On the other side of Skyline Drive, the Todd Trail crosses a wooden footbridge and ascends a knoll, then descends through a mountain-laurel thicket. The parking lot often fills quickly early in the morning, especially on weekends. Hiking at Ramapo Mountain State Forest in NJ you’ll find rocky, hilly trails alongside lakes, waterfalls, ruins and more. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Scenes From The Trail with appropriate and specific direction to the original content. Use trail reports to comment on trail conditions. 62-70 Skyline Dr, Oakland, NJ 07436. 05/21/2020 Anton K. State Forest Hours: 8 AM to 8 PM; Fees: No entrance fee. A good flowing trail network will have most trails flowing in a single direction according to their intension. This multi-use trail can be used both directions and has a moderate overall physical rating with a 55 ft blue climb. Overall, a very good hike that I would recommend. The trail continues to the north, passing the remains of a concrete swimming pool. No reviews yet, be the first to write a review or ask a question. Birders are attracted to the forest for its ponds, streams, marshes and one fairly large lake that provide the perfect habitat for bird and other wildlife species. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Ramapo Mountain State Forest. Cross to the east side of Skyline Drive, where a triple-white blaze on a telephone pole opposite the parking area marks the start of the Todd Trail. During World War I, Van Slyke served as assistant to the chief of naval intelligence. Soon, you’ll reach a junction where the red/white-blazed Skyline Connector Trail begins on the left. A rugged 4,269-acre area, Ramapo Mountain State Forest, with elevations ranging from about 200 to 1,100 feet, is a sanctuary for wildlife. The trailhead for the blue-blazed Ramapo Lake Spur is at the end of parking lot. With the recent additions of Camp Glen Gray, Camp Tamarack and Camp Todd, the park has grown to over 4,000 acres. The forest has a lot … Soon, the yellow-blazed Hoeferlin Memorial Trail joins from the right. Add to or improve this map // Share this … Max elevation: 869 ft.– total elevation gain approximately 671 ft. Map: North Jersey Trails Map #115 – Ramapo Mountain State Forest Trail Map – Ramapo Mountain State Forest Trails Brochure, Trailhead parking: Upper Parking Lot – 265 Skyline Drive, Oakland, NJ 07436. Parking Lot C North Connector (Unmarked) mountain biking trail in Ramapo Mountain State Forest, New Jersey. The surrounding 4,200-acre forest is a tourist hotspot as well as a favorite walking destination for residents. State Forest Park on the Red Lookout and yellow Hoeferlin Memorial Trails with views of the Wyanokies and Ramapo Lake! A short distance beyond, the Castle Point Trail reaches a paved road, with Skyline Drive just to the left. He was survived by his wife Ruth Halliwell Porter, who was returning from a European vacation aboard the Lusitania at the time of the crash. Ramapo Valley County Reservation Ramapo Valley Road (Route 202), Mahwah (201) 327-3500 . Parking Lot C North Connector is a 1,260 ft popular green dirt/gravel road trail located near Ringwood New Jersey. Change ), You are commenting using your Facebook account. In the early part of the 20th century, Clifford MacEvoy purchased about 2600-acres of what would become Ramapo Mountain State Forest. 05/21/2020 Anton K. Hoeferlin Memorial Trail also serves as a primary travel corridor with connections to many other trails in the forest and in Ringwood State Park. Trails are compared with nearby trails in the same city region with a possible 25 colour shades. Shortly after the receipt of this document, Ademski’s lots became part of Ramapo Mountain State Forest. ... We "started from the bottom" parking lot into the blue trail.... Read more. After turning right and leaving the pipeline, the trail crosses a stream and climbs, first gradually, then rather steeply through mountain laurel, to a rock ledge with a broad view. I haven't seen any rules against pulling your car into a state park lot with a mountain bike attached to it. Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. From the ledge, you may be able to see the stone tower you passed about half a mile back. Please consider joining or donating to the local trail association to support. Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. Van Slyke Castle Loop – Ramapo Mountain State Forest. I haven't seen any rules against pulling your car into a state park lot with a mountain bike attached to it. Between 1951 and 1962, Suzanne S. Christie was to become Suzanne S. O’Sullivan then Suzanne Noyes Brussel. It was formerly surrounded by private property, but most of the land around the lake was acquired by the state in the 1970’s. Ramapo Mountain State Forest is a 4,200 acres (17 km 2) 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.. Trailforks scans users ridelogs to determine the most popular direction each trail is ridden. Van Slyke Castle ruins, Ramapo Lake, scenic views, scenic landscape, well blazed trails. Please Note: As of July 20, 2020, several trail improvements, which aim to make the trails easier to follow, are in progress throughout Ramapo Mountain State Forest. Ramapo Valley County Reservation is Bergen County's largest park area and is located on the edge of the Highlands Region. 4. The trail now begins to descend. Drive 1.2 miles until you will turn left into the parking lot for Ramapo Mountain State Forest Upper Parking Lot. Soon, the trail bears left and descends a short pitch to the dam of Ramapo Lake (just to the left). Ramapo Valley County Reservation is Bergen County's largest park area and is located on the edge of the Highlands Region. At the end of the exit ramp, merge right onto Skyline Drive. Trailhead parking: Upper Parking Lot – 265 Skyline Drive, Oakland, NJ 07436 . The trail offers a number of activity options. This is a good place to take a break. The Ramapo Mountain State Forest, which includes wild lands in the municipalities of Oakland (Bergen County), Pompton Lakes, Ringwood and Wanaque, borders Ringwood State Park and the Ramapo Valley County Reservation, a part of the Bergen County Park System. Parking Lot C North Connector (Unmarked) mountain biking trail in Ramapo Mountain State Forest, New Jersey. The pictures all seem to say “Van Slyke Castle”. With the recent additions of Camp Glen Gray, Camp Tamarack and Camp Todd, the park has grown to over 4,000 acres. Ramapo Mountain State Forest, Oakland: Hours, Address, Ramapo Mountain State Forest Reviews: 4.5/5. Known as Foxcroft, it was built around 1910 by William Porter, a stockbroker. On February 22, 1980 the State of New Jersey filed a “Declaration of Taking;” which informed Ademski that his lots would soon be seized by the NJDEP at a non-negotiable price. Last updated May 11, 2020. Here, the yellow-blazed Hoeferlin Memorial Trail turns left, crossing the dam, but you should continue ahead onto North Shore Drive, following the blue blazes of the MacEvoy Trail. Before you go. Turn left and follow this red/white trail along a footpath roughly parallel to Skyline Drive until you reach the parking area where the hike began. It is in both Passaic and Bergen Counties and is a separate park from the adjacent Ramapo County Reservation. ... We started from the bottom parking lot into the blue trail.... more. His widow occupied it until her death in 1940, and it fell into ruin in the late 1950’s. My girlfriend and I like to hike in Ramapo Mountain State Forest. There’s also the smaller, upper parking lot just a bit further up, also on the left. Ramapo Mountain State Forest protects 4,269 acres in the mountainous region of Northern New Jersey. The castle was built in the early 20th century by attorney Warren C. Van Slyke. My girlfriend called a friend of hers and asked if there were any other entrances. It turns right again onto a woods road, turns left onto a footpath before reaching a wide gravel road, then turns right and follows the gas pipeline for 350 feet. The forest borders the Ramapo Mountain Reservation, which is part of the Bergen County Park System. The area is open every day from 8 am to 8 pm. 17 Reviews (973) 962-7031 Website. From the upper lot on Skyline drive we were able to get to the Van Slyke ruins and the watertower, and back in a comfortable 3 hours. Address: On Google Maps, it is the parking lot at 265 Skyline Drive, Oakland, NJ. Hiking at Ramapo Mountain State Forest in NJ you’ll find rocky, hilly trails alongside lakes, waterfalls, ruins and more. ... We "started from the bottom" parking lot into the blue trail.... Read more. The improved trail options at