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Dater Mountain Nature Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 465 Google reviews · Running trail in Sloatsburg, New York · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Loop distance
- 17 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Dater Mountain Nature Park's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
This expansive park features 31 lakes & 2 beaches, plus 2 campgrounds & over 200 miles of trails.
What runners say about Dater Mountain Nature Park
“Gorgeous lakes, during summer the lake beaches can get filled to compacity.”
As usual we did a mixture of trails, loved this hike, for us it started with a normal walk and then as the hike progressed view and challenging aspects kept on increasing.
Real backcountry, an hour from Manhattan. Buy a map (NY NJ Trail Conference #118 &119) or download one from the Playstore (Avenza maps- if cell service is available your location is GPS'd to the map), and learn how to read it.
So many trails from difficult to easy....many mountains and lakes. There are amazing places to camp and fish and an easy place to get away from it all without traveling far. I highly recommend exploring Harriman State Park and have yet to see it all after 20 years of traveling here!
EPIC NATURE WALKS 🚶🏻♂️ Really epic walks that is easy for the family. Really great hike that is organized next to the relaxing river. Beautiful nature scenery. Best to find a walking stick on the ground to brace for uneven terrain; it does wonders to help with knees plus having a stick always make hikes feel less…
Trail conditions & character
“We brought our dog which is permitted on the trail and the views were nice and there is a nice overlook about 1/2 way through the trail of the valley below and the freeway.”
“Topographical lines close together- incline or decline, very close together-steep, and lines far apart- flat terrain.”
“5-mile loop leading to the summit of Dater Mountain—and the Lake Loop Trail, which encircles Dater Lake.”
“Take the blue trail by the beginning of the parking loop up to the red trail which takes you to the white trail back down to the parking loop.”
“We brought our dog which is permitted on the trail and the views were nice and there is a nice overlook about 1/2 way through the trail of the valley below and the freeway.”
“I did a challenging gold 17 mile hike and Camp for 1 night with a group of friends in Harriman state parks.”
“Wear proper footwear (boots, hiking shoes); trails are rocky and sometimes steep.”
“A view of the Village of Tuxedo, The New York State Thruway, and Orange County may be seen from the high elevations, some rising 700 feet above sea level.”
“The lakes are accessible from 7 lakes drive, Rt 17 and the Palisades Parkway.”
Plan your run at Dater Mountain Nature Park
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- Loop distance17 mi back to where you parked. Long enough for a real long run.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websiterocklandcountyny.gov
- Phone+1 845-947-2444
Hours
| Monday | 8 am–9 pm |
| Tuesday | 8 am–9 pm |
| Wednesday | 8 am–9 pm |
| Thursday | 8 am–9 pm |
| Friday | 8 am–9 pm |
| Saturday | 8 am–9 pm |
| Sunday | 8 am–9 pm |
Running trails near Sloatsburg
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Stony Brook Trail
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Racoon Brook Hill
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Shepherd Lake Recreation Area
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Park featuring picnic tables, trails and a playground, as well as a lake.