Lemon Squeezer

The Lemon Squeezer is located at the intersection of the Appalachian Trail (White blazes) and the Arden-Surebridge Trail (Red Triangle blazes), near the base of Island Pond Mountain in the town of Tuxedo, New York.

While the Lemon Squeezer itself is a fun and unique challenge, the narrow passage and required scrambling might be difficult for very young children or those who are not comfortable with tight spaces. An "easy way" bypass is available for those who prefer to avoid the tightest squeeze, making the overall hike more accessible for families. Consider the full route's length and terrain when planning with children.

Harriman State Park generally allows dogs on trails, but the Lemon Squeezer's extremely narrow passage (about one foot wide) and required scrambling make it unsuitable for most dogs. Even small dogs would likely struggle or need to be carried through the tightest section. It's best to use the "easy way" bypass if hiking with a dog, or consider alternative trails in the park.

The Lemon Squeezer is considered an intermediate section. It requires hikers to squeeze through a very narrow, angled crevice and often involves some scrambling using hands and feet on a steep rock face immediately after. While not overly strenuous, it demands agility and comfort with tight spaces and heights. There is an "easy way" bypass available for those who prefer to avoid the most challenging part.

The most common parking area for accessing the Lemon Squeezer is the Elk Pen lot. From there, various trails lead to the formation, often incorporating sections of the Appalachian Trail. Parking can fill up quickly, especially on weekends and during peak seasons, so arriving early is highly recommended.

While Harriman State Park is accessible by public transport via NJ Transit and Metro-North trains to nearby stations like Tuxedo or Sloatsburg, reaching the specific trailheads for the Lemon Squeezer from these stations often requires a significant walk or a taxi service, as direct public transport to the Elk Pen lot is limited.

As a popular and unique feature of the Appalachian Trail, the Lemon Squeezer can get quite crowded, particularly on pleasant weekend days in spring, summer, and fall. To avoid the busiest times, consider visiting early in the morning, later in the afternoon, or on weekdays.

No, permits are not generally required for day hiking to the Lemon Squeezer or other trails within Harriman State Park. However, standard park rules and regulations apply.

Beyond the Lemon Squeezer itself, the surrounding trails in Harriman State Park offer other interesting features. You might encounter other rock formations, scenic viewpoints, and historical sites such as remnants of an uncompleted dam project by the Civilian Conservation Corps near Island Pond, or the abandoned Boston Mine.

The Lemon Squeezer is located within Harriman State Park. While Bear Mountain State Park is adjacent and often associated with the same general area, the Lemon Squeezer specifically falls within Harriman's boundaries.

Yes, many hikers enjoy circular walks that incorporate the Lemon Squeezer. These routes often combine sections of the Appalachian Trail with other blazed trails in Harriman State Park, allowing for a diverse hiking experience that starts and ends at the same trailhead, such as the Elk Pen lot.