North Jersey is full of stunning hiking destinations. There’s the Delaware Water Gap, of course, but also Norvin Green State Forest, Longpond Iron Works State Park, Jockey Hollow, and so much more. One of our favorite parks in the northern part of the state leads to a beautiful mountain lake in New Jersey. Ramapo Mountain State Forest is a gem, and you should add it to your list of New Jersey bucket list hikes.
The Spur Trail in Ramapo Mountain State Forest is just one of many trails that wind through the woods here, but it’s one of our favorites.
AllTrails / Snjezana Bursac It’s a simple 2.3-mile trail with just over 300 feet of elevation gain, and it’s enjoyable for the whole family.
Some of the trail is rocky with steep and loose footing, so be sure to wear sturdy shoes and take your time on the switchbacks.
AllTrails / Ed Lowenhal
There’s one spot where you’ll have to cross Ramapo Lake Brook. It’s easy to find a simple crossing, but more adventurous hikers can also rock-hop across the wider part of the brook.
AllTrails / Elyssa Plaza
A good portion of the trail is either paved, or on flat, even ground, though, so you won’t have to rock-hop for long!
AllTrails / Kyle Krejdovski
The payoff for the tricky footing and stream-crossing is the beautiful view of Ramapo Lake from a rocky shoreline.
AllTrails / Samuel Kim Climb up on one of the boulders or glacial erratics for a beautiful view!
Because this is a relattively simple and short trail, it’s popular for sunrise or sunset hikes, depending on the time of year.
AllTrails / Piggy Piggy The view of the sun on the horizon of Ramapo Lake is so worth the effort - but bring a headlamp to light your way! Be aware that hiking around dawn or dusk increases your chances of spotting one of the forest’s many black bears, so hike in groups and make some noise as you navigate.
You can find trail maps and more park information on the New Jersey DEP page for Ramapo Mountain State Forest. It’s one of the best places to hike in the Garden State!
AllTrails / Snjezana Bursac
It’s a simple 2.3-mile trail with just over 300 feet of elevation gain, and it’s enjoyable for the whole family.
AllTrails / Ed Lowenhal
AllTrails / Elyssa Plaza
AllTrails / Kyle Krejdovski
AllTrails / Samuel Kim
Climb up on one of the boulders or glacial erratics for a beautiful view!
AllTrails / Piggy Piggy
The view of the sun on the horizon of Ramapo Lake is so worth the effort - but bring a headlamp to light your way! Be aware that hiking around dawn or dusk increases your chances of spotting one of the forest’s many black bears, so hike in groups and make some noise as you navigate.
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Address: Ramapo Mountain State Forest, Wanaque, NJ 07465, USA