this very popular day-hike destination will consist of the white-blazed Castle Loop, the purple-blazed Tamarack Loop, the blue-blazed Ramapo Lake Loop, and the green-blazed Todd Loop. At times we felt like the trails were over-blazed, but we hiked in the winter. From the viewpoint, the trail turns sharply right, makes a short, steep descent and follows along the side of a hill. Mailing Address: c/o Ringwood State Park 1304 Sloatsburg Rd. Ademski then subdivided the 15.9 acre parcel into three 5 acre lots. Continue to follow the white blazes as the trail passes several intersecting woods roads, then turns left, leaving the road, and climbs to cross Skyline Drive, a mile and a half from the start of the hike. A short distance ahead, the blue-blazed MacEvoy Trail leaves to the left, but you should continue ahead on the road, now following only the white blazes of the Castle Point Trail. Most of the trails East of the lake to the lower lot are in Bergen County where mountain biking is not allowed. Parking Lot C North Connector is a 384 m popular green dirt/gravel road trail located near Ringwood New Jersey. ( Log Out /  Parking your car with a bike attached to it and riding your bike on the trails are 2 completely different things doe. OAKLAND — In a gravel parking lot off Skyline Drive, at the mouth of Ramapo Mountain State Forest, a wooden sign greets visitors with a map, rules and several warnings. Birders are attracted to the forest for its ponds, streams, marshes and one fairly large lake that provide the perfect habitat for bird and other wildlife species. There are two parking areas on Skyline Drive. Includes Ramapo Mountain State Forest Reviews, maps & directions to Ramapo Mountain State Forest in Ringwood and more from Yahoo US Local. Change ). Sunrise Mountain & Culver Fire Tower Elevation profile (southbound) Location: Stokes State Forest, Sussex County, New Jersey. Read the “History” section of this post which explains the name change. On March 1, 1949, the Castle was purchased by Celeste and Robin MacFadden, who subsequently sold to Suzanne S. Christie on July 2, 1951. Visiting Ramapo Mountain State Park Information. You’ll want to pause here to rest from the steep climb and enjoy the view. if you can go mid week it is much better, we never go on the weekends. A rugged 4,269-acre area, Ramapo Mountain State Forest, with elevations ranging from about 200 to 1,100 feet, is a sanctuary for wildlife. Scenes From The Trail, 2020. ( Log Out /  Many multi-use trails are suitable for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and cross-country skiing. Is Foxcroft the same as the Van Slyke Castle? Once known as Rotten Pond, and later as Lake LeGrande, Ramapo Lake is the centerpiece of Ramapo Mountain State Forest. Continue on the white trail, which climbs to a stone tower. The forest was unfortunately sliced in two by the controversial extension of Route 287 in the early 1990’s by the NJ Department of Transportation. Get directions, reviews and information for Ramapo Mountain State Forest in Ringwood, NJ. Ramapo Mountain Great Loop is a 9.9 mile moderately trafficked loop trail located near Oakland, New Jersey that features a lake and is rated as moderate. Change ), You are commenting using your Google account. ( Log Out /  Please note that we are meeting at the UPPER PARKING LOT. Post was not sent - check your email addresses! In 1911, while traveling back to New York after a weekend at Foxcroft, Porter was killed in an automobile accident. Turn right, cross a stream, and follow the blue blazes along a wide woods road towards Ramapo Lake. Continue ahead, now following both blue and yellow blazes. It is in both Passaic and Bergen Counties and is a separate park from the adjacent Ramapo County Reservation. This may cause a problem when there is snow cover. The state forest built a network of hiking trails with the help of the New Jersey Youth Conservation Corps in 1978, some of which are still in use today. 