12:49. DESCRIPTION: Moderate 6 miles, about 1200 ft total elevation gain. The TC needs to adress this issue on their website, their maps, kiosks, and info that trail stewards pass along to trail users. Follow trail until it reaches Skyline Dr again and catch the white blazed Todd Trail by the Camp Tamarack … Pack out toilet paper and hygiene products. Ramapo State Forest Hike and Bass at Ramapo Lake Set out for new range in the New Jersey Highlands, easy to access Ramapo State Forest in Passaic County by hopping on Interstate 287 tenths of a mile from home, then cruising 35 miles, parking in the lot about two tenths of a … Check out some map-reading basics here. Check the weather forecast before you head out. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, and nature trips and is best used from April until November. Avoid cotton--it traps water against your skin and is slow to dry. Altering a site is not necessary. 41.174788, -74.08526. Use a lightweight stove for cooking and enjoy a candle lantern for light. Very easy hike. The Reopening of the Hasenclever Iron Trail, Jungle Habitat Trail Revitalization Project Begins, Seven More Miles of the Long Path Permanently Protected, Invest in Nature With Twice the Impact During the December Challenge, Invasives Strike Force EcoQuest Challenge: December 2020 | New York and New Jersey. Dogs are allowed on leash. Follow the trail into the woods, passing stone ruins. Follow the trail into the woods, passing stone ruins. Focus activity in areas where vegetation is absent. You will be following this trail in a clockwise direction around the lake. Pack out all trash, leftover food and litter. At the southern end of the parking area, a triple black-square-on-blue blaze marks the start of the Ramapo Lake Spur. There may also be more essentials, depending on the season and your needs. Knife or Multi-tool - You may need to cut a piece of moleskin to put over a blister, repair a piece of broken equipment, or solve some other unexpected problem. Just ahead, the trails bear left at a fork and descend to a trail junction at Ramapo Lake, where the Ramapo Lake Spur ends (there are street signs at the junction for South Shore Drive, North Shore Drive and Rye Cliff Road). Follow the road ahead, crossing a stone causeway that isolates a quiet pond on the left from the main body of the lake. After going up a steep pitch, the trail continues to climb on a wide, rocky path, paralleling a cascading brook (particularly attractive after heavy rains).Â. Step to the downhill side of the trail when encountering pack stock. But for those willing to make the trip up, the Castle is a truly worthy reward. After going up a steep pitch, the trail continues to climb on a wide, rocky path, paralleling a cascading brook (particularly attractive after heavy rains). These essentials will help you enjoy your outing more and will provide basic safety gear if needed. You will see another barn at the base of the mountain, behind white fencing. You can hike up to the abandoned castle (it'll take about 45 minutes to get there). Emergency Numbers -  Know the emergency numbers for the area you're going to and realize that in many locations--especially mountainous ones, your phone will not get reception. We had planned on making this hike longer as well, but do to the brutal conditions had to cut it short. After going up a steep pitch, the trail continues to climb on a wide, rocky path, paralleling a cascading brook (particularly attractive after heavy rains). Is daylight fading? Good campsites are found, not made. Here, you should turn left, crossing the dam of Ramapo Lake. (Exceptions are loop hikes.). The Trail Conference is a 2015 Leave No Trace partner. Leave rocks, plants and other natural objects as you find them. Durable surfaces include established trails and campsites, rock, gravel, dry grasses or snow. Did you drink all your water? LENGTH: About 4 … Know how to use the basic components. If you are wearing wet cotton and must return to your starting point, you risk getting chills that may lead to a dangerous hypothermia. Great moderate hike into the Ramapo Mountains, right off of Route 287. This six-mile-loop hike approaches Ramapo Mountain State Forest from the west via Back Beach Park in Wanaque. Soon, you'll pass a private residence on a ledge to the left. Night Hike - Ramapo Forest West Wyanokies and Ramapo Lake Views Moderate Hike Concert de musique du monde in Oakland Ramapo Mountain State Forest Lower Parking Lot Friday, February 3, 2017 This activity is past. This hike loops around scenic Ramapo Lake. Birders are attracted to the forest for its ponds, streams, marshes and one fairly large lake that provide the perfect habitat for bird and other wildlife species. Check the weather forecast before you head out. Map - Know where you are and where you are going. More Stats for Ramapo Lake Loop/Ramapo Lake Spur Trail (Blue/Black) hike trail Altitude change But it might not be so to strangers, so please keep your dog on a leash. Although the hike begins and ends in Ramapo Mountain State Forest, both lakes are on property owned by Bergen … Burn all wood and coals to ash, put out campfires completely, then scatter cool ashes. Home; WICA’s History; The Four Founders of WICA; Officers & Members; News & Events Keep campsites small. I also hadn't taken the unmarked trail around