Attractions and Places To See in Ringwood State Park - Top 6

Ringwood State Park offers a variety of natural beauty. You can visit Shepherd Lake, a scenic spring-fed lake perfect for activities. For tranquil spots, explore Glasmere Ponds, nestled in a wooded area. Don't miss Warm Puppy Rock, which provides expansive views of the valley.

The park is rich in history, featuring two significant estates. Ringwood Manor is a historic 51-room Victorian mansion with a long history of ironmasters, including Abram S. Hewitt. George Washington himself visited the Manor House multiple times. Another notable site is Skylands Manor, an English Jacobean mansion built in the 1920s, known for its intricate architecture and gardens.

Yes, Ringwood State Park is very family-friendly. Shepherd Lake is a great spot, offering swimming with a designated beach area (lifeguards Memorial Day to Labor Day), fishing, boating, and a playground. The New Jersey Botanical Garden at Skylands also provides extensive gardens and woodland paths suitable for all ages. Many trails are also suitable for family walks.

Ringwood State Park boasts an extensive network of trails ranging from easy strolls to rugged backcountry treks. Popular options include the Canoe Brook Trail, Crossover Trail, Ringwood-Ramapo Trail, Pierson Ridge Trail, and the Cooper Union Trail, which offers views of the Wanaque Reservoir. You can find various routes for different skill levels, including easy options like the Manor Trail and Shepherd Lake Loop.

Yes, mountain biking is a popular activity in Ringwood State Park. The park offers multi-use trails suitable for mountain biking, including a challenging 7.5-mile loop that starts at Shepherd Lake. You can explore various routes like the Ringwood Crossover and Mountain Bike Loop.

Shepherd Lake is a hub for water activities. During warmer months, you can enjoy swimming at the designated beach area, fishing (stocked with trout, bass, pickerel, perch, and sunfish), boating, canoeing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Boat rentals are also available. In winter, the lake transforms for ice skating and ice fishing.

Yes, the New Jersey Botanical Garden at Skylands is a major highlight within the park. Spanning 96 acres, it features an extensive variety of plants, evergreen and deciduous trees and shrubs in specialty areas such as crabapple vistas, terraced gardens, perennial and annual gardens, and woodland paths. The gardens and surrounding woods are open for visitors year-round.

Ringwood State Park offers several winter activities. You can enjoy ice skating and ice fishing at Shepherd Lake. Additionally, the park provides opportunities for cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and sledding on designated hills in the Ringwood Manor section.

Visitors frequently highlight the park's blend of natural beauty and rich history. They appreciate the peaceful atmosphere of places like Glasmere Ponds and the amazing views from Warm Puppy Rock. The diverse range of activities at Shepherd Lake and the extensive trail systems for hiking and biking are also highly valued.

Yes, numerous picnic areas with tables and grills are available throughout the park. You can find designated spots near Ringwood Manor and Shepherd Lake. Some sites may require a permit, so it's advisable to check in advance.

Ringwood Manor tours are generally available from Wednesday through Sunday between April and October. Skylands Manor is open for tours one Sunday per month from March through November. It's recommended to check their official websites for the most current schedules and any potential changes.

Yes, cycling is a popular way to explore the park. The multi-use trails are suitable for cycling, and there are several routes available. For example, you can find routes like the Ringwood State Park – Warm Puppy Rock loop or the Ringwood State Park – Shepherd Lake loop, offering moderate to difficult rides.