The trail continues to climb on a wide, rocky path, paralleling a cascading brook (particularly attractive after heavy rains). Be careful that you take the same path coming back. Don't put yourself in the position of having to end your hike early because you have run out of water. 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. 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. 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. Avoid introducing or transporting non-native species. Yield to other users on the trail. Only one thing marred my enjoyment - many fellow hikers had their dogs off-leash. Food - Snacks/lunch will keep you going as you burn energy walking or climbing. But it might not be so to strangers, so please keep your dog on a leash. Feeding wildlife damages their health, alters natural behaviors, and exposes them to predators and other dangers. Whether you are going for a day hike or backpacking overnight, it is good practice to carry what we call The Hiking Essentials. At first, the road runs some distance from the water, but after a while, the lake can be seen through the trees. These trails offer visitors opportunities to hike interior woodlands and rocky vistas. Walk single file in the middle of the trail, even when wet or muddy. It then moves away from the lakeshore but continues to parallel it, with views over the lake through the trees. Stay safe folks. Know the regulations and special concerns for the area you'll visit. Be prepared for changing weather. 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. Do not build structures, furniture, or dig trenches. You will be following this trail in a clockwise direction around the lake. Soon, another gravel road joins from the left. Deposit solid human waste in catholes dug 6 to 8 inches deep, at least 200 feet from water, camp and trails. Respect other visitors and protect the quality of their experience. Avoid places where impacts are just beginning. 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). I walked this for the first time today (8/9/2015). Pack it in, pack it out. Ramapo Lake is the hub of the trail system in the 1,400-acre Ramapo Lake … Each photo and review that you add on The Outbound earns you points towards rewards, free gear, and access to exclusive discounts. Next, you’ll reach another Y-intersection. Altering a site is not necessary. 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. The Trail Conference is a 2015 Leave No Trace partner. Hike … 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. 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. Did you drink all your water? Make a left to follow the blue trail East along the edge of Ramapo Lake. Schedule your trip to avoid times of high use. Ramapo Mountain State Forest: Great hike - See 37 traveller reviews, 22 candid photos, and great deals for Oakland, NJ, at Tripadvisor. Each of these camps was situated on a lake, and the hike runs along the shore of both Lake Tamarack and Todd 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. Consider splitting larger groups into smaller groups. You can hike up to the abandoned castle (it'll take about 45 minutes to get there). 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. Only use sticks from the ground that can be broken by hand. Avoid loud voices and noises. Avoid cotton--it traps water against your skin and is slow to dry. Follow the trail into the woods, passing stone ruins.
All in all lots of variation, cool old stone house remains, a few overlooks with great views, and lake views. Respect other visitors and protect the quality of their experience. No description for Shepard Lake/Ringwood Ramapo (Orange/Red) trail has been added yet! Firestarter and Matches - In an emergency, you may need to keep yourself or someone else warm until help arrives. At the southern end of the parking area, a triple black-square-on-blue blaze marks the start of the Ramapo Lake Spur. Inspect your campsite and rest areas for trash or spilled foods. Prepare for extreme weather, hazards, and emergencies. 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. Control pets at all times, or leave them at home. Avoid introducing or transporting non-native species. Where fires are permitted, use established fire rings, fire pans, or mound fires. Light - A flashlight or small, lightweight headlamp will be welcome gear if you find yourself still on the trail when darkness falls. 41.174788, -74.08526. Water - Two quarts per person is recommended in every season. At the end of the lake, a triple blue-on-white blaze marks the end of the Ramapo Lake Loop. 1.2m members in the hiking community. Cover and disguise the cathole when finished. About half a mile from the start, … Common Sense - Pay attention to your environment, your energy, and the condition of your companions. 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. (Exceptions are loop hikes.). It was already nearing the end of the day, and this was a perfect hike. Expect stunning views on this 5.5-mile hike. Take I-287 to Exit 57 (Skyline Drive/Ringwood) and proceed north on Skyline Drive (following the signs to "Ringwood"). Here, you should turn left, crossing the dam of Ramapo Lake. The hike is of moderate difficulty and should take about three-and-a-half hours. Dogs are allowed on leash. 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. Are you getting tired? We parked at Tiorati Circle and took the short Lake Tiorati Trail up to the Appalachian Trail. Follow the trail into the woods, passing stone ruins. Step to the downhill side of the trail when encountering pack stock. Protect riparian areas by camping at least 200 feet from lakes and streams. As you … Just past the southern end of the lake, about a mile from the dam, the road reaches a T-intersection. Dogs are allowed on leash. As you approach the crest of the rise, you'll cross a stream on rocks. Scatter strained dishwater. 