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Trip Planner:   USA  /  New Jersey  /  Oakland  /  Ramapo Mountain State Forest

Ramapo Mountain State Forest, Oakland

4.8
#27 of 57 in Nature in New Jersey
Mountain · Hidden Gem · Forest
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Ramapo Mountain State Forest is a 4,200-acre (17 km2) state forest in Bergen and Passaic Counties in New Jersey. The park is operated and maintained by the New Jersey Division of Parks and Forestry.

The park offers hiking, hunting, canoeing, fishing (including ice fishing), cross-country skiing, horseback riding and mountain biking. Several trails lead to views of the New York City skyline. The 1,417 acres (5.73 km2) Ramapo Lake Natural Area within the park has several trails to excellent views from rock outcroppings and ledges. A 120-acre (0.5 km2) mountain lake provides fishing and birdwatching (but no swimming).

The forest borders the Ramapo Valley County Reservation, a part of the Bergen County park system, and Ringwood State Park in Bergen and Passaic counties. It is part of a trail system which runs along the ridge of the Ramapo Mountains north through Mahwah, New Jersey and into Rockland County, New York.

The forest contains the ruins of Van Slyke Castle, a popular destination for hikers.

By using our Oakland road trip planning website, you can arrange your visit to Ramapo Mountain State Forest and other attractions in Oakland.
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Ramapo Mountain State Forest reviews

TripAdvisor traveler rating
TripAdvisor traveler rating 4.5
39 reviews
Google
4.8
TripAdvisor
  • By therealmeltam
    For our annual fall hike, my husband and I did the Van Slyke Castle Loop trail, which All Trails lists as moderate and I would say that it's pretty accurate. It starts off as a nice, flat trail. The.....  more
    For our annual fall hike, my husband and I did the Van Slyke Castle Loop trail, which All Trails lists as moderate and I would say that it's pretty accurate. It starts off as a nice, flat trail. The.....  more »
  • By worktotravel14
    Get to the parking lot very early or very late as it can become traffic jam. We went at likely the most ideal time of year when the whether was still hot, but the leaves were starting to change... 
    Get to the parking lot very early or very late as it can become traffic jam. We went at likely the most ideal time of year when the whether was still hot, but the leaves were starting to change...  more »
  • By Climbmax6
    The “Yellow and Cannonball” trail loop - very nice first half, climbing west and north to the beautiful views of the lakes and mountain ranges from the mountain-top rim. Views onto the lakes continue....  more
    The “Yellow and Cannonball” trail loop - very nice first half, climbing west and north to the beautiful views of the lakes and mountain ranges from the mountain-top rim. Views onto the lakes continue....  more »
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Google
  • By Steven Pepe
    Amazing hike and beautiful views. Van Slyke castle was a great spot to throw up the front for some beautiful panoramas! Trails were well marked and moderately trafficed. Lots of dogs running off leash far from their owners so be careful with your pets.
  • By Poonam Rai
    Great hiking state park with lots of trails. From easy trail around the lake to intermediate trail to Van Slyke Castle. There is an old water reservoir too.Saw few people fishing on the ramapo lake too. Well parking can be little challenging. You could also see the Manhattan’s Skyline if you zoom in your camera.
  • By christopher balzano
    My favorite place to hike & swim in New jersey! 🍁🌊 🏊
  • By George Chrisbacher
    Very accessible and beautiful park with a cascading brook, lake, and the ruins of an old mansion. There are several marked hiking trails. Parking can be a challenge on weekends.
  • By Teresa Liu
    Great hiking trails! I went in the winter and it was still beautiful and fun.
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