17 Reviews (973) 962-7031 Website. In 1976 the area became state lands using Green Acres and federal funds. No description for Parking Lot C North Connector trail has been added yet! In half a mile, the trail turns right onto a woods road. On average it takes 3 minutes to complete this trail. High Mountain Park was a tree farm owned by Urban Farms, Inc., a subsidiary of McBride Enterprises of Franklin Lakes, NJ before its establishment as a preserve. There are several stream crossings on this hike that are fun and in times of high water, could be a little challenging. Then follow Skyline Drive to parking lots on the left (lower and upper parking lots). On a clear day, you can see the New York City skyline on the horizon to the left. Ringwood, NJ 07456-1799 (973) 962-7031. Hike to Ramapo Lake, Van Slyke castle ruins, and enjoy views of the reservoir and surrounding mountains from Wanaque ridge. ( Log Out /  Parking: N41.03247° W74.25218°. Variation, from same parking lot: Ramapo Mountain State Forest. He and his wife used the mansion as their summer home for a number of years. The entrance is pretty rutted, … Use caution if you wish to explore the remains of this once-elegant stone structure. Just beyond, there is another view from an open rock ledge to the left of the trail over the Wanaque Reservoir to the west. Although the trails are well marked, there are a significant amount of blazes painted on rock slabs in areas that are devoid of trees. Most of the trails East of the lake to the lower lot are in Bergen County where mountain biking is not allowed. It runs along a major ridge line between the Wanaque Reservoir (to the west) and the Ramapo River (to the east). 342 m green dirt/gravel road trail. On August 18, 1978, Suzanne Brussel sold the ruins to Bruce Ademski of the Ademski and Van Saun Home Improvement Company. Then follow Skyline Drive to parking lots on the left (lower and upper parking lots). Birders are attracted to the forest for its ponds, streams, marshes and one fairly large lake that provide the perfect habitat for bird and other wildlife species. In 1910 stock broker William Porter built the colossal granite mansion “Foxcroft” on the top of Fox Hill, selected for the commanding views it afforded. The trail follows the road for 200 feet, then turns left onto a footpath through the woods. When Warren died in 1925, Ruth moved to the castle permanently and remained there until her death in 1940. THIS IS A MODERATE/CHALLENGING HIKE of approx. Maps: Ramapo Mountain State Forest – NY-NJ Trail Conference; NOTE: The white-blazed Castle Loop, along with other trail changes, were instituted in 2020 as a series of trail improvements in Ramapo Mountain State … Parking Lot C North Connector is a 384 m popular green dirt/gravel road trail located near Ringwood New Jersey. The castle then sat empty for nearly two decades; until vandals broke in and burned it down I… Ramapo Lake Natural Area (1,417 acres): This natural area offers spectacular views from numerous rock outcroppings and ledges and rewards those who accept the challenge of the winding hiking trails and rocky terrain that comprise most of the site. After climbing over a stone wall on a step-stile, you’ll reach the ruins of a mansion. In 1913, Ruth married Warren Van Slyke and renamed their part-time retreat the Van Slyke Castle. 3 1/2-4 miles, approx. A ranger who was coming down the trail when I was going up circa 1983 warned me to stay out of the foundation because there were copperheads in it. Trails are extremely well-marked in Ramapo Mountain State Forest. Parking: Lower and Upper parking lots on Skyline Drive. → add an update. Rt 287 to Exit 57, north on Skyline Drive briefly – the “lower” parking lot is on the left, there is a large wooden sign but it comes up kind of suddenly. In the depths of the Ramapo Mountain State Forest in Passaic County, New Jersey, are the ruins of a castle built in the early 1900s. The reservation borders both Ringwood State Park and the Ramapo Mountain State Forest. Shorter: 6.4 miles, skipping the sidetrip to the Van Slyke Castle* and tower ruins. And really, you can’t go wrong with more blazes. Parking: For an out-and-back hike, park at the Sunrise Mountain overlook. I only remember the one ruined mansion with the pools and tower, and heard that it had burned in the late ’50s and early ’60s while the [MacEvoy] family was in Europe That, of course, could very well be a conflation of several events (I heard a conflated story that contained different pieces of events over 400 years from a booth attendant at Dunboy Castle in Ireland once). The highlight of this hike is the Van Slyke Castle ruins, but the trails are enjoyable as