View Full Version : West Mountain Shelter--NY
Pringles
03-25-2004, 10:53
I saw in the trail companion that this shelter is supposed to have a resident rattlesnake.
Does this mean that the snake is usually found right at the shelter, or occasionally, or near the shelter, or what?
I'm not a big fan of snakes, and I'm wondering if this is just a shelter I should just walk on by.
Thanks for any info on this.
Pringles
Blue Jay
03-25-2004, 11:12
No, that is a great shelter. A resident snake is a good thing. Not only are there not any mice but there are not any disease ridden humans (joke). Since you are too big to eat, the snakes only interest in you is how many mice you attract. In other words it likes you. It's a win win situation. There used to be one in the Priest shelter and the one in Georgia with the cool porch. These are my favorite shelters.
Beth,
Being sixth tenths of a mile off the Trail, most AT thru-hikers skip this shelter completely. I would definately recommend checking it out though. One of the oldest shelters on the Trail, I believe built in the 30's. The ridge walk is a cool one at any time, but especially late in the day/evening. There are some pretty decent views of NYC, sometimes. Enjoy!
Beth,
Being sixth tenths of a mile off the Trail, most AT thru-hikers skip this shelter completely. I would definately recommend checking it out though. One of the oldest shelters on the Trail, I believe built in the 30's. The ridge walk is a cool one at any time, but especially late in the day/evening. There are some pretty decent views of NYC, sometimes. Enjoy!
I stayed at the shelter in the summer of 2001, while picking up some trail sections I missed 1993. (Harriman was closed because of fire danger) We had magnificent views of the New York skyline -- and the twin trade center towers. I'm both tempted and repelled by the thought of going back and seeing the new skyline.
Weary
stranger
08-27-2004, 22:44
This is a great place. I used to live about 10 miles from this shelter and have slept there over 20 times, I highly recommend checking it out. Keep in mind that there is no water at this shelter, like most Harriman shelters. If you pass the shelter and follow the blue TT trail down into the valley there is a seasonal stream located there. Your best bet is too fill up at Beechy Bottom brook after crossing the Palisades Parkway, however it's a stiff climb up to the ridge and not a good time to be heavy.
I have never seen a snake at West Mtn but I haven't been there in a few years. When you are looking out of the shelter the prominent peak at 10 o'clock is called the Timp and only a mile away, so check it out if you have time. It's a steep climb up from the Timp Pass but worth it.
orangebug
08-28-2004, 07:12
In May 2002, I was climbing West Mountain and startled by a huge snake's body that raced across the trail. I saw nothing to definitively identify it, but suspected a large black snake. It could have just as easily been a dark timber rattler. I swear it was the circumference of my forearm.
It didn't bother me, and I didn't bother it. I prefer a snake hungry for varmits over the varmits.
Bill....
In May 2002, I was climbing West Mountain and startled by a huge snake's body that raced across the trail. I saw nothing to definitively identify it, but suspected a large black snake. It could have just as easily been a dark timber rattler. I swear it was the circumference of my forearm.
Bill,
It sounds more like a rattler than a black snake based on the circumference. There are a number of rattlesnake dens on that mountain, and rattlers are frequently encountered in that area. I knoow, because I lived about 40 minuutes from that area most of my lfe. Our old friend Rocks & Roots maintained that area of the trail. He still on the AT-L?
. When you are looking out of the shelter the prominent peak at 10 o'clock is called the Timp and only a mile away, so check it out if you have time. It's a steep climb up from the Timp Pass but worth it.
I was on the Timp a couple of weeks ago and was so close to three hawks soaring off the edge of the cliff, it felt like I could reach out and touch them. They may have been eagles, they seemed a little too big for hawks, but I'm not a bird guy. Cool place.
I went by West Mountain Shelter on my back from the Timp and when I got to the top of the hill I was greeted with a round of applause :clap A group of 20-25 chinese hikers were having a lunch break at the shelter.
Made me feel special. :banana
orangebug
08-28-2004, 10:08
He still on the AT-L?
Another benefit of WB!
Bill... :clap
orangebug
08-28-2004, 10:28
It sounds more like a rattler than a black snake based on the circumference...
I'm familiar with the frequency of rattler sightings in that part of the world. Frankly, I thought it was a rattler, but felt very well to declare it benign as it had no problems to offer me.