the southern part of Pine Meadow Lake in a very long time, and wanted to do that … Only use sticks from the ground that can be broken by hand. Points of Interest: Rough hike through Harriman, Good Views, and Scenic Lake Cons: Pine Meadow Lake very busy on weekends It's been a while since I hiked from Kakiat Park to Pine Meadow Lake. At the southern end of the parking area, a triple black-square-on-blue blaze marks the start of the Ramapo Lake Spur. It has over 4,000 square acres of forest and is a home to many birds and animals in New Jersey. This part of the trail is combined with the Ramapo-Dunderberg Trail, and we headed north on the two trails, and continued along the Ramapo … Nuts, seeds, and chocolate are favorites on the trail. Take in the breathtaking view of Ramapo Lake. The improved trail options at this very popular day-hike destination will consist of the white-blazed Castle Loop, the purple-blazed Tamarack Loop, the blue-blazed Ramapo Lake Loop, and the green-blazed Todd Loop. Here, you should bear right, once more joining the white-blazed Castle Loop. Pack it in, pack it out. This hike climbs to scenic Pine Meadow Lake and to several panoramic viewpoints along the Ramapo Escarpment. Many of our hiking areas feature interconnecting network of trails. Use a waterproof/tear-resistant Tyvek Trail Conference map if available or enclose your map in a Ziplock plastic bag. Avoid introducing or transporting non-native species. 41.174788, -74.08526. This is a great intermediate/beginners hike at Harriman State Park. The hike should take about three hours. Check the batteries before you start out and have extras in your pack. You will see another barn at the base of the mountain, behind white fencing. The multi use trails are suitable for hiking, mountain biking, and cross country skiing. Follow this blue-blazed side trail for 500 feet to a rock outcrop overlooking the lake. A good amount of the trails at Ramapo Mountain State Forest do not loop back to their original starting point. Map - Know where you are and where you are going. Trail Conference volunteers maintain trails in this hike. These three parks form a combined 10,000 acres of protected forest. Did you drink all your water? Scatter strained dishwater. You’re now heading north through dense vegetation, paralleling the western shore of Ramapo Lake. Keep fires small. Schedule your trip to avoid times of high use. Water - Two quarts per person is recommended in every season. Respect other visitors and protect the quality of their experience. A short distance beyond, the white-blazed Castle Loop joins from the right. Prepare for extreme weather, hazards, and emergencies. Winter Trout … About the Vista Loop Trail: The trail was blazed in the summer of 2016 by volunteers of the New York … Ramapo Mountain State Forest: Afternoon Hike - See 37 traveler reviews, 22 candid photos, and great deals for Oakland, NJ, at Tripadvisor. Stay safe folks. To wash yourself or your dishes, carry water 200 feet away from streams or lakes and use small amounts of biodegradable soap. Find Hikes and ParksVolunteerMy DashboardNews CenterAbout UsShop, Copyright © 1996-2020 New York-New Jersey Trail Conference, www.nynjtc.org | Privacy Policy | Photo CreditsAbout Us    Contact Us    Donate    Join. Hike … It climbs to the scenic Ramapo Lake, heads north along its shore, then proceeds south along the Wanaque Ridge, with panoramic views to the west and east. Ramapo Lake, Van Slyke Castle ruins and water tower, NYC skyline, millstones, lakes… This is a popular spot for a short hike with lots of results for a little effort. It was enlarged and deepened by Jacob Rogers in the late 19th century when he … The hike should take about three hours. Yield to other users on the trail. Get to the parking area early on weekends; it was jam packed today. Do not follow or approach them. Make a left to follow the blue trail East along the edge of Ramapo Lake. Dogs are allowed on leash. Do not follow or approach them. These essentials will help you enjoy your outing more and will provide basic safety gear if needed. This lower section connects the main parking and lake lot is for hikers only. Follow the road ahead, crossing a stone causeway that isolates a quiet pond on the left from the main body of the lake. You will see another barn at the base of the mountain, behind white fencing. Are you getting tired? Take I-287 to Exit 57 (Skyline Drive/Ringwood) and proceed north on Skyline Drive (following the signs to "Ringwood"). The road proceeds through dense vegetation, crosses a causeway over an arm of the lake, and passes a swamp to the left and several interesting rock outcrops. At the southern end of the parking area, a triple black-square-on-blue blaze marks the start of the Ramapo Lake Spur. Visit in small groups when possible. A firestarter (this could be as simple as leftover birthday candles that are kept inside a waterproof container) and matches (again, make sure to keep them in a waterproof container) could save a life. Be careful that you take the same path coming back. Keep in mind that until you turn around you are (typically) only half-way to completing your hike--you must still get back to where you started from! This is a new adventure! From the southern end of the parking area, follow the blue blazes of the MacEvoy Trail, which passes stone ruins, turns