well. GPS Coordinates 41° 01’ 58.10” N 74° 15' 06.57" W. Size: 4,269 acres Several of its trails connect with those in Ringwood State Park to the west, Ramapo Mountain State Forest to the southwest, and Camp Glen Gray to the south, making possible a wide variety of rugged day-long hikes. Here, the Castle Point Trail ends, and you turn right to continue along the Cannonball Trail (white-“C”-on-red blazes). Several trail improvements, which aim to make the trails easier to follow, have been completed throughout Ramapo Mountain State Forest. Directions: Take Interstate 287 to exit 57. First added by Phillychris498 on Jan 12, 2014. Come enjoy the other side of the Ramapo Mt. Watch carefully as the Castle Point Trail briefly turns left onto a woods road, then immediately turns right before reaching the route of a gas pipeline. Trailforks scans ridelogs to determine the last time a trail was ridden. We parked at the upper lot for the hike described in … THIS IS A MULTI-GROUP EVENT Location: Bergen and Passaic Counties . Think of this as a heatmap, more rides = more kinetic energy = warmer colors. Ramapo Valley County Reservation Ramapo Valley Road (Route 202), Mahwah (201) 327-3500 . I-287 to Exit 57, Skyline Drive to the Lower Parking area (GPS: 41.047512, -74.251392) and Upper parking lot ( "No Parking" signs on the shoulders of both sides of upper Skyline Drive confine parking to the designated parking area with no overflow allowance). The intended direction a trail should be ridden. 342 m green dirt/gravel road trail. A rugged 4,269-acre area, Ramapo Mountain State Forest, with elevations ranging from about 200 to 1,100 feet, is a sanctuary for wildlife. Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email. Yes, Van Slyke Castle and Foxcroft Mansion are one and the same. Lower Parking. In full summer foliage, the abundance of blazes is probably needed. There is no swimming permitted in Ramapo Lake. This trail network is accessed by the Skyline Drive exit off I-287. The forest borders the Ramapo Mountain Reservation, which is part of the Bergen County Park System. Just beyond, the trail reaches the northern tip of Ramapo Lake. Ramapo Mountain State Forest includes 14 official trails, totaling more than 28 miles. The weekends get a little crowded, sometimes parking lot is closed (FULL). Please see: Trail Improvements in Ramapo Mountain State Forest for more info and updated trail map. The 1,417-acre Ramapo Lake Natural Area within the park, offers spectacular views from numerous rock outcroppings and ledges, and rewards those who accept the challenge of the winding hiking trails and rocky terrain that comprise most of the site. Colors indicate trail is missing specified detail. Ramapo Mountain State Forest 1304 Sloatsburg Rd Ringwood NJ 07456. Trails vary in length from less than 1 mile to 10 miles and many trails continue beyond Ramapo Mountain State Forest into adjacent County and State lands. As you approach the top of the climb, bear left onto a rock ledge that offers a spectacular view. 7.2 miles, moderate, with a couple steep climbs, but also some easy woods road sections around Ramapo Lake.. The lower section which takes you to the main parking lot is for hikers only. https://www.alltrails.com/parks/us/new-jersey/ramapo-mountain-state-forest I used to hike up there from the lake (and over to the cleared space for the power or pipe lines and down the road/driveway) in the early ’80s. Slightly challenging, but doable by the average hiker. After descending and crossing an old paved road, the trail turns left onto a woods road. A short distance off the highway, you’ll see the lower parking lot on your left. This "Completed Major Trail Changes" map shows the trail system in Wawayanda State Park as completed on September 17, 2020. Park Overview: A rugged 4,269-acre area, Ramapo Mountain State Forest, with elevations ranging from about 200 to 1,100 feet, is a sanctuary for wildlife. History of Site. A footbridge was built over the highway along the Cannonball Trail to mitigate this issue. Ramapo Mountain State Forest protects 4,269 acres in the mountainous region of Northern New Jersey. Directly below you is Ramapo Lake, with the Wanaque Reservoir to the right (west). NOT FOR BEGINNERS OR STRAGGLERS. Anton K.05/21/2020. ... Ramapo Mountain State Forest Trail map . The Todd