I have seen some big black snakes down South in SC. These buggers are able to kill rattlers and other venomous snakes. As they are constrictors, they also have large bodies. I recall someone killing one and tanning its hide back at Camp Skyuka (long gone YMCA camp out of Spartenburg). Folks were so mad at the guy for killing it that he never brought it home with him.
Bill....
<Damn, talk about topic drift. West Mtn NY to ancient stories of Upstate SC!>
Rocks 'n Roots
11-01-2004, 16:16
Mostly likely a healthy Black Snake - or other sun-tanned snake. I've bushwacked in Harriman on sunny ledges and had to jump down into a rocky area only to scare out 2 or three sunning racers I didn't see before I jumped. If you want an adreneline rush and pounding heart try jumping into the middle of some snakes. My cousin said he was out west somewhere in the SW when he was jumping down some ledges in a similar way only to plant right in front of a diamondback in a ledge. He was lucky it didn't strike.
I suggest it was a Black Snake because all the rattlers I've seen on West mountain all moved slowly. The mountain isn't infested with snakes. I spent a lot of time up there maintaining and only saw 2 or 3 over decade.
Our committee had a complaint from a woman who said she woke up in West Mountain Shelter with a rattlesnake right next to her. If true, this shows how little the shelter is used.
The view from the shelter of the Hudson Valley and river around Haverstraw, NY is spectacular. The New Jersey Palisades Cliffs are 500 feet high where the horizon view of New York City's lights is located. So you don't get a full city view. The best lights are the emerald green/white string of lights on the George Washington Bridge seen from the shelter.
The sad news for West Mountain Shelter is that the previously rural mountains in the foreground now have houses springing up on them...
jersey joe
11-01-2004, 17:16
I did an overnight at West Mountain Shelter last weekend and there were no signs of any snakes. No sign of any mice either which makes me wonder. Of course it was a bit chilly out for snakes or mice so...
I did not stop at this shelter on my thru but would recommend it. There is a great view with the Hudson river below and NYCity in the far distance.
Rocks n' Roots is right, there are quite a few lights on the hills below as more and more houses are springing up.
I went down the hill for water, .25 miles straight down, and I would definitly recommend getting water coming up the AT before hand.
I had a similar experience to 2xL, we woke up had breakfast and saw about 25 chinese hikers making their way up to the shelter...must be a weekly ritual?!?
Rocks 'n Roots
11-01-2004, 19:34
Hey, maybe someone could post a photo of West Mountain Shelter with its granite rock walls and orange sunset glinting off the NYC skyline?
It's a modest, simple 3 sided stone shelter - but it's one of the best on the AT...
Edit:
Wow, this site is awesome! Found a photo of West Mountain Shelter. I have a shot to accompany it from 1985 looking the opposite direction from inside the shelter outward towards orange glitter shimmering off the New York City buildings. Here is the Whiteblaze shot:
http://www.whiteblaze.net/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/1715/size/big/password/0/sort/1/cat/568
ARambler
06-18-2006, 13:51
I was at West Mountain the night before last.
1) It seems like the view has grown in since 2004. You have to stand to see NYC from inside the shelter or sit just to the right of the shelter to look through a gap. Am I just getting old and reminiscing about the good old days? I still recommend for spending the night here (but not going for a break.)
2) Vermin: There were a few black flys that went away at sunset when the wind picked up. I slept in my tent which I had set up. This may be the only time I have not slept in a totally empty shelter. There was a Whip-or-Will that was slightly annoying.
3) Water: I left almost 2 gallons of water at the shelter with a note asking the last person to pack out the jug. Is this to be encouraged?
4) Harriman was in one of the last hiker gaps before the NOBO pack arrives. One pair did the 28 miles from Wildcat Shelter to Bear Mt. Bridge without seeing any other thrus.
5) Saw 4 trail workers and an ATC trailer near one of the road walks. Hopefully, work is progressing on the relocation.
6) Ranger verified the car accident was cleaned up, and I did not see any evidence of it. Juicy details in another thread.
http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/showthread.php?t=15584
Rambler
LIhikers
07-07-2006, 12:46
My wife and I spent a night at West Mountain shelter this past winter. It was nice to have the place to ourselves but we were up most of the night due to the sounds of heavy, automatic, gunfire. West Point, and Camp Smith aren't too far away I guess the military was having night manuveurs at one of those places.