right onto a woods road and climbs a steep pitch. If you decide to go on any of them just read about them and make the call based on your fitness level so you allow the proper amount of time to go there and back again. Find Hikes and ParksVolunteerMy DashboardNews CenterAbout UsShop, Copyright © 1996-2020 New York-New Jersey Trail Conference, www.nynjtc.org | Privacy Policy | Photo CreditsAbout Us    Contact Us    Donate    Join  Â. Know the regulations and special concerns for the area you'll visit. Menu. New Ramapo Lake Loop (blue blazes) and Ramapo Lake Spur (black-square-on-blue blazes), which use existing trails to create a loop hike option from the Lower Parking lot on Skyline Drive; New Tamarack Loop (purple blazes), which uses existing trails to create a loop hike option from the Upper Parking lot on Skyline Drive Consider splitting larger groups into smaller groups. Control pets at all times, or leave them at home. This is a great intermediate/beginners hike at Harriman State Park. Don't put yourself in the position of having to end your hike early because you have run out of water. If you have a mobile device, download Avenza’s free PDF Maps app and grab some GPS-enhanced Trail Conference maps (a backup Tyvek or paper version of the map is good to have just in case your batteries die or you don't have service). These trails offer visitors opportunities to hike interior woodlands and rocky vistas. Where fires are permitted, use established fire rings, fire pans, or mound fires. While this is a firm trail, i… To the north, atop a hill with several pines, you can see the ruins of Foxcroft, a mansion built in 1910 which fell into disrepair in the 1950s. Follow the white and blue-on-white-blazed gravel road that runs close to the shore along the northern end of the lake, passing a viewpoint over the lake from a rock ledge on the right. Avoid wildlife during sensitive times: mating, nesting, raising young, or winter. I know your dog is "friendly" - to you. Next, you’ll reach another Y-intersection. Although the hike begins and ends in Ramapo Mountain State Forest, both lakes are located … Soon, you'll pass a private residence on a ledge to the left. The loop is very hilly with a few scrambles here and there, but nothing too serious. The Reopening of the Hasenclever Iron Trail, Seven More Miles of the Long Path Permanently Protected, Jungle Habitat Trail Revitalization Project Begins, Invest in Nature With Twice the Impact During the December Challenge, Invasives Strike Force EcoQuest Challenge: December 2020 | New York and New Jersey. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts
All in all lots of variation, cool old stone house remains, a few overlooks with great views, and lake views. Check the batteries before you start out and have extras in your pack. The Ramapo Lake trail loop in Ramapo Mountain State Forest loops around a scenic lake. Scatter strained dishwater. Almost immediately Castle Point proves to be an … Food - Snacks/lunch will keep you going as you burn energy walking or climbing. Follow the trail into the woods, passing stone ruins. Whether you are going for a day hike or backpacking overnight, it is good practice to carry what we call The Hiking Essentials. Only one thing marred my enjoyment - many fellow hikers had their dogs off-leash. This 4.5-mile moderate “lollipop-loop” hike in nearby Ramapo Mountain State Forest climbs to several viewpoints and follows the shore of scenic Ramapo Lake. Ramapo State Forest Hike and Bass at Ramapo Lake Set out for new range in the New Jersey Highlands, easy to access Ramapo State Forest in Passaic County by hopping on Interstate 287 tenths of a mile from home, then cruising 35 miles, parking in the lot about two tenths of a mile beyond the exit. Pack out toilet paper and hygiene products. After passing a small, abandoned stone building to the right, you’ll come to another intersection. Keep in mind that fluid loss is heightened in winter as well as summer. You’re now heading north through dense vegetation, paralleling the western shore of Ramapo Lake. This hike loops around scenic Ramapo Lake. The trail continues to climb on a wide, rocky path, paralleling a cascading brook (particularly attractive after heavy rains). Know the rules and regulations of the area. Where fires are permitted, use established fire rings, fire pans, or mound fires. Dogs are allowed on leash. I walked this for the first time today (8/9/2015). At first, the road runs some distance from the water, but after a while, the lake can be seen through the trees. Being that this is one of the prettiest times to go hiking, as this was nearing the peak of the fall foliage, I really would have liked to do a longer hike, but I'll take what I can get. On the other side of the dam, a triple blue-on-white blaze marks the start of the Ramapo Lake Loop. Bob's Outdoor Life 1,434 views. Never feed animals. FEATURES: This hike climbs to the Ridge Overlook, skirts the MacMillan Reservoir, and passes a beautiful waterfall. Avoid places where impacts are just beginning. Feeding wildlife damages their health, alters natural behaviors, and exposes them to predators and other dangers. FEATURES: This hike climbs to the Ridge Overlook, skirts the MacMillan Reservoir, and passes a beautiful waterfall. Keep fires small. The Ramapo state park is in Oakland, New Jersey – part of Passaic and Bergen counties. Just ahead, the trails bear left at a fork and descend to a trail junction at Ramapo Lake, where the Ramapo Lake Spur ends (there are street signs at the junction for South Shore Drive, North Shore Drive and Rye Cliff Road). Is daylight fading? The direct hike to the Van Slyke Castle Ruins is about a mile and a half. Dogs are allowed on leash. Vista Loop Trail is a 3.5 mile heavily trafficked loop trail located in the Ramapo Valley County Reservation. Shepard Lake/Ringwood Ramapo (Orange/Red) is a 928 ft popular green dirt/gravel road trail located near Ringwood New Jersey. 