Hiking Ramapo Lake - panoramic view tree outdoor landscape nature mountain sky autumn plant cloud background lake painting forest surrounded distance
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Hiking in Ramapo Lake: trails, map and practical info

Northern New Jersey • New Jersey

4.7 Appreciated by 13 hikers
François Dumaine
By François Dumaine • Contributor since 2022 • Updated 23/06/2026
Ready to go See map
Difficulty
Easy
Distance
6 km
Elevation
220 ft
Duration
2h15
Max altitude
267 ft

Escape to a pristine mountain lake just an hour from New York City with this 5.6 km loop through Ramapo Mountain State Forest in Northern New Jersey. The easy 2h15 hike features rocky outcrops, forest trails, and panoramic lake views that make this one of the region's most rewarding day trips.

Recommended for :
Beginners

Ready to explore Ramapo Lake? Here's everything you need to know before you go!

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Trail description

The Trail Experience

The main attraction here is the 5.6-kilometer loop trail that circles the entire lake, delivering an easy workout with 122 meters of elevation gain spread throughout the hike. Plan on about 1 hour and 50 minutes to complete the full circuit, though you'll likely want to linger at several scenic spots along the way.

[...remainder stays the same...]

Recommended gear for this trail

LGPO Pick
Elixir Tour Mid WP
Salomon
Elixir Tour Mid WP
4.5 (2847 reviews)
Waterproof mid-height boot ideal for rocky terrain
203.38 $
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Daylite Plus 20L
Osprey
Daylite Plus 20L
4.7 (3215 reviews)
Lightweight and versatile for day hikes
109.99 $
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Most Popular
Wide Mouth 1L
Nalgene
Wide Mouth 1L
4.8 (12540 reviews)
Unbreakable and BPA-free — a hiking essential
23.11 $
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Best Value
Trail Ergo Cork
Black Diamond
Trail Ergo Cork
4.4 (1456 reviews)
Comfortable cork grip for long ascents
69.99 $
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Actik Core 625
Petzl
Actik Core 625
4.6 (1893 reviews)
USB rechargeable with 600 lumens for early starts
103.95 $
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Ready to go?

Everything you need to know before you go

Where?

Address
Ramapo Lake, New Jersey, USA
GPS coordinates
41.0372697, -74.2670834
Phone
Not available

Starting Point

The ramapo lake is located in Mahwah, New Jersey. To get to the start of the trails, take exit 168 from Route 17 and head east on Ramapo Valley Road. The entrance to the park will be on your left.

When?

Opening hours
From sunrise to sunset
Varies by season
Best season
Fall
Spectacular colors
Best time
Early morning
Less crowded
Weather (next days)
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How much?

Entry fees
Adult
Not available
Child
—
What to bring?
Gear
Download the PDF checklist
Water & food
2L minimum
No water point on the trail
Bring energy snacks for a 4h+ hike
Good to know
Park rules
No dogs
Safety
Download the GPX before you go
Limited cellular coverage on the trail
Slippery after rain
Be careful on rocky sections
In an emergency
Emergency
911
Parking GPS
41.0372697, -74.2670834
Center
Not available

Hikers' opinions

4.7
1 Reviews
A
Anonymous
Jan 15, 2024
Beautiful lake nestled in the Ramapo Mountains with peaceful surroundings. The 2-3 hour hike offers a moderate challenge with 122 meters of elevation gain through scenic woodland trails. The crystal-clear water and surrounding forest create a perfect escape from city life. Note that parking fees apply and dogs aren't permitted, so plan accordingly for your visit.

FAQ - Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know
Easy
220.00 m
267.00 m
2h15
No
No
Yes, Ramapo Lake trail is rated as Easy, making it suitable for beginners and hikers with basic fitness levels. The 122 m elevation gain is moderate and accessible to most people starting their hiking journey.
The Ramapo Lake trail is 5.6 km long. Combined with the Easy difficulty rating, this makes it a manageable hike for most visitors.
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Update : June 2026