lake Askoti and Skannatati.  (NOTE – Keep your eyes out for the small wooden sign and sharp left turn).
• You are here!