2. Almost Perpendicular

Distance:	Dayhike
Difficulty :	Moderate for children
Distance :	1.6 miles, round trip
Hiking time :	1.5 hours
High point/elevation gain :	900 feet, 400 feet
Hikable :	March-November
Map :	NY-NJ Trail Conference Map 3

Almost Perpendicular is almost too good to be true! This south-facing ledge on Daters Mountain, which we judged to be the "Best Overlook in Harriman State Park," is less than a mile from the trailhead. Its dramatic views will appeal to little people as well as big people. While the kids may not be interested in identifying distant peaks or hills, they will feel like giants as they watch the toy-size cars racing along the highway below. And it won't be hard to keep them on the wide, grassy expanse set back from the edge.

On the return trip, have the kids lead the way. Allow enough time for wrong turns and let the leaders discover their own mistakes. It's the only way to learn.

From New York City, take the Thruway (I-87) north to Exit 15. Follow NY Route 17 north approximately 4.5 miles. Just past the village of Sloatsburg, turn right onto Seven Lakes Drive at a sign indicating the entrance to Harriman State Park. Continue on Seven Lakes Drive for 0.7 mile, passing under the Thruway. Where a sign indicates that you are entering Harriman State Park, turn left, then turn right at a T intersection onto Johnsontown Road. Drive 1.3 miles to the end of Johnsontown Road and park at the cul-de-sac.

About 100 feet southwest of the cul-de-sac on Johnsontown Road, follow a wide gravel road that tunnels through the woods on the right (northwest) past a huge erratic boulder. The Blue Disk Trail, indicated by white blazes with blue centers, narrows to exclude vehicular traffic as it passes a natural-gas pumping station on the right within the first 0.1 mile. (Tell the kids to pay close attention to landmarks such as this and to trail junctions, because they will lead on the hike out. Such an exercise teaches critical outdoor skills and focuses kids' attention on their surroundings.) Begin a short, moderate ascent and hunt for textures: look for something smooth, something fuzzy, something rough, and something prickly.

At 0.15 mile, a grassy path continues straight (north) as you bear left (west), still on a gravel road following blue-on-white blazes. Avoid unmarked side trails splitting left and right. At 0.45 mile, the road forks: follow the right (northwest) branch. In 75 feet, the white-blazed Kakait Trail angles in from the right; in another 125 feet, this white trail departs left (south). (Are the kids paying attention?) As you stay true to the two-colored blazing, look right, through the spacious oak forest, to see a boulder slide, evidence of nearby cliffs.

The road narrows to a path and embarks on a moderate ascent at the 0.5-mile mark. Now have a scavenger hunt for sounds. Can you hear distant highway noise? The chattering of red squirrels? The tapping of a woodpecker? What else? When you reach the base of the boulder slide, navigating the jumble of stones will be a challenge for little legs. At 0.65 mile from the start, the slope steepens and double blazes indicate a northeastward bend. Follow the footholds worn by previous hikers who trudged up this stiff incline.

By 0.7 mile, the trail has leveled. Cross a seasonal stream and curl left to follow its bank briefly. Soon, the trail twists right and resumes a steep climb between ledge outcroppings. Look ahead to see blue sky; shortly, you will crest the exposed ridge. Here, leave the main trail (which veers left) and turn right (east), soon reaching Almost Perpendicular.

What a tremendous overlook! The ledges step down to precipitous cliffs, so encourage children to stay well back from the edge and remain where the broad summit is open and grass-covered. Dramatic southwestern and eastern views take in Ramapo Torne, the New York Thruway, and the Ramapo Mountains of New York and New Jersey. Enjoy the views, unpack the picnic lunch, chat with other hikers, fly a kite! When you're ready, return to your car the way you came. (Remember: Let the kids lead on the way back.)