Tom Jones Shelter

- Southfields, NY 10975

The New York metropolitan area is a vibrant hub of culture and commerce, yet even the most committed urbanite occasionally needs an escape to the tranquil embrace of nature. For local residents of New York seeking a readily accessible outdoor adventure, the vast and beautiful Harriman State Park offers a multitude of possibilities, with the historic Tom Jones Shelter being a well-known, albeit rugged, destination for hikers and overnight campers. It represents a genuine opportunity for New Yorkers to disconnect from city life and enjoy the rugged beauty of the Appalachian foothills.

This stone lean-to, nestled on a ridge within Harriman State Park, is more than just a place to sleep; it’s a landmark with a history dating back to 1927. For decades, it has served as a welcoming refuge for those traversing the challenging trails of the region, including sections of the celebrated Ramapo-Dunderberg Trail (RD). While the shelter’s primary appeal lies in its magnificent views and its role as a key overnight stop for backpackers, local users should approach their visit with a factual understanding of what this primitive camping structure currently offers. It’s an authentic backcountry experience, demanding a commitment to Leave No Trace principles.

The Tom Jones Shelter, situated on Tom Jones Mountain, is particularly favored for its panoramic views that, on clear days, can even extend to the distant New York City skyline. This striking juxtaposition of wilderness with the urban horizon makes the reward for the hike particularly special for New York locals. The shelter is a classic stone lean-to, part of a network of such structures in Harriman State Park, making it a distinctive piece of local park history and a highly popular spot, especially on weekends.

Tom Jones Shelter is officially located near Southfields, NY 10975, USA, placing it squarely within the scenic confines of Harriman State Park in Orange and Rockland counties, just north of the city. Its location makes it a highly convenient option for a quick weekend getaway from New York City, typically less than an hour's drive from the George Washington Bridge, depending on traffic.

Access to the shelter is achieved only by foot, making it a true hiking destination. A popular and relatively short route begins from a designated pull-out parking area on Route 106 (Kanawauke Road). The most direct route to the shelter is often cited as a roughly half-mile hike via the red-blazed Ramapo-Dunderberg Trail (RD) from the parking area. However, local users must be prepared for the terrain: this short distance involves a steep, rocky, and strenuous climb straight up the mountain to the ridge. It is a challenging ascent that makes the hike feel significantly longer than its actual measured distance, requiring appropriate footwear and fitness.

For those seeking a longer, more immersive experience, the shelter is also a waypoint on numerous extended loops within Harriman State Park, linking to trails such as the Victory Trail and the White Bar Trail. Parking is permitted overnight in the Route 106 pull-out, a major advantage for New Yorkers planning a multi-day hike without the hassle of reservations.

As a remote backcountry stone lean-to within a state park, the services available at Tom Jones Shelter are rustic and primitive, catering to self-sufficient hikers.

• Primitive Shelter: A three-sided stone lean-to providing basic protection from the elements.
• Overnight Camping: Available on a strictly first-come, first-served basis within the shelter; if the shelter is full, dispersed camping is generally allowed in designated areas, typically within 300 feet of the shelter structure.
• Fire Pits/Fireplaces: The structure typically includes two interior fireplaces and an outdoor fire ring for cooking and warmth (subject to local fire safety regulations and conditions).
• Designated Campsites: Numerous dispersed camping areas are scattered around the shelter and ridge, offering space for tents and hammocks.
• Bear Protection: Some reports indicate the presence of bear-bag hanging cables or similar apparatus installed for safe food storage.

Despite some reported maintenance issues (which should prompt all users to practice extra responsibility and carry a tarp for the roof), the core features of the Tom Jones Shelter remain its compelling highlights for the dedicated New York-area adventurer.

• Unmatched Scenic Views: Positioned on a ridge, the shelter offers expansive, nearly 180-degree panoramic views across the hills of Harriman State Park, including sightings of nearby lakes like Lake Skenonto.
• Historic Stone Structure: The lean-to is a classic example of the rustic stone shelters built in the park in the 1920s, providing a unique, atmospheric camping experience.
• Easy Access Point: Located only about half a mile from a key Route 106 parking lot, making it one of the most accessible overnight shelters in the park for a short, steep hike-in.
• Surrounding Grassy Landscape: The area around the shelter is often described as open, grassy, and rocky, ideal for pitching additional tents or setting up hammocks when the shelter itself is occupied.
• Trail Network Hub: Serves as an excellent basecamp for exploring a vast network of trails, including the Ramapo-Dunderberg and Victory Trails, perfect for loop hikes.

The Tom Jones Shelter is an unstaffed, primitive trail shelter within Harriman State Park. The most relevant information for local users planning a trip is the location and the contact for the park authorities.

Address: Tom Jones Shelter, Harriman State Park, near Southfields, NY 10975, USA (The physical structure does not have a street number, this is the general vicinity.)

Phone: Harriman State Park / Palisades Region Park Office (Consult a search engine for the current, non-emergency park police number for non-emergency questions regarding park rules and conditions).

For residents across the five boroughs, Long Island, and surrounding New York metropolitan areas, Tom Jones Shelter offers an invaluable, genuine backcountry escape that is highly convenient. It is a popular destination for a reason: it allows for a dramatic, rewarding weekend micro-adventure without the need for extensive travel. The relatively short (though steep) hike in from Route 106 means you can leave work on a Friday and be enjoying a campfire overlooking the Hudson Valley or the distant city lights by early evening.

The sheer accessibility of a challenging, rewarding mountain hike combined with the freedom of first-come, first-served camping makes it a perfect local destination for quickly refreshing the mind. While local users must be prepared to handle the primitive conditions—packing out all trash, purifying water, and being mindful of the shelter's reported state of repair—the Tom Jones experience is a true test and reward of self-sufficiency. It provides a unique opportunity to connect with nature, embrace the history of Harriman State Park's trail system, and earn a truly spectacular view, all within a short distance of your New York home. It is an authentic slice of wilderness, ready for the responsibly prepared local adventurer.

Embrace the challenge, respect the environment, and enjoy the unparalleled satisfaction of camping under the stars at this historic New York landmark.

Tom Jones Shelter

Southfields, NY 10975, USA