Dater Mountain nature Park And Harriman State Park

Johnsontown Rd, Sloatsburg, NY 10974, USA

Address:	Johnsontown Rd, Sloatsburg, NY 10974, USA
Phone:	+1 845-947-2444
Site:	rocklandgov.com
Rating:	4.4

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 10

jerry meagher

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 GPSd to the map), and learn how to read it. Topographical lines close together- incline or decline, very close together-steep, and lines far apart- flat terrain.Trails are marked by blazes (painted or metal rectangles) on trees. Your map will have the color of the blaze encircled (R red, B blue, etc.) on the trails. Carry water or purify; the area is under severe drought so the only reliable water sources are lakes. Streams I have pumped from in past years are completely dry. Wear proper footwear (boots, hiking shoes); trails are rocky and sometimes steep. Trekking poles are also a good idea. I have spent over 40 nights in Harriman over the last 4 years; camping is allowed in or around shelters. People also camp around lakes. Hang food in a bear bag or carry a bear proof canister. Park is carry in, carry out. There are no garbage cans available. Apply insect repellent: you can find deer ticks (they carry lyme disease) even in November. Fires allowed at shelters, make sure they are out when leaving (400 acres burnt near Tom Jones Mountain and shelter recently). Figure on hiking about a mile an hour with a large pack, a little more on a day trip. Parking lots are marked on the map. You can also walk into Harriman from Tuxedo Train Station where 3 trails begin (Triangle, Ramapo Dunderberg, and Kakiak). You can also enter at Sloatsburg where the trails from the Visitor Center heading to Pine Meadow Lake are crowded on weekends. For secluded hikes avoid this area.

Steven Granatell

I’ve still not seen all there is to see in Harriman, and I probably don’t have enough time in my life to accomplish that - but it’s an awesome place for us New Jerseyians looking for a not-so-far roadtrip. If you’re a hiker, this is a great spot for you. With so many trails offering something different with each (brooks, caves, mines, huge lakes, etc.) you’ll find a new adventure each time you head out. From my experiences so far, trails are clearly marked and range from easy to difficult (again, something for every hiker). I usually run into a few hikers along the path, but I’ve never found it to be crowded. Then again, Harriman State Park covers 47,000 acres - so if you’re looking to spend some time away from people, this might be the place for you. There are multiple parking sites and simple directions into and out of the park. Make sure to charge your cellphone and pack extra water - it’s fairly easy to wander off for miles at a time without a care and suddenly find yourself racing a setting sun (spoken from experience). For day hikes or camp outs, check out Harriman State Park.

B NomadicNudist

There are a few good places for naked hiking and skinny dipping in Harriman State Park: Lake Wanoksink You can find several coves along this lake to skinny dip. Please note that this is not a sanctioned nudist area so practice naturism at your own risk. Pine Meadow Lake You can find several places to skinny dip in this lake. Please note that this is not a sanctioned nudist area so practice naturism at your own risk. I have managed to do some nude hiking around these lakes as well. There are a few vistas where you can overlook the lake which is glorious to do while skyclad. Harriman State Park is in New York state so women ARE legally allowed to go topless. * * * * * means coed, non-sexual nudity is allowed * * * * means unisex, non-sexual; nudity is allowed * * * means you can probably get away with being naked but it is not legally allowed * * means get naked at your own risk, you might get arrested * means the place advertises as nudist but allows sexual nudity and/or swinging

Matthew R

I would strongly suggest reading up on trail marking before setting off. Ive never really done much hiking where the path wasnt clearly cut out from surrounding vegetation and this was a huge learning experience. We set off from the Tuxedo NJT station. Its important to know the distinction between one, two, and three markers before you come out. We were planning on following the red trail to the Dutch Doctor lean to but not knowing their was a red bar and a red dot trail we ended up heading towards the Tom Jones lean to. When we got to the shelter there were 2 other groups there. We set up camp, gathered firewood, and had a great night under the stars. The area was very clean and the view was amazing. On the way back we stopped by the dutch doctor which had some trash around it and wasnt anywhere near as nice. The trails were beautiful and once we figured out how to navigate them we had no trouble.

Gabriela Rivas

Horrible place to camp... the park rangers and police patrolling this park are complete cretins, rude, uncourteous, and disrespectful. They treat you like criminals even for the most minor of offenses and they lie. They creeped up on us while we were at our secluded little camp site minding our own business, ticketed us, and lied about a so called "announcement" made earlier about camping being prohibited in the area. They claimed I heard the announcement when I didnt, changing everything I said to them while they were interrogating me as if I were a criminal. I will never go to this place ever again.. not even for a damn hike. Screw this park, screw the rangers and police assholes. The police man who ticketed us goes by the name "Bombino R".

Andy Schmidt

Great alternative to the overcrowded "other side" of the park. When the parking at the visitor center is a zoo, and even the loop at the end of Johnsontown Rd is getting tight, then theres room for five or six cars at the orange trailhead marked with a "NYS Environmental Fund" sign. After a steep climb the one can do a smaller loop, with outlooks over the Ramapo River valley towards Suffern, or one can connect to the white trail to Almost Perpendicular - and eventually return via Claudius Smiths den.

Tyler Lund

A great park with tons of variety in trails. The walk around the lake went from an easy flat walk to a strenuous hike over rocks and boulders. The scenery is quite nice and includes close ups of the lakes and views over the area. Take a trail map ahead of time though as it is quite expansive and some trails are fairly difficult. Go past the huge lines of cars near the entrances and find a spot easily a little further in. Great walk with a family or four legged friend.

Adam Turner

I really like Harriman. Its got some pretty great hikes, from easy to challenging, beautiful views, and (shh...) some decent camping areas. Its accessible from several points, north and south, by mass transit -- New Jersey Transit and Shortline buses. One star short for some of the abuse of the trailhead areas and some of the hikes first few hundred yards. Tends to be littered, sometimes with broken glass.

Kristin Crowley

Dater mountain hike a great hike for both experienced and modestly expierenced hikers. Could be very challenging for novice hikers as there is some spots that can be tough to follow. It includes almost perpendicular which is a fun section, especially for kids. Also great for picture taking in the midst of the fun sections of the vertical rock climb. When you get to the top the views are stellar.

diane katz

Be careful following your trails because they are not well marked and it is easy to just wander the paths for miles. Set your route, bring a good old fashioned compass, lots of water and power bars. We asked several people and everyone seemed to have similar experiences with unmarked trails and markings that just end. This mountain park is exciting and not crowded, just some fully prepared.