Our team at mybergen.com frequently hikes the trails of Ramapo Reservation. In this post, we will share insider tips about this gorgeous local resource.
Have you been to the Ramapo Reservation in Mahwah, New Jersey? The Ramapo Valley County Reservation (often called Ramapo Reservation) is a popular destination for Bergen County area hikers and nature lovers. The Reservation is a 4,000+ acre county park located a short distance from the Ramapo College campus at 608 Ramapo Valley Road, Mahwah, bordering Ringwood State Park to the north and the Ramapo Mountain State Forest to the south.
Few Things Can Match Nature’s Beauty
Nature is a truly magnificent thing, and it’s no wonder that so many people find solace in the beauty of Ramapo Reservation. From the towering trees of the forest to the gentle ripples on the lakes and ponds, there’s something about being surrounded by nature that can make us feel more connected to the world around us.
Another aspect of Ramapo Reservation’s beauty is the incredible diversity of life that exists. From tiny insects to majestic mammals, there are countless species that call our local Bergen County park home. And even within a single species, there can be so much variety in color, shape, and behavior.
Overall, the beauty of nature is something to be cherished. Whether we’re hiking through the more challenging trails or simply enjoying a stroll or picnic in the lower lake area, there’s always something to appreciate in the natural world that is accessible to us at Ramapo Reservation.
The following will provide you with an overview of this beautiful Bergen County, New Jersey park and all it has to offer. Enjoy!
Scenic Points of Interest, Fishing, and More
The Ramapo Valley Reservation offers hiking along a mountain brook with a waterfall, fishing in the Ramapo River, Scarlet Oak Pond, and MacMillan Reservoir (a valid NJ fishing license is required, no license is required under the age of 14), and tent camping. There are directional signs to the waterfall and other popular spots within the Reservation. Reservation trails connect to the network of trails in the adjoining state forest and state park. The Reservation also provides carry-in access to the Ramapo River for canoe and raft owners. Cross-country skiing is also available during the winter.
Ramapo Reservation Trails
There’s nothing quite like communing with nature as you stroll through Ramapo Reservation’s miles of scenic trails. Most trails are well-marked, but if you venture too far off the beaten path (so to speak), you can easily become confused and ultimately end up lost. Many a hearty hiker has set out for a brisk but brief nature walk, only to end up traversing trails throughout the hills of Mahwah, Oakland, and Ringwood for hours until they’ve found their way back to the reservation. A well-charged phone should be considered a necessity for quick access to directions and help if needed. Here is a link to a Ramapo Valley Reservation trail map provided by the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference. Fall foliage at the Ramapo Reservation is at its peak from mid to late October, and it’s truly something beautiful to behold, particularly if you hike some of the upper trails that provide spectacular views of the Ramapo Valley.
Wildlife at Ramapo Valley Reservation
New Jersey is home to 90 mammal species and 79 reptile and amphibian species. A visit to Ramapo Valley Reservation can be a great adventure for those who appreciate and respect our local wildlife. Depending on the season, you may encounter any number of the diverse types of wildlife listed below:
- White-Tailed Deer
- Bull Frog
- Fox
- Black Rat Snake
- Woodchuck
- Eastern Painted Turtle
- Skunk
- Marbled Salamander
- Groundhog
- Northern Water Snake
- Chipmunk
- Five-Lined Skink
- Snapping Turtle
- Much more!
We recommend visiting the NJ Division of Game & Wildlife website to prepare a wildlife checklist for your Ramapo Reservation visit.
Please leave all wildlife alone and keep your distance if possible. Take pictures if you like, but otherwise, keep your distance and certainly steer clear of any potentially dangerous wildlife. Always keep dogs leashed as they can frighten and occasionally provoke wildlife.
Bird Watching
New Jersey is home to more than 325 bird species. Because of the ponds, the Ramapo River, and the dense and riparian woodlands, Ramapo Reservation is a migration spot for birds and a popular destination for birders. You might see ravens, raptors, and other seasonal migrants, depending on the season. Ramapo Reservation is also a habitat for cedar waxwings, bluebirds, sparrows, and other birds. We recommend you visit the NJ Audubon Society’s website to prepare a bird-watching checklist for your birding adventure!
Be Aware! Bears, Rattlesnakes, Ticks, Leashless Dogs
Venomous Snakes
Visitors to Ramapo Valley Reservation should be on the lookout for venomous snakes, including timber rattlesnakes and copperheads. While sightings are rare, these venomous snakes call the Reservation home, and they have been spotted along most trails. Harmless pilot black snakes, black racers, garter snakes, ribbon snakes, eastern water snakes. Eastern milk snakes, hognose snakes, and other non-venomous snakes can also be found within the Reservation and are frequently mistaken for rattlesnakes and copperheads. Read more about venomous snakes in North Jersey.
Black Bears
Black bears are also spotted occasionally within the park vicinity in the spring, summer, and fall months. What should you do if you encounter a black bear?
Dogs Must Be Leashed at All Times
While we stress the need to remain alert to the possibility of encountering a venomous snake or black bear, you’re much more likely to be confronted by a leashless dog. The Reservation is a popular destination for dog walkers, and dogs must remain leashed at all times. Unfortunately, this rule is not always followed, which can be a nuisance and occasionally a hazard for hikers and other dog walkers. Bring your dog, but please be considerate of others who are also trying to enjoy the Reservation.
Beware of Ticks!
Ticks are an unfortunate hazard for almost any outdoor nature experience in New Jersey. Lyme disease is transferred to humans by bites from deer ticks. To help prevent this, avoid walking through tall grass and marshy areas and try not to brush up against trees and bushes. It is highly recommended that visitors to Ramapo Reservation wear hats, long sleeves, and pants with light-colored fabric to make it easier to spot ticks. Also, use insect repellents with DEET or permethrin. Use flea collars on your pets and brush them after being outside. Read more about ticks and Lyme disease.
Where to Park
You’ll find parking with easy access to the Reservation a short distance from Routes 17, 208, and 287. Get directions here.
Read more about the Ramapo Valley County Reservation.
This mybergen.com content feature is presented by Montclair Pickleball of Bergen County!
Ramapo Reservation too far from you? Here are other Bergen County area nature centers and parks that might be closer!
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