This Obscure New York Park Beat America’s Top National Park Trails For Hiking In 2025
The US is not short on hiking opportunities. People come across the globe to take on some of the country’s famous hikes. While some people opt for the many short hikes in Glacier National Park that may be under five miles, others like to challenge themselves to the most dangerous hikes in Grand Canyon National Park and beyond.
When visitors plan to hike in the States, they often opt to visit the most popular parks in the country with renowned trails. Or so it seems.
Surprisingly, in their recent Year in Search report, Google revealed the most searched hiking spot in America was Dater Mountain Nature Park in New York State. This obscure state park beat out the country’s most famous places and was the most searched hiking destination in 2024. So, is it worth a visit?
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The US is not short on excellent hiking opportunities, yet when we think of go-to hiking spots, we often think of famous national parks like Yosemite or Zion National Park. However, in 2024, Google revealed that Dater Mountain Nature Park was the most searched hiking spot, beating the usual tourist hot spots, which is a great surprise.
While this underrated park was the most popular Google search, the report also showed that the spike in interest came towards the end of the year, between December 22nd – December 28th.
From the highest hikes in New York State to the state’s most beautiful alpine lakes to hike, it’s clear that New York has a wide variety of hiking opportunities to suit all interests, and Dater Nature Park is now coming to the fore as a prime destination.
The Google report showed the top ten most searched hiking spots in the United States; shockingly, only a few were the usual suspects. The list featured many nature parks, state parks, and scenic areas, which shows that the nation is seeking to get off the beaten path now more than ever.
The Top Ten Hiking Spots According To Google Year In Search Report
- Dater Mountain Nature Park, Sloatsburg, New York
- Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, Oregon
- Garden of the Gods, Colorado Springs, Colorado
- Looking Glass Falls, Asheville, North Carolina
- Diamond Head Crater Trailhead, Honolulu, Hawaii
- The Wave, Coconino County, Arizona
- Hole in the Rock, Phoenix, Arizona
- Annie’s Canyon Trail, Solana Beach, California
- Devil’s Bridge Trailhead, Sedona, Arizona
- Peekamoose Blue Hole, Sundown, New York
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What Makes This Obscure Nature Park In New York A Great Place For Hiking?
With a varied landscape and stunning vistas, Dater Nature Park is an underrated spot many are considering for their next hiking adventure
Dater Mountain Nature Park may be an underrated park in New York that does not receive as much attention as other U.S. parks, but that is not to say you should skip it. Given the Google search trends of 2024, it’s clear that many are planning trips to this area, thanks to its abundance of beautiful landscapes, wildlife opportunities, and great hiking trails.
As well as boasting a fascinating history, the park has some iconic features, including steep inclines and rocky slopes, several mountaintops, valleys, and small streams. In addition, the park features eight federally designated wetlands, which nature lovers will appreciate.
One of the highlights of hiking in Dater Mountain Nature Park is the view of the charming village of Tuxedo, The New York State Thruway, and Orange County, seen from high elevations of 700 feet and above.
The park lies adjacent to the more visited Harriman State Park, which is much larger, spanning a whopping 47,527 acres. This means a trip to this area allows you to embark on hikes in both parks, since Harriman State Park has over 200 hiking trails. Harriman State Park is the second-largest park in New York, and combining these two parks is a must if you enjoy recreation in this stunning part of the state.
Scenic view at Harriman State Park, NY
Harriman State Park
|
Size |
47,527 |
|
Hiking Trails |
200 miles |
|
Lakes & Reservoirs |
31 |
|
Beaches & Camping |
Two Beaches and Two Camping Areas |
When visiting Harriman State Park, it is imperative to note that bears pose a danger to visitors, and you should take precautions when exploring the area. The official website states, “Should a bear approach you, make loud noises and slowly back away. Do not run. Never get between cubs and an adult bear. All bear encounters should be reported to the Park Police.”
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What You Need To Know About Hiking In Dater Mountain Nature Park In 2025
Dater Mountain Nature Park and the neighboring Harriman State Park are great places to embark on hiking adventures, with plenty of trails, wildlife, and ever-changing landscapes
Now that Google has unveiled the nation’s Google search trends in 2024, it is obvious that more people are seeking off-the-beaten-path trails, in places like Dater Mountain Nature Park and beyond. In the cute village of Sloatsburg, New York, Dater Mountain Nature Park, also called Dater Mountain County Park, is an underrated spot boasting great recreational opportunities.
It goes without saying that those already planning their 2025 hiking adventures have added this spot to their list, which is what Google’s report indicates. This 350-acre park is located in the New York, New Jersey Highlands and is easily reachable by car, via Route 17 to Seven Lakes Drive.
The Best Hike
Dater Mountain Loop Trail
|
Length |
2.3 miles |
|
Time |
1hr 6 minutes |
|
Difficulty |
Easy |
Wildlife
Wildlife enthusiasts will be happy to know that Dater Mountain Nature Park has an abundance of wildlife-spotting opportunities. Visitors can spot the endangered northern cricket frog and the Allegheny woodrat as well as the timber rattlesnake, white-tailed deer, and red and gray foxes. Also, weasels, mink, squirrels, and chipmunks are common, as are 41 species of birds, including hawks.
Location
- 75 Johnsontown Road, Sloatsburg, NY 10974
Parking
There is a parking lot along Johnsonstown Road.
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Dater Mountain Nature Park in New York State is located in the cute village of Sloatsburg, but while it is often overlooked by visitors, it seems that this will be a trending hiking spot in 2025.
With a location next to the larger Harriman State Park, which also boasts excellent hiking opportunities, a visit to Dater this year could be on the cards for many, and this park may finally experience a surge in visitor numbers.
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