1.2m members in the hiking community. Did your companion fail to bring rain gear? The hike should take about three hours. First Aid Kit - Keep it simple, compact, and weatherproof. Be the first to share your experience. Observe wildlife from a distance. About half a mile from the start, … There are fantastic views from Ramapo Torne and Torne view. Follow this blue-blazed side trail for 500 feet to a rock outcrop overlooking the lake. The multi use trails are suitable for hiking, mountain biking, and cross country skiing. Home; WICA’s History; The Four Founders of WICA; Officers & Members; News & Events Inspect your campsite and rest areas for trash or spilled foods. This 4.5-mile moderate “lollipop-loop” hike in nearby Ramapo Mountain State Forest climbs to several viewpoints and follows the shore of scenic Ramapo Lake. This trail has everything you might want. The Trail Conference is a 2015 Leave No Trace partner. Hike Overview: Just ahead, the red-blazed Lookout Trail begins on the left, and for the nect 500 feet, the route is co-blazed with red-on-white markers. On the other side of the dam, a triple blue-on-white blaze marks the start of the Ramapo Lake Loop. Firestarter and Matches - In an emergency, you may need to keep yourself or someone else warm until help arrives. Avoid introducing or transporting non-native species. Consider splitting larger groups into smaller groups. Follow the white and blue-on-white-blazed gravel road that runs close to the shore along the northern end of the lake, passing a viewpoint over the lake from a rock ledge on the right. The yellow trail will join the blue when you pass the lake. Eventbrite - Hike the World presents Nature & Nutrition Hike: Ramapo State Forrest - Saturday, October 12, 2019 at Ramapo Lake Trailhead, Oakland, NJ. Avoid cotton--it traps water against your skin and is slow to dry. From the southern end of the parking area, follow the blue blazes of the MacEvoy Trail, which passes stone ruins, turns right onto a woods road and climbs a steep pitch. To wash yourself or your dishes, carry water 200 feet away from streams or lakes and use small amounts of biodegradable soap. Burn all wood and coals to ash, put out campfires completely, then scatter cool ashes. It’s a superb sight all on its own. A short distance ahead, you'll notice a triple-blue blaze on the right. Deposit solid human waste in catholes dug 6 to 8 inches deep, at least 200 feet from water, camp and trails. Storm King State Park Protect riparian areas by camping at least 200 feet from lakes and streams. Be prepared for changing weather. Feeding wildlife damages their health, alters natural behaviors, and exposes them to predators and other dangers. Avoid loud voices and noises. Submit one here. Choose synthetic shirts, sweaters and/or vests and dress in layers for easy on and off. At first, the road runs some distance from the water, but after a while, the lake can be seen through the trees. It makes it more enjoyable for everyone.
All in all lots of variation, cool old stone house remains, a few overlooks with great views, and lake views. Very pleasant walk, especially the views of the lake on a warm summer morning! Ramapo Mountain State Forest A rugged 4,269-acre area, Ramapo Mountain State Forest, with elevations ranging from about 200 to 1,100 feet, is a sanctuary for wildlife. Follow the trail into the woods, passing stone ruins. The Ramapo Lake trail loop in Ramapo Mountain State Forest loops around a scenic lake. Stay safe folks. I went left to get a better view of the lake, but after enjoying the scenery, went back, and took a left to follow the path next to the lake. Rated 5.0 /5 based on 1 customer reviews 5.0 Save Add Review Get Directions Add Photo. Trail Conference volunteers maintain trails in this hike. Also a nice lake to walk around. This hike climbs to scenic Pine Meadow Lake and to several panoramic viewpoints along the Ramapo Escarpment. Virtual Hike. Be prepared for changing weather. Hike it Baby Family Trail Guide is an online … You will find parking for this particular hike at the Ramapo Lake Trailhead. Use a waterproof/tear-resistant Tyvek Trail Conference map if available or enclose your map in a Ziplock plastic bag.  If you have a mobile device, download Avenza’s free PDF Maps app and grab some GPS-enhanced Trail Conference maps (a backup Tyvek or paper version of the map is good to have just in case your batteries die or you don't have service).  