No, that is a great shelter. A resident snake is a good thing. Not only are there not any mice but there are not any disease ridden humans (joke). Since you are too big to eat, the snakes only interest in you is how many mice you attract. In other words it likes you. It's a win win situation. There used to be one in the Priest shelter and the one in Georgia with the cool porch. These are my favorite shelters.
Right on! This is a lesson we should have learned from the Indian reservations out west. Once those "nasty" rattlers were killed off, the rodent population soared and hantavirus (carried in rodent urine) increased dramatically.
As a lifelong amateur herpetologist, a snake neighbor is always viewed as a welcome feature. They really will take every chance to avoid human contact and are almost never aggressive unless bothered. A good day for me is being able to observe a reptile up close and personal.
And by the way, thanks to all for the reccomendation on this shelter. I'll be sectioning NY in the next month and will make it a must stop.
snakes are cool,i like watching them:cool: neo
LIhikers
04-05-2007, 11:43
The wife and I stayed at West Mountain shelter on 4/1/2007 and I can report no leaks in the roof, plus the floor and walls are in good shape too. We had the place to ourselves on a cool, wet, night.
gsingjane
04-05-2007, 13:19
Hey Falls Down, it sounds like you and Hacky Sack were out for your spring section? Hope all went well! We'll be right "behind you" in mid-April...
Gym Rat, Kelthu'zud and Katie
LIhikers
04-09-2007, 18:14
Nope, we just escaped to Harriman State Park for 5 days of hiking. 2 nights in shelters and 2 nights of stealth camping, but sshhhhhhh don't tell the rangers. We spent one day exploring old iron ore mines in the park, but that's a subject for another time. We'll be doing a new section of AT this August from mid-MA to someplace in VT, depending on how long we are out for.
I see 2/3 of you have picked up some trail names.
Raul Perez
11-25-2009, 00:02
I was at West Mountain Shelter a few weeks ago. Nice clean shelter but roof has about 3 leaks (rained the first day).
No mice or snakes encountered at the shelter. Did encounter a black snake on west mountain going NOBO to Bear Mountain.
XCskiNYC
07-07-2010, 22:32
My wife and I spent a night at West Mountain shelter this past winter. It was nice to have the place to ourselves but we were up most of the night due to the sounds of heavy, automatic, gunfire. West Point, and Camp Smith aren't too far away I guess the military was having night manuveurs at one of those places.
I just hiked Bear Mtn. to NY17 this past 04 to 06 July and throughout the first ten miles of the hike there were constant percussive booms. It did not seem likely to be West Point, as AFAIK they do not have an artillery range. But Camp Smith, yeah. That was probably it. How many shells do they have to shoot off before they get the artillery shooting down? Quite a few, apparently.
Strategic
07-11-2010, 20:26
I did this section in August of 2007 and stayed the night at West Mountain. Great old stone shelter in the "Sleepy Hollow Rustic" style of Harriman State Park. I especially liked the twin fireplaces at the front corners of the shelter; much better than a firepit and they have cooking shelves too.
There were seven of us in and around the shelter that night, but we didn't hear so much as a gunshot, much less artillery fire. Fog did roll in very early in the morning (3am or so) but the night was clear, so they certainly could have laid down some fire if they'd wanted to. I guess you guys were just lucky enough to get there when night-fire exercises were scheduled.
Here's a picture of the shelter as I woke up to it in the morning. This was taken from about 20' away where I'd hung my hammock. It's how I hit on the term "Sleepy Hollow Rustic" for this kind of shelter architecture.
cacher13
07-27-2010, 21:17
I live by West Point and trust me they have artillery ranges, and they train day and night. I got rattled once on the beachy bottom trail below west mountain. a very nice looking rattler about 2.5ft long. I do know there is a whippoorwill that has taken over the shelter at night that doesn't shut up! We camped there the Friday before July 4th, and we counted 15 different firework shows going off all the way to NYC.
My favorite shelter but getting trashy. trail magic left in the form of jiffy pop. Lot of food waste laying around, rotting fruits and such Broom head there to sweep. Stayed 1/21/11.
http://whiteblaze.net/forum/%3Ca%20href=http://outdoors.webshots.com/photo/2363392280053547142blWMDf%20target=_blank%3E[IMG]http://inlinethumb42.webshots.com/21929/2363392280053547142S500x500Q85.jpghttp://inlinethumb42.webshots.com/21929/2363392280053547142S500x500Q85.jpg
This was the view on Friday at sunset 1/21/2011. This is why it's my favorite shelter.http://www.hotmovies.com/asx.php?video_id=134269&format=1MBPS&starttime=00:00:00&duration=&strauth=5d66006300670062003a0736556c0a745630563507 6f026403350730&ct=0
That's a great photo. Did you hike up in snow shoes? I'm planning on being up there in late March and I'm looking forward to seeing this shelter.
