Dater Mountain Nature Park — Attraction in Town of Ramapo

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. 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...

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 parks and lakes are accessible from 7 lakes drive, Rt 17 and the Palisades Parkway. The assortment of lakes and trails will always hold fond memories for me! From swimming, fishing, to hiking it's the beauty of the Great Outdoors! Gorgeous lakes, during summer the lake beaches can get filled to compacity. There's lifeguards on duty and bbq spots so you can bring your whole family for a cook out and swim. Other lakes and trails offer more secluded and quiet serenity. Fishing (small boats- canoes, kayaks, jon boats with trolling motors are allowed, yet you must register your boat first.) No large motorboats. The hiking trails have splendid views of nature and wildlife. You may see anything from snakes to beavers. It's a beautiful area. Beach lakes aside, the other's allow dogs, so you can bring your fur baby to hike or ride in your boat. Beautiful, peaceful area. They also rent out cabins for groups and at one point, if i recall had a summer camp, yet one would have to call...