Check out some map-reading basics here. As you … Light - A flashlight or small, lightweight headlamp will be welcome gear if you find yourself still on the trail when darkness falls. Cover and disguise the cathole when finished. Press J to jump to the feed. Took the Indian Rock trail (uprise down red triangle blazed) to Canonball trail (Red circle with white C blazed). Just past the southern end of the lake, about a mile from the dam, the road reaches a T-intersection. There are fantastic views from Ramapo Torne and Torne view. It climbs to the scenic Ramapo Lake, heads north along its shore, then proceeds south along the Wanaque Ridge, with panoramic views to the west and east. Cover and disguise the cathole when finished. Expect stunning views on this 5.5-mile hike. Forget about the bears, rattlesnakes, or ticks- unleashed dogs are the biggest threat for those who want to hike (and especially run) on trails in the parks. Ramapo Escarpment and Pine Meadow Lake from Town of Ramapo Equestrian Center | New York-New Jersey Trail Conference Knife or Multi-tool - You may need to cut a piece of moleskin to put over a blister, repair a piece of broken equipment, or solve some other unexpected problem. Keep campsites small. We had planned on making this hike longer as well, but do to the brutal conditions had to cut it short. I walked this for the first time today (8/9/2015). Ramapo Mountain State Forest is a very popular hiking destination in New Jersey. (The Castle Loop, which leads to the ruins of this mansion, is another great hike in this area.). The Ramapo Lake Loop, which encircles Ramapo Lake, is a popular hike, accessed from the lower parking area on Skyline Drive via the Ramapo Lake Spur. From the parking area, continue heading towards the mountain, with a large barn on your right. Shepard Lake/Ringwood Ramapo (Orange/Red) is a 928 ft popular green dirt/gravel road trail located near Ringwood New Jersey. This hike circles around Ramapo Lake, heads north and returns to the lake on the way back with stops at Van Slyke Mansion ruins and lookout points. Only use sticks from the ground that can be broken by hand. Common Sense - Pay attention to your environment, your energy, and the condition of your companions. Protect wildlife and your food by storing rations and trash securely. Hike to Ramapo Lake and the Van Slyke Castle. Ramapo Mountain State Forest: Afternoon Hike - See 37 traveler reviews, 22 candid photos, and great deals for Oakland, NJ, at Tripadvisor. Ramapo Lake is a 120-acre man-made lake in Ramapo Mountain State Forest in Northern New Jersey.. Ramapo Lake originally consisting of a 25-acre pond named Rotten Poel (Rats Pond) by the Dutch. (The Castle Loop, which leads to the ruins of this mansion, is another great hike in this area.). Ramapo Mountain State Forest: Great hike - See 37 traveller reviews, 22 candid photos, and great deals for Oakland, NJ, at Tripadvisor. Here, the Cannonball Trail turns left onto an intersecting gravel road, but you should bear right and continue to follow the blue-on-white blazes. After taking in the view, return to the Ramapo Lake Loop and turn right. Inspect your campsite and rest areas for trash or spilled foods. It makes it more enjoyable for everyone. Nuts, seeds, and chocolate are favorites on the trail. Deposit solid human waste in catholes dug 6 to 8 inches deep, at least 200 feet from water, camp and trails. Although it's not the dog's fault (it's the stupid owner's fault), any incident involving a dog that leads to an attack or bite needs to be reported to the police, and the owner held responsible. Then, in another 300 feet, bear right at a Y-intersection where the Cannonball Trail, marked by white-“C”-on-red blazes, joins from the left. Follow the trail into the woods, passing stone ruins. You’ll visit the beautiful Ramapo Lake and follow the trail along the western ridge of the Ramapo Mountains. Please obey all designated uses of the trails, posted at the trail heads and trail crossings. The hike should take about three hours. Preserve the past: examine, but do not touch cultural or historic structures and artifacts. At the southern end of the parking area, a triple black-square-on-blue blaze marks the start of the Ramapo Lake Spur. The TC needs to adress this issue on their website, their maps, kiosks, and info that trail stewards pass along to trail users. The hike is of moderate difficulty and should take about three-and-a-half hours. This 4.5-mile moderate “lollipop-loop” hike in nearby Ramapo Mountain State Forest climbs to several viewpoints and follows the shore of scenic Ramapo Lake. No description for Shepard Lake/Ringwood Ramapo (Orange/Red) trail has been added yet! Please see: Trail Improvements in Ramapo Mountain State Forest for more info and updated trail map. Soon, another gravel road joins from the left. In half a mile, you’ll pass a building on the hillside to the left (formerly used as a ranger station) and, a short distance beyond, a rock ledge to the right of the trail offers a pleasant view of the lake. This hike climbs the geological feature of the Ramapo Escarpment leading to the beautiful Pine Meadow Lake with gorgeous views along the way. Here, the red/blue LeGrande-Lake Connector begins on th left, but you should turn right to continue on the Ramapo Lake Loop. Be courteous. Ramapo Mountain Reservation is located to the east of the park and Ringwood State Park is located to the north. Night Hike - Ramapo Forest Oakland and Crystal Lake Views Moderate Hike. Ramapo Lake is the hub of the trail system in the 1,400-acre Ramapo Lake … When the 2 trails split, stay on the Yellow trail and follow it