Lake Tiorati


Lake Tiorati is one of the seven main lakes in Harriman State Park, located in Orange County, New York. It is a man-made lake, created by dredging swampland and constructing a concrete dam. The name Tiorati means "Blue like Sky".Its name is the Algonquin word for "sky-like".

Access

Lake Tiorati can be accessed from Exit 16 on the Palisades Interstate Parkway. However, this exit is closed during the winter.

Fauna

Among the fish to be found in Lake Tiorati are largemouth and smallmouth bass, bluegill, bullhead, pumpkinseed, white and yellow perch, and chain pickerel. The lake is a popular ice-fishing location.

Activities

There is a public beach at the north end of the lake, maintained by the Palisades Interstate Park Commission, which is heavily used by swimmers. There are also campsites near the beach. Hiking is a frequent activity on the trails around the lake.
A restricted-access boat launch for rowboats, kayaks, and canoes is located at the southeast corner of the lake on Tiorati Brook Road. A boat sticker permit must be purchased from the Palisades Interstate Park Commission, and a key must be purchased for access to the Tiorati boat launch. Boat permits and boat launch keys are sold at the Tiorati Park office.

Geology

Geological formations near the lake have been studied by scientists researching continental drift.

History

In 1983 the body of murdered millionaire arms dealer George M. Perry was found floating in Lake Tiorati.