Hiking & climbing Suffern — the epic SBM & Torne Mountain
Nestled along the southern point of Harriman State Park is the quaint Village of Suffern. Locals are absolutely spoiled for having easy access to a network of picturesque trails. From the epic Suffern-Bear Mountain (SBM) Trail to the Kakiat Trail to numerous trails in neighboring Sloatsburg, Rockland’s trail town corridor is quickly becoming the NYC escapee’s playground.
On a clear day, a quick 20-minute hike up the SBM Trail brings you to Nordkop Mountain which rewards the hiker with sweeping views of Suffern and the NYC skyline on the horizon. The trailhead is situated within walking distance of the Suffern Train Station and Lafayette Avenue (Suffern’s main street). Just follow the painted yellow trail blazes.
“Suffern’s got the epic trail going for it — at around 23 miles, the SBM is the park’s second-longest traverse — but Suffern also has enough of the after-adventure amenities to fill you up afterward. Add to that the ease of getting to the trailhead (once you know where it is), and you have a town with its own special delight, and the makings of a great weekend hiatus,” says Suzy Allman of myharriman.com
Besides striking scenic views, the SBM is known for its solitude with a combination of mellow and challenging points. The SBM does not have a shorter loop at this time though locals are working with the Park on a potential plan. If you do the out-and-back, just turn around when you’ve had enough. If you’re looking to do the entire trail, a hardy hiker can pull it off in one day and acquire well-earned bragging rights. Otherwise, plan two to three days, camping out using the comforting rest areas of the much loved Stone Memorial and Big Hill lean-to shelters.
Also in Suffern, within the Village of Montebello, is county-owned Kakiat Park. There are a few short trails here but it’s the Kakiat Trail which enters into Harriman State Park, on its way to Dater Mountain Nature Park and Tuxedo. A short section of the Kakiat can be accessed via the SBM Trail.
A great local resource on these trails and others is the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference at (201) 512-9348. www.nynjtc.org.
Opened legally for rock climbing in 2013, the Powerlinez situated on Torne Mountain has made a name for itself. It’s grown to include sport climbs, top roping climbs, traditional climbing and a ton of bouldering. For rules, acquiring a permit and more info, contact the Torne Valley Climber’s Coalition at torneclimbers@gmail.com.
There are delis and groceries in the village to grab simple provisions. Just make a point to stop into Mia’s Kitchen, a hiker favorite, for the perfect trail grub.
From NYC’s Penn Station, grab the express Bergen Line of NJ Transit to Suffern Train Station which is approximately a 50-minute ride.
From Port Authority, take the Coach USA Bus Line. You’ll need to let the driver know you’d like to be let out at Orange Avenue in Suffern. The SBM trail is a short distance ahead just passed the overpass.
You can catch the Rockland TOR Bus Line #93 from Suffern to Kakiat or on the way back from Kakiat to Suffern. The bus stop in Suffern is on Chestnut Street and buses run every hour, 10 minutes before the hour.
From NYC, take the Palisades Parkway to exit 9W onto the NYS Thruway. Take Exit 15A and turn right at the light onto NY-17/NY-59/Orange Turnpike. Drive till you come to the light just passed the Village of Suffern sign. You can park in Commuter Parking Lot A located immediately on the right. The SBM Trail is located across from the Village of Suffern sign you drove past before the parking lot. Use the crosswalk at the light.
From Suffern follow Route 202 East. Come to the light at Viola Road, soon after, the entrance to the park is on the left side opposite the Viola Elementary School.