Off The Trails: A Hiker's Guide to the Outdoors

Located on nearly 4,000 acres in Bergen County, New Jersey, Ramapo Valley County Reservation is the largest park in Bergen County. Ramapo Reservation is a very popular and parking can be a challenge! Be sure to get there early so you can enjoy all the park has to offer.

Visitors can fish in one of several ponds (with a NJ permit) or hike one of the many trails throughout the park. Popular areas include Scarlet Oak Pond and MacMillan Reservoir. The park also affords visitors the opportunity to kayak, raft or canoe in the Ramapo River. Between the months of April and November, New Jersey residents can pay for a permit that allows tent camping along Scarlet Oak Pond and Ramapo River.

Adjacent to the Ramapo Mountain State Forest, Ramapo Valley County Reservation offers a bunch of hiking trails for all levels. Trails connect to Ramapo Mountain State Forest (southwest), Ringwood State Park (west) and Camp Glen Cray (south). Trails between parks are generally more challenging and can take all day to complete. Most trails closest to the parking lot are considered easy and used for casual strolls and trail running. In winter months, cross country skiing is popular among visitors. All popular trails are well marked and are pet friendly. If you arrive during off hours, you may see some professional sports players jogging up to the reservoir.

No matter what your skill level or desired activity, Ramapo Valley County Reservation has what you’re looking for. A wide array of trails which are popular enough to draw a crowd, yet spread out enough to make you feel at one with nature in suburban New Jersey.

Parking: 610 Ramapo Valley Road, Mahwah, NJ, 07430

AllTrails: https://www.alltrails.com/parks/us/new-jersey/ramapo-valley-county-reservation (List of trails in the park)