North to return to the parking lot. After going up a steep pitch, the trail continues to climb on a wide, rocky path, paralleling a cascading brook (particularly attractive after heavy rains). The yellow trail will join the blue when you pass the lake. A firestarter (this could be as simple as leftover birthday candles that are kept inside a waterproof container) and matches (again, make sure to keep them in a waterproof container) could save a life. If you are wearing wet cotton and must return to your starting point, you risk getting chills that may lead to a dangerous hypothermia. Let nature's sounds prevail. As you approach the crest of the rise, you'll cross a stream on rocks. Since we changed last week's route and went to the castle, we'll be doing the MODERATE-INTERMEDIATE NIGHT HIKE that we were going to in Ramapo Mountain State Forest (Oakland, NJ) on Thursday, February 23, 2017. Treat If u think the fishing here is horrible I'm sorry but you just don't know what you are doing, me and my 2 buddies pulled in … Ramapo Lake. Make a left to follow the blue trail East along the edge of Ramapo Lake. Disperse use to prevent the creation of campsites and trails. 41.032596, -74.251801. Durable surfaces include established trails and campsites, rock, gravel, dry grasses or snow. But it might not be so to strangers, so please keep your dog on a leash. Avoid wildlife during sensitive times: mating, nesting, raising young, or winter.  Here, the red/blue LeGrande-Lake Connector begins on th left, but you should turn right to continue on the Ramapo Lake Loop. Then, in another 300 feet, bear right at a Y-intersection where the Cannonball Trail, marked by white-“C”-on-red blazes, joins from the left. Ramapo Lake is a 120-acre man-made lake in Ramapo Mountain State Forest in Northern New Jersey.. Ramapo Lake originally consisting of a 25-acre pond named Rotten Poel (Rats Pond) by the Dutch. Please obey all designated uses of the trails, posted at the trail heads and trail crossings. Never feed animals. (c) Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics: www.LNT.org. Know how to use the basic components. Keep in mind that fluid loss is heightened in winter as well as summer. The improved trail options at this very popular day-hike destination will consist of the white-blazed Castle Loop, the purple-blazed Tamarack Loop, the blue-blazed Ramapo Lake Loop, and the green-blazed Todd Loop. Let nature's sounds prevail.   Avoid places where impacts are just beginning. The road proceeds through dense vegetation, crosses a causeway over an arm of the lake, and passes a swamp to the left and several interesting rock outcrops. Control pets at all times, or leave them at home. Overview: The 3.9 mile Castle Loop trail visits the Van Slyke Castle ruins and Ramapo Lake and provides great views of the Ramapo and Wyanokie Mountains.The shorter out-and-back hike to the ruins is a kid-friendly favorite. From the parking area, cross Skyline Drive. When the 2 trails split, stay on the Yellow trail and follow it North to return to the parking lot. Pack it in, pack it out. This lower section connects the main parking and lake lot is for hikers only. Although the hike begins and ends in Ramapo Mountain State Forest, both lakes are on property owned by Bergen County. Did your companion fail to bring rain gear? Don't put yourself in the position of having to end your hike early because you have run out of water. Pack out all trash, leftover food and litter. Please see: Trail Improvements in Ramapo Mountain State Forest for more info and updated trail map. Submit one here. Campfires can cause lasting impacts to the backcountry. Walk single file in the middle of the trail, even when wet or muddy. Schedule your trip to avoid times of high use. Overview: The Vista Look Trail is a relatively recently blazed trail that hits the main attractions in Ramapo Valley County Reservation including multiple panoramic vistas, a reservoir, grove of cactus, and waterfall. Very easy hike.  Get to the parking area early on weekends; it was jam packed today.  And the Port-A-John was overflowing.  At the far end of the loop is the annoying sound of Route 287 not far away. This multi-use trail can be used both directions and has a easy overall physical rating with a 4 ft green climb. Use a map and compass to eliminate the use of marking paint, rock cairns or flagging. Next, you’ll reach another Y-intersection. Enjoy views from Wanaque ridge of the … At the end of the lake, a triple blue-on-white blaze marks the end of the Ramapo Lake Loop. The trail continues to climb on a wide, rocky path, paralleling a cascading brook (particularly attractive after heavy rains). A short distance beyond, the white-blazed Castle Loop joins from the right. Choose synthetic shirts, sweaters and/or vests and dress in layers for easy on and off. Common Sense - Pay attention to your environment, your energy, and the condition of your companions. This lot is pretty big, so you shouldn’t have any trouble finding a parking spot. As you approach the crest of the rise, you'll cross a stream on rocks. Be courteous. Soon, another gravel road joins from the left. Light - A flashlight or small, lightweight headlamp will be welcome gear if you find yourself still on the trail when darkness falls. Ramapo Mountain State Forest: Great hike - See 37 traveller reviews, 22 candid photos, and great deals for Oakland, NJ, at Tripadvisor. Feeding wildlife damages their health, alters natural behaviors, and exposes them to predators and other dangers. Continue ahead to a T-intersection with street signs, proceed through a gap in the guardrail, and continue along the black-square-on-blue-blazed Ramapo Lake Spur, retracing your steps back to the parking area where the hike began. 