Lemon Squeezer

We did the Elk Pen Loop, about 8 miles. Parked in the free elk pen loop parking lot, holds about 30 cars. Walked to the lake and the Lemon Squeezer. Then Island pond mountain and beautiful Surebridge mountain. Def a difficult trail. We did the trail again yesterday 10-16-22. There were plenty of spaces when we arived at 10 am. When we left, the lot was full. You can access the Elk Pen lot from the palisades side/ . The road from 17 is closed. GPS will get you there. Recommendation: After the squeezer, skip Island Pond mountain and the swamp. Just cut across the Arden surebridge trail and head to Surebridge mountain. Vast open area up there.

Went hike here. Amazing hike with one pond and cave along the hike. Had a 20000 steps on hike. I ate blueberries along the way. Must try as a hiker and nature lover. I went multiple hikes in NJ. This hike is in NY and gave a nice and adventure experience to me.

We loved it. We Parked at Elk pen parking lot and took the hike up to the island pond lake where we rested for a bit then continued the loop trail to island pond mountain down to Green pond lake where we chilled for a bit before heading back to the parking lot. It’s a 7-8 miles hike. I would say the hike is moderate to hard. The lemon squeezer part added some fun but it was only a small part of the hike which were expecting more

This is an excellent trail but it’s not a hike with a view if that’s what you’re looking for. It’s about 45 mins to Lemon Squeezer rock with a few lakeside stops along the way.

Coordinates to free parking :

41.264792, -74.15426

This was nice hike. Be careful of rocks going up and down. Good for all ages and pets are allowed in the park.

Omg definitly recommend!!! But you need to be in good physically condition. Some of the climbing can be technical and really tight fitting through certain places. You have to be okay with highs and being in small places. I definitly dobt recommend bring your little kids!!

It’s a bit expensive to park your car. I’ve never had to pay to go hiking before however the views are something that is worth seeing. Lovely and challenging hike.

Our server, Grace was so amazing!! She was extremely attentive, brought our food in a timely manner and was super careful about my gluten allergy! She was so fun and even bought us a round of shots! Just great :)

Very fun, moderately difficult hike with some nice views and beautiful pond on the way

Did this hike over Labor Day weekend 2021. Highly recommend. We parked for free at the Elk Pen parking lot (the bridge on Arden Valley Road is still out so had to drive around Rt 6-7 Lakes Pkwy). AT at the start of the hike is a little poorly marked, don't go too far without finding a blaze. We did the fun Lemon Squeezer with lunch on top of Island Pond Mt, then looped back on the Long Path to the AT and just past Island Pond hooked south for a lovely walk along the pond, then west back up to Elk Pen. About 6 miles. The last piece is also a little poorly marked, so definitely watch the trail markers, or use All Trails app, which shows when you are off the path. Reception pretty good throughout. Dogs allowed on leash, didn't meet too many people despite a gorgeous day and holiday weekend. Have fun!

This trail is so unusual, I loved it!!! The view from the top is completely worth the trouble.

This was a great hike, 4 miles in then the rock climbing for few hours and 4 mile hike out.You can drive to mountain house and just do the rock climbing, I think it's 25 dollars from there. .8 dollars for the longer hike. Absolutely awesome time. Not for the unfit , or anyone whose not limber.

Kind of funny, I was looking up the kind of lemon squeezer that goes in the kitchen! When I saw this great spot and trail in my search, I had to go back in time. And a good distance back, in my shape now I would never fit through the Lemon Squeezer! When I did I had to take off my backpack anyway...
For me, Harriman Park was close and full of wonderful natural surprises, some manmade ones too. It became our version of "Gym Class" at my school, and we would spend a full week hiking and camping often. These days the rules are much tighter, some areas became so overused nothing grew there (I hope that has changed.) There are still shelters for camping, it's best to check the NY State Park website.
The hike to and from the Lemon Squeezer does take some stamina, don't go without water (specifically water, not soda or beer or other.) Bring snacks, you will use up a good number of calories and moisture. If not you will feel it and complain at the very least! The views are so nice to see when you pop out from the trees and onto the tops. There should still be a number of small creeks on the hike. I don't think drinking from them is wise, but you can splash, get wet, cool down, and search for frogs and salamanders and crayfish and other slimy little friends.
I honestly can't say where you can park these days. It will be on the website. Don't drive down any unmarked dirt roads that aren't marked. Odds are very good of getting stuck, scaring lots of delicate wildlife badly, getting arrested by State Park Police. They used to shake their heads and yell at you, but that was a century ago!
Not sure if there is cell phone coverage everywhere. It's worth checking first, injuries can happen so be careful. And have lots of fun!

This is a good short hike from elk pen parking spot. Leads to island pond lake where you can relax and enjoy a picnic giving the options for hiking miles and miles of trails in the park. Lemon squeezer is half mile from the lake.

Fun, challenging Hike!

Very enjoyable trail with beautiful bonfire area and nice lake view. Not much to see when at high elevation.

Great trail! Had a blast! Great for all types of fitness levels, beautiful scenery in every corner and lots of spots to stop and meditate or just take a load off!

Awesome fun trail! Lemon squeezer is a fun climb! Nice quiet peaceful hiking area to enjoy outdoors and nature! Great views of aksoti lake too from parking lot!

An enchanting, serene environment with beautiful views from various vistas. Worth hiking up from the parking area 1.7 miles west of the rocks. The lemon squeezer itself is fun to climb and scamper around.

A fairly technical and difficult hike, but it's absolutely worth it. You definetly need to wear the right kind of shoes for this hike ie. sandals/flimsy footwear....you're gonna have a bad time.