Snowmobiling is open in the Lake Welch area of Harriman State Park, New York.  Watch out for deer!

Mother Nature’s about to drop ten inches of snow on Harriman State Park, which means snowmobiling will be permitted in the Lake Welch area of the park.

Lake Welch park staff admit they don’t get too many riders, but when the snow reaches six inches or more, that means snowmobiles will have a groomed trail to ride. If people need parts for a snowmobile, they can find more information about it here.

The trail is basically the stretch of Lake Welch Drive, from Tiorati Brook Road to just before St. John’s Road, that is closed to automobile traffic in winter.

The 8.5-mile route is a popular place for cross-country skiiers and snowshoers, but the road will be off-limits to everyone but snowmobilers once the snow reaches 6 inches or more — and it’s expected to this week.

Remember:

• Lake Welch is closed on the weekends except when snowmobiling is allowed (i.e., when the snow reaches six inches or higher).
• Skiiers and snowshoers will not be allowed on Lake Welch Drive when snowmobilers are active.  (For an alternate area for beautiful cross-country skiing, try parking at the picnic area at Lake Kanawauke, just past the traffic circle on Route 106 and just before you hit the “Road Closed” sign (you can still drive past the sign that says “Road Closed Ahead” at the circle).  Park in the picnic area, and then ski down the closed section of Route 106, between Lakes Kanawauke and Little Long Pond, or ski back over the causeway toward the circle, but turn right onto the trail that passes the chapel.  Absolutely gorgeous!)

Read our page for snowmobile information at Lake Welch.