The best walks and hikes around Ramapo College Of New Jersey
4.9
(48)
520
hikers
76
hikes
Hikes around Ramapo College Of New Jersey are located within the Ramapo Valley, offering access to the adjacent Ramapo Valley County Reservation and Ramapo Mountain State Forest. The terrain is characterized by forested hills, river valleys, and several bodies of water including Ramapo Lake and Scarlet Oak Pond. The trail network provides a mix of elevations and surfaces suitable for different hiking abilities.
Best hiking trails around Ramapo College Of New Jersey
- The most popular hiking route is Vista Loop…
Last updated: May 12, 2026
27
hikers
4.09km
01:10
100m
110m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
12
hikers
7.68km
02:16
220m
220m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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9
hikers
17.0km
05:01
500m
500m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(2)
5
hikers
6.23km
02:00
260m
270m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4
hikers
13.8km
03:56
340m
260m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
Bear Swamp Lake is a large lake in Ramapo Mountain State Forest. It is surrounded by woodland, so it is a great spot to find a quiet spot next to the water to enjoy a picnic.
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Spanning about 250 feet long and rising 20 feet tall, this low-flowing dam is constructed of concrete faced with stone. Only a thin veil of water typically trickles over the spillway of this impressively long barrier, which holds back the reservoir's contents.
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Take in spectacular sights from Cactus Ledge, where the NYC skyline is visible on clear days. More immediately, gaze out over the serene Scarlett Oak Pond nestled below this beautiful overlook within Ramapo Valley County Reservation. Another, ideal vantage point on the Vista Loop trail to admire the scenery.
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Hawk Rock offers panoramic views of the Ramapo Valley Reservation's northern section. Lake Henry can be seen below, while the Ramapo River is harder to discern beyond the trees. During fall, this viewpoint displays spectacular foliage in vibrant shades of orange, red and yellow.
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Great view of the Ramapo River from the crossing on the Vista Loop Trail. The river is a tributary of the Pompton River and at this point, is a calm, slow flowing body of water. The river is popular among fly fishers looking to catch trout.
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Bear Swamp Lake is a large lake in Ramapo Mountain State Forest. It is surrounded by woodland, so it is a great spot to find a quiet spot next to the water to enjoy a picnic.
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The Ramapo River is a 48 km long tributary of the Pompton River.
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A popular lake for anglers in the Ramapo Valley County Reservation.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any easy, family-friendly hikes near Ramapo College?
Yes, the area offers several gentle hikes perfect for families or beginners. The terrain around the ponds is particularly suitable. For a short and scenic walk, consider the Scarlet Oak Pond loop via Vista Loop — Ramapo Mountain State Forest, which is a mostly flat trail with rewarding views.
Can I bring my dog on the trails?
Yes, the trails in the Ramapo Valley County Reservation are generally dog-friendly. It's a popular spot for local dog walkers. Please ensure your dog is kept on a leash and you clean up after them to keep the park beautiful for everyone.
Where is the best place to park for hiking?
There are a few main parking areas depending on which trails you want to access:
Ramapo Valley County Reservation: The main lot is located at 608 Ramapo Valley Rd, Mahwah, NJ. This provides direct access to the reservation's core trail network.
Ramapo Mountain State Forest: For trails around Ramapo Lake, you can use the Ramapo Lake Trailhead lot at 67 Skyline Dr, Oakland, NJ, or the Ramapo Mountain State Forest (Upper Lot).
Be aware that these lots, especially the one for Ramapo Lake, are small and can fill up very quickly on weekends. Arriving early is recommended.
Are there any challenging hikes for more experienced hikers?
For those seeking a more strenuous trek, the region offers routes with significant elevation gain and distance. A great option is the Bear Swamp Lake loop via Halifax Trail — Ramapo Mountain State Forest. This longer hike takes you through varied and rugged terrain within the state forest.
Can you swim in Ramapo Lake or the other bodies of water?
No, swimming is not permitted in Ramapo Lake, the Ramapo River, or other reservoirs and ponds within the parks. While these bodies of water are scenic highlights for hiking, paddling, and fishing, swimming is prohibited for safety and conservation reasons.
What do other hikers enjoy most about the trails around Ramapo College?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community. Hikers often praise the variety of trails that cater to all skill levels, from gentle lakeside walks to challenging climbs with rewarding vistas. The well-maintained paths through dense forests and the scenic views over Ramapo Lake are frequently mentioned as highlights.
Are there any circular walks available?
Yes, many of the trails are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point without retracing your steps. A popular circular route that combines serene ponds and a reservoir is the Scarlet Oak Pond – MacMillan Reservoir Dam loop from Ramapo College of New Jersey.
What are some popular places for hiking in the area?
The two main destinations for hiking are the Ramapo Valley County Reservation, a vast and highly-regarded park known for its diverse trails and dog-friendly paths, and the Ramapo Mountain State Forest, which offers more rugged terrain and scenic hikes to attractions like Ramapo Lake and historic castle ruins.
Are there any scenic overlooks or viewpoints?
Absolutely. One of the most popular hikes for its views is the Vista Loop to Cactus Ledge — Ramapo County Valley Reservation. This trail features a steady climb that rewards you with impressive vistas of the surrounding Ramapo Valley and even the Manhattan skyline on a clear day.
How many hiking trails are there around Ramapo College?
You can explore over 60 different hiking routes in the immediate vicinity of Ramapo College. The trail network spans both the Ramapo Valley County Reservation and Ramapo Mountain State Forest, offering a great mix of easy, moderate, and difficult options.
Is camping allowed in the parks?
While the area is excellent for day hikes, overnight camping is generally not permitted within the main areas of Ramapo Valley County Reservation or Ramapo Mountain State Forest. These parks are designated for day-use activities like hiking, fishing, and picnicking.
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