6. This hike loops around scenic Ramapo Lake. Although it's not the dog's fault (it's the stupid owner's fault), any incident involving a dog that leads to an attack or bite needs to be reported to the police, and the owner held responsible. Use a map and compass to eliminate the use of marking paint, rock cairns or flagging. Do not build structures, furniture, or dig trenches. Use a lightweight stove for cooking and enjoy a candle lantern for light. RAMAPO LAKE @ OAKLAND, NJ ... Day Hike at the Ramapo Reservation, NJ - Duration: 12:49. You will be following this trail for … We parked at Tiorati Circle and took the short Lake Tiorati Trail up to the Appalachian Trail. Just past the southern end of the lake, about a mile from the dam, the road reaches a T-intersection. (c) Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics: www.LNT.org. On a clear day, you can see the Manhattan skyline which is over 30 miles away from Ramapo … Overview: The Vista Look Trail is a relatively recently blazed trail that hits the main attractions in Ramapo Valley County Reservation including multiple panoramic vistas, a reservoir, grove of cactus, and waterfall. A short distance ahead, you'll notice a triple-blue blaze on the right. Observe wildlife from a distance. The Ramapo Mountain State Forest is a spectacular hike any month of the year. /// Shorter option – 1.2 miles round trip: Turn around here for an easy hike, or go around the lake all or part-way for a short loop /// Only one thing marred my enjoyment - many fellow hikers had their dogs off-leash. Yield to other users on the trail. From the parking area, continue heading towards the mountain, with a large barn on your right. From the parking area, continue heading towards the mountain, with a large barn on your right. Rain Gear and Extra Clothing - Rain happens. Firestarter and Matches - In an emergency, you may need to keep yourself or someone else warm until help arrives. Good campsites are found, not made. Emergency Numbers -  Know the emergency numbers for the area you're going to and realize that in many locations--especially mountainous ones, your phone will not get reception.  I know your dog is "friendly" - to you. Keep in mind that until you turn around you are (typically) only half-way to completing your hike--you must still get back to where you started from! Continue following BLUE (MacEvoy) on an easy dirt road as it hugs the north side of Ramapo Lake. More Stats for Ramapo Lake Loop/Ramapo Lake Spur Trail (Blue/Black) hike … Very pleasant walk, especially the views of the lake on a warm summer morning! The triple red-square-on-white-blaze that marks the start of the Pine Meadow Trail is visible on the side of that barn. Are you getting tired? Disperse use to prevent the creation of campsites and trails. Protect wildlife and your food by storing rations and trash securely. Preserve the past: examine, but do not touch cultural or historic structures and artifacts. Take breaks and camp away from trails and other visitors. Has the weather turned rainy? Continue to follow the blue-on-white blazes along the wide gravel road, which runs close to the lakeshore, with views across the lake. The Ramapo … Walk single file in the middle of the trail, even when wet or muddy. At the southern end of the parking area, a triple black-square-on-blue blaze marks the start of the Ramapo Lake Spur. Today’s hike … We parked at Tiorati Circle and took the short Lake Tiorati Trail up to the Appalachian Trail. Here, you should bear right, once more joining the white-blazed Castle Loop. Whether you are going for a day hike or backpacking overnight, it is good practice to carry what we call The Hiking Essentials. Altering a site is not necessary. Compass - A simple compass is all you need to orient you and your map to magnetic north. You will be following this trail in a clockwise direction around the lake. Know the regulations and special concerns for the area you'll visit. So does cold. Step to the downhill side of the trail when encountering pack stock. At the southern end of the parking area, a triple black-square-on-blue blaze marks the start of the Ramapo Lake Spur. Find event and ticket information. So does cold. This six-mile-loop hike approaches Ramapo Mountain State Forest from the west via Back Beach Park in Wanaque. It then moves away from the lakeshore but continues to parallel it, with views over the lake through the trees. And the Port-A-John was overflowing. It has over 4,000 square acres of forest and is a home to many birds and animals in New Jersey. On a clear day, you can see the Manhattan skyline which is over 30 miles away from Ramapo Torne! This multi-use trail can be used both directions and has a easy overall physical rating with a 4 … Ramapo Mountain State Forest extends six miles between Pompton Lakes and Oakland NJ and is maintained by the NJ Division of Parks and Forestry. These trails offer visitors opportunities to hike