Department of Environmental Protection

New Jersey State Park Service

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Ramapo Mountain State Forest Overview

Sweeping views of the New York City Skyline and the surrounding hillsides await outdoor enthusiasts.

Ramapo Mountain State Forest offers hikers and mountain bikers miles of trails for their enjoyment. From meandering old roads, to historic trails, to more challenging rock scrambles, the area offers something for outdoor enthusiasts of all skill levels. The central feature of the area is the scenic 120-acre Ramapo Lake, which has spectacular views from numerous rock outcroppings and ledges, and offers excellent opportunities for fishermen. The ponds, streams and marshes found within the forest provide the perfect habitat for birds and other wildlife species. The forest borders the Ramapo Mountain Reservation which is part of the Bergen County Park System.

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. A 120-acre clearwater mountain lake provides an excellent spot for fishing and birdwatching. There is no swimming permitted in this lake.


Trail Map

Hiking
A system of marked hiking and multi-use trails are available for the public to explore. These trails offer visitors opportunities to hike interior woodlands and rocky vistas.

Mountain Biking
The multi use trails are suitable for mountain biking.

Visitors may bring canoes, kayaks and other boats inside the Ramapo Lake Natural Area, which is open daily. There is no vehicle access to Ramapo Lake. Boats must be carried in approximately 1.2 miles.

Fishing
A 120-acre clearwater mountain lake located within Ramapo Lake Natural Area provides an excellent spot for fishing

A valid New Jersey fishing license is required for anglers 16 years of age or older.

Hunting
Hunting is permitted in specific sections of the park and is subject to the regulations of the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife regulations.

View the Ramapo Mountain State Forest hunting map.

Ice Fishing
Ice fishing is permitted in the Ramapo clearwater lake during the winter months.

A variety of bird species can be seen around any of the ponds, streams and marshes throughout the park. Ramapo Lake Natural Area also provides an excellent spot for birdwatching.

A NJ State Park Service Special Use Permit is required for various types of short-duration, organized activities and/or events within a state park, forest and/or historic site. Examples of organized activities and/or special events include, but are not limited to press events, commercial photography and/or filming, corporate events, fundraisers, festivals, demonstrations, walkathons and races, concerts, Televised events and/or commercial use of or on State Park Service lands and/or waters. 

To learn more about Special use Permits click here.

Access for Persons with Disabilities
The Ramapo Mountain State Forest facilities are partially accessible for persons with disabilities. Please contact the park office at 973-962-7031 for further information regarding disability access needs. Text telephone (TTY) users, call the NJ Relay & CapTel Service at 711 or 1-800-852-7897 for English or 1-866-658-7714 for Spanish.

All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs)
Recreational use of ATVs is not permitted on NJ State Park Service property. This includes state parks, forests, recreation areas, golf courses, marinas, natural areas, historic sites, and preserves. Thank you for your help in protecting New Jersey’s natural and historic resources. [N.J.A.C. 7:2-3.4(d)]

Smoking
State law prohibits the smoking of tobacco and use of electronic smoking (vaping) devices in all state parks, forests, historic sites, recreation areas, golf courses and marinas. [N.J.P.L.2005, c.383 (C.26:3D-56)]

Alcohol
Alcoholic beverages are not permitted in state parks, forests, recreation areas, golf courses, marinas, natural areas, historic sites, and preserves. [ N.J.A.C. 7:2-2.6 ]

Ice Skating
There is no ice skating permitted anywhere in the park.

Keep Your Park Clean and Green
Protect plants and animals and care for your parks by taking your trash with you. Whatever you carry into the park, plan on carrying it out too. It’s like crowdsourcing trash management! Bring a bag or two for trash, recycling and cleaning up after your pet. There are no trash receptacles in this park. Thank you!

Swimming
No swimming.

Pets
Pets must always be on a leash no longer than six feet in length and under the control of the owner. Please clean up after your pets.

Tick Protection
Use insect repellent, wear light-colored clothing, tuck pants into socks, stay on trails, check yourself when you get home, shower and wash clothes immediately.

Be Bear Aware
Black bears are found throughout New Jersey. Do not approach or attract bears by making food available. Feeding bears is dangerous and illegal. Never run from a bear! To report an aggressive bear, call 1-877-WARN-DEP (1-877-927-6337) immediately. Please report any damage or nuisance behavior to the park office. Visit the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife at www.njfishandwildlife.com for additional information on bear safety.

Related Links

Ringwood State Park

Park Map

Area Map

General

Phone Number
973-962-7031

Physical Address
67 Skyline Dr
Oakland, NJ 07436

Mailing Address
c/o Ringwood State Park
1304 Sloatsburg Rd.
Ringwood, NJ 07456

Email Address
Ringwood@dep.nj.gov

Park Hours

Gate Open daily from sunrise to sunset.
Park Office N/A

Park Fees

Entrance Fee None

Other Related Fees
Map / Directions

GPS Coordinates
41.032855, -74.251862