Tom Jones Shelter

For seasoned hikers and adventurous New Yorkers seeking a true backcountry experience, the Tom Jones Shelter in Harriman State Park offers an authentic, rustic overnight stop. Unlike traditional campgrounds with amenities, Tom Jones Shelter is a lean-to designed for primitive camping, providing basic overhead shelter for backpackers traversing the park's extensive trail system. It's one of "the 5-6 shelters in the Harriman State Park," serving as a vital resting point for those embarking on multi-day hikes.

Reviews highlight the rewarding nature of reaching this shelter. One hiker described the journey from NYC Port Authority to Tuxedo and the subsequent hike as "a bit intense at times, but doable and beautiful," featuring "many streams and small waterfalls." The "last climb to the Tom Jones shelter is a bit strenuous," but the effort is richly "rewarded with a welcome committee of three deers awaiting me, and a beautiful view over the valley." This shelter is not about luxury but about immersion in nature, offering a peaceful night under the stars, often with spectacular "sunrise nearby on the trail." If you're a New York local prepared for a challenging hike and desiring a genuine wilderness experience, Tom Jones Shelter provides an unforgettable connection with the rugged beauty of Harriman State Park.

Tom Jones Shelter is nestled within the sprawling wilderness of Harriman State Park, located in Southfields, NY 10975. As a backcountry lean-to, its location is intentionally remote, accessible only by hiking the park's extensive trail network.

While the shelter itself is deep within the park, its access points are remarkably convenient for New York locals. One popular approach mentioned in reviews involves taking a bus from "NYC Port Authority to Tuxedo," and from there, embarking on the hike. Tuxedo, NY, serves as a common trailhead and gateway to Harriman State Park, making this wilderness experience surprisingly accessible via public transportation for city dwellers. This eliminates the need for a car, a significant advantage for many New Yorkers.

The hike to Tom Jones Shelter is described as "a bit intense at times, but doable and beautiful," featuring "many streams and small waterfalls." The "last climb... is a bit strenuous," indicating that while challenging, it is within reach for prepared hikers. Upon arrival, the rewards are immense, including "a beautiful view over the valley." This balance of challenge and accessibility, combined with the stunning natural beauty of Harriman State Park – New York's second-largest state park, covering over 52,000 acres – makes Tom Jones Shelter a prime destination for intrepid New York hikers seeking a true escape into the wild without venturing too far from home.

Tom Jones Shelter, as a backcountry lean-to in Harriman State Park, offers very limited, primitive services designed to support experienced hikers on multi-day trips. It is crucial to understand that this is not a traditional campground with restrooms, running water, or amenities. The services provided are minimalist, focusing on essential shelter and a designated camping area.

• Basic Lean-to Shelter: The primary "service" is the lean-to structure itself. These open-fronted shelters provide protection from rain, wind, and snow, offering a basic roof over one's head. They typically have a wooden floor or platform for sleeping.
• Designated Camping Area: While the lean-to offers communal sleeping space, there are usually designated areas around the shelter for additional tent or hammock camping, as noted by a reviewer who found "a beautiful spot for my hammock."
• Fire Pit: Lean-tos typically have a shared fire pit nearby for cooking and warmth, though campers are responsible for providing their own firewood (following Leave No Trace principles regarding sourcing).
• Water Source (Untreated): There is generally a natural water source nearby, such as a spring or stream, though this water is untreated and must be filtered, purified, or boiled before consumption. Hikers must carry their own purification methods.
• Privy (Outhouse): A basic composting privy or outhouse is usually located a short distance from the shelter for human waste disposal. Campers should be prepared with their own toilet paper and hand sanitizer.
• Waste Disposal (Pack It In, Pack It Out): There are no trash disposal services. All waste, including food scraps and wrappers, must be packed out by the camper, adhering to Leave No Trace principles.

It is imperative for anyone planning to stay at Tom Jones Shelter to be fully self-sufficient and prepared for a primitive camping experience. This means carrying all necessary gear, food, water purification, and emergency supplies.

Tom Jones Shelter offers several unique features and highlights that make it a compelling destination for experienced New York hikers seeking a rugged and rewarding backcountry experience within Harriman State Park.

• Stunning Valley Views: A standout highlight consistently mentioned by visitors is the "beautiful view over the valley" from the shelter. This panoramic vista, particularly at "sunrise nearby on the trail," provides a breathtaking reward after a strenuous hike.
• True Backcountry Immersion: Unlike car-accessible campgrounds, Tom Jones Shelter offers an authentic wilderness experience. It's accessible only by foot, ensuring a deeper immersion in nature, far from roads and developed areas. This creates a profound sense of solitude and connection with the natural world.
• Wildlife Encounters: The remote setting increases the chances of wildlife sightings. One reviewer was "rewarded with a welcome committee of three deers awaiting me," indicating the likelihood of encountering local fauna.
• Challenging and Rewarding Hike: The journey to the shelter is a highlight in itself. Described as "a bit intense at times, but doable and beautiful," the trails feature "many streams and small waterfalls." The "strenuous" final climb adds to the sense of accomplishment upon arrival.
• Strategic Location within Harriman State Park Trails: As one of Harriman's network of shelters, Tom Jones is a key waypoint for multi-day backpacking trips, offering a crucial overnight stop along popular routes like the Long Path or sections of the Appalachian Trail that traverse the park.
• Primitive, Authentic Camping: For those who truly enjoy "roughing it" and practicing Leave No Trace principles, the basic lean-to structure and lack of amenities are a feature, not a drawback. It allows for a minimalist camping experience focused on self-reliance.
• Accessibility from NYC (via Public Transport): Despite its wilderness setting, the ability to reach a common trailhead (Tuxedo) via bus from NYC Port Authority makes this backcountry experience surprisingly accessible for urban New Yorkers without personal vehicles.

