Sunday, May 10, 2026

Dater Mountain Spring Hike Loop

Dater Mountain Nature Park
Sloatsburg
Rockland Co, NY

Hiking Trails:
Orange Trail: Orange blaze
Blue Trail: Blue blaze

Total Time: 1:15
Estimated Distance: 2.4 Miles

Pros: Nice loop in quiet area with loop
Cons: Sound and view of highway, and power lines in view
Hike Type: Loop
Level of Difficulty: Moderate

Google Maps of Parking:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/SyJuyUrdbqzbKbpn7

Hiking Partner:
Yehudah Koblick

This is a great short hike with a nice loop and good views. However the noise from the very busy Thruway right below for part of the hike removes the peaceful nature. It had been raining in the morning, and the rain had just cleared, but it was still hazy and foggy at the beginning of the hike. As we hiked, the clouds cleared and the sky turned blue. We parked at the Dater Mountain Nature Park log on Johnsontown Road, and took the Orange Trail up to the view and then the top of the mountain. We continued to the end of the trail and met up with the Blue Trail, which we took along the loop to the view over the Thruway. We then continued back to the Orange Trail back to our car.

Map of the Route

Beginning of the Orange Trail

Dater Mountain Nature Park Map at Trailhead

Hazy View at Dater Mountain Nature Park







Summit of the Area

Large Glacial Rocks on the Trail

Nice Rock Chair in the Fallen Tree

Sleater Hill View Over the Thruway and Sloatsberg





Sunday, May 3, 2026

Popolopen Spring Hike

Bear Mountain State Park
Orange Co, NY

Hiking Trails:
Timp-Torne Trail: Blue blaze

Total Time: 1:15
Estimated Distance: 1.2 Miles

Pros: Excellent scramble and great views
Cons: Limited parking
Hike Type: Loop
Level of Difficulty: Difficult

Google Maps of Parking:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/3dggNbRLZ1obu7xj9

Hiking Partner:
Yehudah Koblick

Popolopen is one of of my favorite hikes in the area. It's an intense, steep climb up with excellent views, and is a short loop hike. However, parking seems to be an issue on weekends, with very limited parking. It's important to park off the paved road surface otherwise tickets are given out. We parked on Mine Road near the northern part of the loop trail, and took the trail up to the top, and then looped around back down to our car.

Map of the Route

Trailhead Map

Ascending Timp-Torne



First View While Ascending Timp-Torne



Hudson River and Bear Mountain Bridge









Rock at the Top of Popolopen


View of Bear Mountain from Popolopen

View of West Point from Popolopen

Popolopen Summit View


















Flowers on the Trail