Ironbelly
01-31-2011, 20:06
Namaste, we did hike up in snowshoes. Was a cold but fun filled weekend. There is a TR posted at backpacker.com under the Northeast section down at the bottom of the page with like 200 some odd pics.
etrofbob
02-24-2011, 21:41
This is awesome. I've been to Harriman once so far now and me and a couple friends stayed in the Fingerboard shelter and had a great time. Sometime in April, we're planing on doing another backpacking trip and staying here in the West Mountain. I saw a few posts about water, where's the best/most reliable place to get it. And we're while were there we're planning on checking out doodle town. Any other things anyone recommends seeing. Thanks!
hikerboy57
02-24-2011, 21:50
This is awesome. I've been to Harriman once so far now and me and a couple friends stayed in the Fingerboard shelter and had a great time. Sometime in April, we're planing on doing another backpacking trip and staying here in the West Mountain. I saw a few posts about water, where's the best/most reliable place to get it. And we're while were there we're planning on checking out doodle town. Any other things anyone recommends seeing. Thanks!
I hike Harriman all the time. theres plenty of water sources in the park, but has to be treated, filtered, thees a high iron concentration in the water. Lake Tiorati runs right by the AT and is an obviuos source. Theres also a great shelter on the Long Path in NE harriman, I can t remember the name offhand, but great views, and fairly remote.But the view from west Mtn cant be beat. there are a lot of great spots and history in the park. recommend you get the NY=NJ trail conference guide to Harriamn. its great reading and you'll find spots most people dont know exist.
This is awesome. I've been to Harriman once so far now and me and a couple friends stayed in the Fingerboard shelter and had a great time. Sometime in April, we're planing on doing another backpacking trip and staying here in the West Mountain. I saw a few posts about water, where's the best/most reliable place to get it. And we're while were there we're planning on checking out doodle town. Any other things anyone recommends seeing. Thanks!
Doodle town?
Raul Perez
02-24-2011, 22:29
This is awesome. I've been to Harriman once so far now and me and a couple friends stayed in the Fingerboard shelter and had a great time. Sometime in April, we're planing on doing another backpacking trip and staying here in the West Mountain. I saw a few posts about water, where's the best/most reliable place to get it. And we're while were there we're planning on checking out doodle town. Any other things anyone recommends seeing. Thanks!
I'll be doing an overnight hike going from Bear Mountain to William Brien Shelter (passing by West Mountain Shelter) April 9th. Maybe I'll see you on the trail.
Raul
Feral Bill
02-24-2011, 22:40
Doodle town?
An abandoned settlement just south of Bear Mountain. Lots of history, plus a couple of old cemetaries. Used to be apple orchards as well, maybe stall are. It's a better route to West Mountain in my opinion.
Maps show a couple of small ponds near the shelter. I hear they are not reliable. There are a couple of stream crossings, depending on your route.
LIhikers
02-25-2011, 02:19
This is awesome. I've been to Harriman once so far now and me and a couple friends stayed in the Fingerboard shelter and had a great time. Sometime in April, we're planing on doing another backpacking trip and staying here in the West Mountain. I saw a few posts about water, where's the best/most reliable place to get it. And we're while were there we're planning on checking out doodle town. Any other things anyone recommends seeing. Thanks!
You can get water at DoodleTown and bring it up to the shelter.
I forget the name of the trail that goes up to the West Mountain shelter from DT but it's the steepest way to get up there.
Park near the police station in the big parking lot at Bear Mountain, and register with them.
Follow the 1777 trail south through DT and then turn onto the trail up to the shelter. Next day take the AT down from West Mountain and over to Bear Mt. which it goes up and over and comes down by the picnic ground near where you parked your car.
Trail Bug
02-25-2011, 08:53
Beth,
Being sixth tenths of a mile off the Trail, most AT thru-hikers skip this shelter completely. I would definately recommend checking it out though. One of the oldest shelters on the Trail, I believe built in the 30's. The ridge walk is a cool one at any time, but especially late in the day/evening. There are some pretty decent views of NYC, sometimes. Enjoy!
