The Ramapo Ramble Trail Sounds Intense, But It’s One of the Best Hikes in New Jersey

Given that it's such a small, densely built state, I'm always impressed by just how many green, unspoiled areas there are left in the Garden State. The Ramapo Valley County Reservation, located in a peaceful area of northern New Jersey near the town of Mahwah and some of the state's best ski resorts, is home to some amazing ruins — as well as to what sounds like a particularly scary hiking trail in New Jersey. But names can be deceiving, because the Ramapo Ramble Trail certainly brings adventure, but it's much less intimidating than it sounds at first glance.

A "Ramble" evokes visions of a rocky, challenging path that requires bouldering and other off-trail heroics, but this is actually a 4.2-mile path that rates a moderate classification at AllTrails. The Ramapo Ramble Trail is a great way to see some of the more rustic and less-built areas of the reservation, but it's a popular enough hiking spot that you won't encounter anything out of the ordinary for an avid hiker to navigate. It's your portal to adventure, not danger, and it has some surprises in store for anyone who braves it.

Why Is It Called the Ramapo Ramble Trail?

The Ramapo Ramble Trail is known as one of the most wilderness-inspired hikes in New Jersey, with the entire reservation being located in a mountainous region. The 4,000-acre woodland is already one of the least-visited major parks in the state due to its remote location and being part of the county parks system rather than a designated state park, so the hikers here trend towards the adventurous sort.

What the Hike Is Actually Like

While it sounds intimidating, the Ramapo Ramble is actually a pretty great moderate hike suitable for anyone who has decent footwear and a bit of experience hiking rocky terrain. It comes in at 4.2 miles and is a loop trail with 715 feet of elevation gain. You'll encounter a few beautiful small waterfalls along the way, and much of the hike takes you along the perimeter of Ramapo Lake.

What To Know Before You Go

For those coming to the lake, keep in mind that swimming is strictly prohibited due to the lack of lifeguards or safety infrastructure at this beautiful, remote destination. It is a popular fishing lake, known for its abundant largemouth bass, yellow perch, catfish, and more. The park is typically open from sunrise to sunset and is open year-round for adventurous hikers. It will be pretty close to deserted during the winter months, although it is close to the popular Campgaw Mountain Ski Area.

Is the Ramapo Ramble Trail Worth Hiking?

This is a true hidden gem of a hike, featuring a great combination of forest, rocky paths, and wide-open water. It's definitely worth hiking if you're up for some uneven terrain, but as someone who's hiked on some of the more challenging paths in Maine, this is far more accessible and a great place to see some of New Jersey's most peaceful vistas.

Have you explored the Ramapo Ramble Trail in the Ramapo Valley County Reservation yet? If not, this scary hiking trail in New Jersey is likely to be perfect for exploring without big crowds, so tell a hiking buddy about this article and discover its charms for yourself! You can see more photos of the trail on the official AllTrails trail listing, and make sure to visit the Ramapo Valley County Reservation website to confirm the current hours and amenities at the park before you go. While you're in the sprawling park, make sure to check out the Van Slyke Castle ruins for one of New Jersey's most memorable sights, and you're only a short drive from Mahwah, a peaceful small town that's a perfect way to spend the evening after your hike.

Looking for more off-the-beaten-path adventures in the Garden State? Check out Only in Your State's list of the best hikes in New Jersey to plan your next trek into the woods!