These features combine to offer a challenging yet incredibly rewarding outdoor adventure, making Tom Jones Shelter a unique and highly sought-after spot for intrepid New York hikers.

As a backcountry lean-to within Harriman State Park, Tom Jones Shelter does not operate with commercial "promotions" or "special offers" in the traditional sense. Its purpose is to provide basic shelter for hikers, and its usage typically falls under the general regulations and fees (if any) of New York State Parks backcountry camping.

However, the inherent "offers" or value propositions of staying at Tom Jones Shelter are:

• Minimal to No Direct Fee: Staying at a lean-to in Harriman State Park generally does not involve a specific nightly fee for the shelter itself, unlike a traditional campground. Access is typically covered by general park entry rules, if applicable, or is part of a free backcountry access policy. This makes it an incredibly "budget-friendly" option for overnight stays.
• Unparalleled Scenic Beauty (Free): The "beautiful view over the valley" and the opportunity to witness a stunning "sunrise" are priceless experiences that come at no extra charge beyond the effort of the hike.
• Access to Extensive Trail Network (Free): The primary "offer" is the free and unrestricted access to Harriman State Park's vast network of hiking trails, including challenging sections and diverse landscapes, which the shelter serves as a direct gateway to.
• True Wilderness Experience: For those seeking genuine solitude and a primitive camping experience, the lack of commercial amenities is a feature. This "offer" is the opportunity to disconnect completely and immerse oneself in nature without the distractions of developed campsites.

It is important for prospective campers to always check the official New York State Parks website or contact the Harriman State Park office directly for the most current regulations regarding backcountry camping, including any required permits, registration, or changes in policy, as these can vary seasonally or due to environmental conditions.

Given that Tom Jones Shelter is a primitive backcountry lean-to within Harriman State Park, there isn't a direct phone number or specific contact information for the shelter itself. Instead, inquiries would be directed to the general park management.

• Address (General Park Area): Southfields, NY 10975, USA. The shelter is located within the vast Harriman State Park.
• Harriman State Park Headquarters Phone: (845) 786-2701. This is the main phone number for Harriman State Park. You can call this number for general inquiries about park regulations, trail conditions, and backcountry camping policies.
• New York State Parks Website: The official website for New York State Parks is the best resource for detailed information on Harriman State Park, including maps, trail information, backcountry camping rules, and safety guidelines:

  parks.ny.gov/parks/harriman

• Trail Organizations: For detailed trail maps and specific information on lean-tos like Tom Jones Shelter, resources from trail maintenance organizations like the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference (

  nynjtc.org

  ) are invaluable. They often provide updated trail conditions and shelter information.

When contacting the park, be sure to specify that you are asking about backcountry camping and lean-tos, as this is different from car-accessible campgrounds. Always prepare thoroughly before embarking on a backcountry trip, carrying maps, navigation tools, and essential safety gear.

Tom Jones Shelter is an exceptionally suitable and highly rewarding destination for New York locals, particularly those who embrace the challenge and solitude of backcountry hiking and primitive camping. It offers a unique and authentic wilderness experience that is surprisingly accessible from the metropolitan area.

Firstly, its prime location within Harriman State Park, just a manageable distance from NYC, is a significant advantage. For city dwellers and suburbanites seeking a genuine escape from urban life, the ability to reach a trailhead like Tuxedo via public transport and then embark on a wilderness journey is invaluable. This accessibility means New Yorkers can fully immerse themselves in nature without the need for a car, making a backcountry adventure a realistic and convenient option for a weekend or even a challenging day trip with an overnight stay.

Secondly, the "strenuous but doable and beautiful" hike to the shelter itself is a major draw. For New York hikers looking to push their limits and be rewarded with spectacular natural beauty, the journey offers cascading streams, small waterfalls, and ultimately, a breathtaking "beautiful view over the valley" from the shelter. This sense of accomplishment, combined with the stunning vistas, creates a deeply satisfying outdoor experience that is hard to find so close to a major city.

Furthermore, Tom Jones Shelter caters specifically to those who appreciate a truly primitive camping experience. It’s not about amenities or comfort, but about self-reliance, connecting with nature on its own terms, and experiencing the quiet solitude of the wilderness. For New Yorkers accustomed to constant stimulation, this minimalist approach offers a profound opportunity for disconnection and introspection, a rare commodity so close to home. The potential for wildlife encounters, like the "welcome committee of three deers," further enhances the authentic wilderness feel.

Finally, as part of the well-maintained Harriman State Park system, visitors can trust the park's oversight regarding trail safety and environmental preservation, even in a primitive setting. The "pack it in, pack it out" ethos reinforces responsible outdoor recreation, aligning with the values of many environmentally conscious New Yorkers.

In conclusion, Tom Jones Shelter provides an unparalleled opportunity for adventurous New York locals to embark on a challenging yet immensely rewarding backcountry journey. It offers a genuine wilderness experience, stunning natural beauty, and a profound sense of escape, all within a surprisingly accessible reach from the bustling heart of New York. It's an ideal choice for those seeking to truly "get out there" and reconnect with nature on a deeper level.

Tom Jones Shelter

Southfields, NY 10975, USA