Trail ascends to a grassy knoll, which affords a panoramic view over Oakland (on the left), with Crystal Lake in the foreground. Review of Ramapo Mountain State Forest. Here, a triple-white blaze marks the start of the Castle Point Trail. Follow the white blazes as they bear left onto another woods road, soon passing the trailhead for the Yellow Trail on the left, and then turn right into the woods. This hike begins from the upper parking lot, located between Rye Cliff and Tamarack Roads. Rt 287 to Exit 57, north on Skyline Drive briefly – the “lower” parking lot is on the left, there is a large wooden sign but it comes up kind of suddenly. I've driven past the parking lots for years, and finally got together with friends for an afternoon hike. Please obey all designated uses of the trails posted at trailheads and trail crossings. Parking: N41.03247° W74.25218° 62-70 Skyline Dr, Oakland, NJ 07436. Visiting Ramapo Mountain State Park Information. The forest borders the Ramapo Mountain Reservation, which is part of the Bergen County Park System. It is in both Passaic and Bergen Counties and is a separate park from the adjacent Ramapo Reservation. no photos have been added for Parking Lot C North Connector yet. The improvements include changing blaze colors and creating new trails. Parking: Lower and Upper parking lots on Skyline Drive. Ramapo Mountain State Forest 1304 Sloatsburg Rd Ringwood NJ 07456. Find Ramapo Mountain State Forest in Ringwood with Address, Phone number from Yahoo US Local. Follow this white-blazed trail as it winds downhill on a rocky footpath and then ascends from a shallow ravine. Just beyond, as the road curves sharply to the right, turn left, leaving the road, and follow the white-blazed trail as it climbs steadily and rather steeply. Ramapo Mountain State Forest protects 4,269 acres in the mountainous region of Northern New Jersey. Ramapo Mountain State Forest, located in Bergen and Passaic counties, has been closed this week as a precaution due to two encounters over the weekend by a potentially aggressive bear. Directions: Take Interstate 287 to exit 57. Indian Rock Trail Van Slyke Castle Loop – Ramapo Mountain State Forest, Ramapo Mountain State Forest Trails Brochure, Trail Improvements in Ramapo Mountain State Forest, Pyramid Mountain Loop – Pyramid Mountain Natural Historic Area, Prospect Mountain Preserve – Litchfield Land Trust, Leatherman’s Cave Loop – Mattatuck State Forest, Canopus Lake Overlook from Long Hill Road – Fahnestock State Park, Follow Scenes From The Trail on WordPress.com. This hike was done clockwise and begins directly across the road after crossing Skyline Drive. Contrary to what one might think at first glance, this was not a lookout tower; rather, it held a cistern that supplied water to the mansion (note the rusted pipes adjacent to the tower). Change ), You are commenting using your Twitter account. A 120-acre clearwater mountain lake provides an excellent spot for fishing and birdwatching. State Forest Hours: 8 AM to 8 PM; Fees: No entrance fee. First added by Phillychris498 on Jan 12, 2014. On a cold windy day, the trails were mostly deserted except for the area around the lake and at the castle ruins. The lower parking lot is located ¼ mile from Interstate 287 North (Exit 57). Submit one here. Just beyond, the trail bears left and soon reaches an unobstructed west-facing viewpoint over the Wanaque Reservoir and the Wyanokie Mountains. no videos have been added for Parking Lot C North Connector yet, Parking Lot C North Connector bike trail trail, Directions to parking-lot-c-north-connector trailhead, Parking Lot C North & South Connector (unmarked), Ramapo Mountain State Forest Trail Reports, embed Parking Lot C North Connector trail on your website. The changes being made to the trail system In Ramapo Mountain State Forest were sparked by a rise in visitation, which has been accompanied by a rise in lost hikers, leading to a persistent need for the services of local search and rescue. 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. When you’re ready to continue, follow the white trail uphill. The entrance is pretty rutted, … The lower section which takes you to the main parking lot is for hikers only. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited.

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