interior woodlands and rocky vistas. At the far end of the loop is the annoying sound of Route 287 not far away. Before you head out, there are a couple porta-potties right by the trailhead; as well as a trailhead kiosk with helpful info about the forest. At the southern end of the parking area, a triple black-square-on-blue blaze marks the start of the Ramapo Lake Spur. Ramapo Mountain State Forest is a very popular hiking destination in New Jersey. Rain Gear and Extra Clothing - Rain happens. No description for Shepard Lake/Ringwood Ramapo (Orange/Red) trail has been added yet! Ramapo Lake The Trail. New Ramapo Lake Loop (blue blazes) and Ramapo Lake Spur (black-square-on-blue blazes), which use existing trails to create a loop hike option from the Lower Parking lot on Skyline Drive; New Tamarack Loop (purple blazes), which uses existing trails to create a loop hike option from the Upper Parking lot on Skyline Drive Moderate hike that takes in Ramapo Lake, Van Slyke castle and tower ruins. Compass - A simple compass is all you need to orient you and your map to magnetic north. Protect riparian areas by camping at least 200 feet from lakes and streams. There are many spots to sit and/or view the lake. The loop is very hilly with a few scrambles here and there, but nothing too serious. Follow the trail into the woods, passing stone ruins. The trail features a lake, waterfall, several vistas, and is rated as moderate. Forget about the bears, rattlesnakes, or ticks- unleashed dogs are the biggest threat for those who want to hike (and especially run) on trails in the parks. After passing a small, abandoned stone building to the right, you’ll come to another intersection. Continue to follow the blue-on-white blazes along the wide gravel road, which runs close to the lakeshore, with views across the lake. To the north, atop a hill with several pines, you can see the ruins of Foxcroft, a mansion built in 1910 which fell into disrepair in the 1950s. While hiking to the Van Slyke Castle and water tower ruins, stop and enjoy the 120-acre Ramapo Lake. Just ahead on the left is the Ramapo Mountain State Forest parking area. The hikers' subreddit. The hike is of moderate difficulty and should take about … Menu. Continue ahead to a T-intersection with street signs, proceed through a gap in the guardrail, and continue along the black-square-on-blue-blazed Ramapo Lake Spur, retracing your steps back to the parking area where the hike began. In half a mile, you’ll pass a building on the hillside to the left (formerly used as a ranger station) and, a short distance beyond, a rock ledge to the right of the trail offers a pleasant view of the lake. Visit in small groups when possible. At the end of the lake, a triple blue-on-white blaze marks the end of the Ramapo Lake Loop. Leave rocks, plants and other natural objects as you find them. Just ahead on the left is the Ramapo Mountain State Forest parking area. Here, you should turn left, crossing the dam of Ramapo Lake. Take breaks and camp away from trails and other visitors. (The GPS address is 67 Skyline Drive, Oakland.) Respect other visitors and protect the quality of their experience. This happens to be a great short hike with a beautiful lake … Food - Snacks/lunch will keep you going as you burn energy walking or climbing. It then moves away from the lakeshore but continues to parallel it, with views over the lake through the trees. (Exceptions are loop hikes.). Well thanks for reading and hike … Follow trail until it reaches Skyline Dr again and catch the white blazed Todd Trail by the Camp Tamarack sign. Just ahead, the red-blazed Lookout Trail begins on the left, and for the nect 500 feet, the route is co-blazed with red-on-white markers. This 4.5-mile moderate “lollipop-loop” hike in nearby Ramapo Mountain State Forest climbs to several viewpoints and follows the shore of scenic Ramapo Lake. The Ramapo state park is in Oakland, New Jersey – part of Passaic and Bergen counties. It was already nearing the end of the day, and this was a perfect hike. Follow the trail into the woods, passing stone ruins. First Aid Kit - Keep it simple, compact, and weatherproof. Take I-287 to Exit 57 (Skyline Drive/Ringwood) and proceed north on Skyline Drive (following the signs to "Ringwood"). Ramapo Valley County Reservation. Know the rules and regulations of the area. The Ramapo Lake Loop, which encircles Ramapo Lake, is a popular hike, accessed from the lower parking area on Skyline Drive via the Ramapo Lake Spur. If you park in the Skyline Drive lot, you’ll begin your trek at the MacEvoy Trail. Each of these camps was situated on a lake, and the hike runs along the shore of both Lake Tamarack and Todd Lake. Campfires can cause lasting impacts to the backcountry. Concentrate use on existing trails and campsites. Concentrate use on existing trails and campsites. Avoid loud voices and noises. This part of the trail is a nice walk that follows the lake. Here, the Cannonball Trail turns left onto an intersecting gravel road, but you should bear right and continue to follow the blue-on-white blazes. Do not build structures, furniture, or dig trenches. Took the Indian Rock trail (uprise down red triangle blazed) to Canonball trail (Red circle with white C blazed). Focus activity in areas where vegetation is absent. 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