It was a long walk to the shelter, but the view of the skyline on a clear night is great. There are a few tent sites behind the shelter.
etrofbob
02-25-2011, 13:15
Thanks for all the ideas. Last thing, we are planing on parking in the Anthony Wayne Recreation Area. First, can we? hah. And I'm looking on google maps and there seems to be 2 parking lots. There's the first one thats right off the Palisades sorta near the buildings. Then it looks like there's another if you follow Anthony Wayne Drive. Do we need anything to park here and once we're parked where is the trail to start hiking to the shelter.
LIhikers
02-25-2011, 21:22
I asked a park employee once about parking at Anthony Wayne overnight and he said that you're not supposed to. On the other hand, I know people who have parked there over night with no problems. If you have the Harriman Park maps made by NY/NJ Trail Conference the phone # for the park police is printed on there, call them and get their answer.
Which lot to park may depend on what the Park Police tell you. Either way they aren't very far apart.
Let's see, if I remember correctly, the AT crosses the Palisades Parkway south of Anthony Wayne. Take one of the trails in Anthony Wayne to the AT and then hike up to the shelter. If you don't already have the maps you can pick them up at the Book Store/Visitor Center in the center median of the parkway near exit 14 or 15.
I was there in late March, really cold, did not see any snakes but there was a skunk limping around walking over our packs, etc..........good night to sleep in a tent!
GREAT view that evening of NYC.
hikerboy57
02-26-2011, 18:33
overnight parking is not permitted at the major lots, and there have been some instances of vandalism. You can park adjacent to Harriman at Southfields, tuxedo, or Sloatsburg. Southfields is probably the closest to the AT. Pick yourself up a set of maps, and the NY=NJ trail conference guide "Harriman trails". the maps can show you plenty of legitamte parking spots.
I stayed at this shelter this week and it was a blessing in disguise to arrive in the dark. The NYC skyline was beautiful! The shelter was a little messy, no broom to be found but I was too tired to care. It was freezing out so I spent only a few minutes looking up at the stars and then passed out to sleep. The view was equally spectacular the next morning....a beautiful clear blue sky. I loved the style of this shelter with the double fireplaces.
okay, i seen this as the opportunity as my first post to explain my experiences at this shelter.
I've never slept in it overnight, but i've hiked to it at least 12 times. The last time i hiked to it (about late august), i came across a rattler right on the final climb north on the yellow s-bm trail, west mountain...it was definitely a timber rattler...i have a reptile field guide i referenced, and it was definitely a match, black tail and all.
The location it was at, if i can describe it best, is the last little climb up which is surrounded by knee high brush...once you get past that, your right near the shelter. I hadn't seen the rattler at first, i heard him....and i immediately jumped backwards and ran back (my first encounter that close ever).
I can account for many other times, however, that i didn't see anything more than hawks and deer. Now, the shelter i have noticed over the past 2 summers tends to get over swarmed by july with wasps in the tops of the chimneys. This year, it was so bad i couldnt even go near the front of it...last year, i went in the front and next thing you know, tagged right in the neck by one. ever since than, i tend to avoid it summer time.
Pringles
09-26-2011, 13:00
Since this is your first post, welcome to Whiteblaze. Thanks for the information. I asked the question many years ago, and still haven't made it to this shelter, but from the description and picture, I really do want to get there.
Pringles.
Wridgewrassler
11-12-2011, 18:04
I spent the night here last November, in 2010 on a section hike, solo. Enjoyed a fire at night in one of the two fireplaces, then had awesome views of the city in the morning. Since it was November - no wasps or rattlers to cause concern!
GrassyNoel
02-20-2012, 13:32
Spent the night here this last Saturday night. When I passed through earlier in the day, the shelter was full of a fairly large group cooking on the fire and generally taking over the whole space. When I returned at about 4pm, no one was around. The shelter was very clean, but I slept in a tent. Nice little campground.
GrassyNoel
02-21-2012, 00:45
Some photos from the campsite, and a few not so great photos of the shelter. The light was not on my side at that moment. Feb 18-19, 2012.
The_Professor
06-06-2012, 16:03
There is an intermittent spring on the blue blaze trail en route to the West Mountain shelter, maybe 100 yards before the yellow blaze trail veers off to the left. I have almost always been able to get water from it, more reliably than from the stream further down the blue blaze.