Dater Mountain Loop Trail

The Dater Mountain Loop Trail is a pawrific day hike, located within the Dater Mountain Nature Preserve. This preserve covers a sprawling 350 acres in Sloatsburg, New York, adjacent to Harriman-Bear Mountain State Park. The acreage encompasses heavily wooded areas, wetlands, streams and high viewpoints. From these high elevations, you’ll be able to enjoy birds-eye views of the surrounding Orange County, the Village of Tuxedo and the New York Thruway. Taking a hike along the Dater Mountain Loop Trail is a great way to explore the area and enjoy some quality time with your canine companion!   

To get to the trailhead from Seven Lakes Drive, turn left onto Johnsontown Road before the large sign saying “Entering Harriman State Park”. The trailhead and free parking are just 0.3 miles down Johnsontown Road on the left side. From here, the adventure begins! The visitor center for the park is located just a bit further down Seven Lakes Drive if you need facilities or more information. 

The Dater Mountain Loop Trail is comprised of the 1.24 mile Blue Trail and the 0.98 mile Orange Trail that together form a loop. If you’d like to continue the adventure, continue onto the Kakiat Trail and head into Harriman-Bear Mountain State Park. Maps are available to download from the website.

This hike is not overly strenuous, but it has some good climbs that will give you and your pup a challenge. The views are worth it though! You may reportedly be able to hear the sounds of the freeway nearby, but you’ll still feel immersed in nature with the beautiful flora and fauna. You can enjoy the blooming wildflowers in the springtime, or a spectacular display of fall colors in the autumn.

Please help keep this park clean and beautiful by picking up after your pup, and following Leave No Trace principles. Doggos are more than welcome, but need to stay leashed at all times. Be sure to bring water to share, ad clean up bags.

Be prepared to have a doggone good time on the Dater Mountain Loop Trail!