41.174788, -74.08526. Did your companion fail to bring rain gear? Check the batteries before you start out and have extras in your pack. (Exceptions are loop hikes.). Took the Indian Rock trail (uprise down red triangle blazed) to Canonball trail (Red circle with white C blazed). Many of our hiking areas feature interconnecting network of trails. Are you getting tired? (The Castle Loop, which leads to the ruins of this mansion, is another great hike in this area.). 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. The hike should take about three hours. 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 … The Ramapo … 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. From the parking area, continue heading towards the mountain, with a large barn on your right. Ramapo Mountain State Forest is a very popular hiking destination in New Jersey. Ramapo Lake. Know the rules and regulations of the area. The hike should take about three hours. You will see another barn at the base of the mountain, behind white fencing. And the Port-A-John was overflowing. At the southern end of the parking area, a triple black-square-on-blue blaze marks the start of the Ramapo Lake Spur. Light - A flashlight or small, lightweight headlamp will be welcome gear if you find yourself still on the trail when darkness falls. FEATURES: This hike climbs to the Ridge Overlook, skirts the MacMillan Reservoir, and passes a beautiful waterfall. The hikers' subreddit. Avoid cotton--it traps water against your skin and is slow to dry. 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. 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. Well thanks for reading and hike … Soon, you'll pass a private residence on a ledge to the left. Pack out all trash, leftover food and litter. Durable surfaces include established trails and campsites, rock, gravel, dry grasses or snow. Step to the downhill side of the trail when encountering pack stock. Deposit solid human waste in catholes dug 6 to 8 inches deep, at least 200 feet from water, camp and trails. 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). Use a map and compass to eliminate the use of marking paint, rock cairns or flagging. Very pleasant walk, especially the views of the lake on a warm summer morning! Please see: Trail Improvements in Ramapo Mountain State Forest for more info and updated trail map. (The GPS address is 67 Skyline Drive, Oakland.) Focus activity in areas where vegetation is absent. Moderate hike that takes in Ramapo Lake, Van Slyke castle and tower ruins. Concentrate use on existing trails and campsites. Soon, you'll pass a private residence on a ledge to the left. The hike should take about three hours. 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. The yellow trail will join the blue when you pass the lake. Control pets at all times, or leave them at home. 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. The Ramapo Lake trail loop in Ramapo Mountain State Forest loops around a scenic lake. You will find parking for this particular hike at the Ramapo Lake Trailhead. Good campsites are found, not made. Choose synthetic shirts, sweaters and/or vests and dress in layers for easy on and off. Burn all wood and coals to ash, put out campfires completely, then scatter cool ashes. On the other side of the dam, a triple blue-on-white blaze marks the start of the Ramapo Lake Loop. Today’s hike … Campfires can cause lasting impacts to the backcountry. Durable surfaces include established trails and campsites, rock, gravel, dry grasses or snow. You’ll visit the beautiful Ramapo Lake and follow the trail along the western ridge of the Ramapo Mountains. Use a waterproof/tear-resistant Tyvek Trail Conference map if available or enclose your map in a Ziplock plastic bag. As you approach the crest of the rise, you'll cross a stream on rocks. At the southern end of the parking area, a triple black-square-on-blue blaze marks the start of the Ramapo Lake Spur. Pack out all trash, leftover food and litter. Keep fires small. Ramapo Escarpment and Pine Meadow Lake from Town of Ramapo Equestrian Center | New York-New Jersey Trail Conference Here, you should bear right, once more joining the white-blazed Castle Loop. 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. At the southern end of the parking area, a triple black-square-on-blue blaze marks the start of the Ramapo Lake Spur. Follow the trail into the woods, passing stone ruins. A number of relics from Camp Tamarack, which closed in the early 1990s, are visible along the way. Continue to follow the blue-on-white blazes along the wide gravel road, which runs close to the lakeshore, with views across the lake. From the parking area, continue heading towards the mountain, with a large barn on your right. Bob's Outdoor Life 1,434 views. 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. 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.  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. Take breaks and camp away from trails and other visitors. Campfires can cause lasting impacts to the backcountry. A short distance ahead, you'll notice a triple-blue blaze on the right. This lower section connects the main parking and lake lot is for hikers only. There are many spots to sit and/or view the lake. 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! Visit in small groups when possible. 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. Protect riparian areas by camping at least 200 feet from lakes and streams. Check the weather forecast before you head out. Take I-287 to Exit 57 (Skyline Drive/Ringwood) and proceed north on Skyline Drive (following the signs to "Ringwood"). 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