Ramapo Reservation Vista Loop Fall Hike

Ramapo Valley County Reservation
Mahwah, NJ

Hiking Trails:
River Loop Trail
Vista Loop Trail

Total Time: 2:05 hour
Estimated Distance: 3.4 Miles

Pros: Scenic lakes, good views
Cons: Busy area
Hike Type: Loop
Level of Difficulty: Slightly difficult

Google Maps of Parking:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/Pu4CNme1DEDA6L7h7

Hiking Partner:
Yehudah Koblick

This was a nice fall day around the peak foliage season. This area is nice with lakes, viewpoints, and nice scenery in general. We parked at the Ramapo Valley County Reservation main parking area, crossed the Mahwah River, and took the River Loop Trail to the 

Vista Loop Trail. We took the Vista Loop Trail past the waterfalls, which was mostly dry at the time, and then up to MacMillan Reservoir. We continued on along the trail to the view facing east, and then continued to the next view at Cactus Ledge. We then went to Hawk Rock and then climbed down the mountain and headed back to our car.

Map of the Route

Mahwah River at the Beginning of the Hike

River Trail

Bridge on the Vista Loop

Dry Waterfalls

MacMillan Reservoir Dam

MacMillan Reservoir

View on the Vista Loop

View of Ramapo College from Cactus Ledge

Cacti at Cactus Ledge

View from Hawk Rock

Scarlet Oak Reservoir

South Mountain New Trail

South Mountain County Park
Rockland Co, NY

Hiking Trails:
Long Path: Green blaze
New South Mountain Trail: Red blaze

Total Time: 1:45 hour
Estimated Distance: 3.0 Miles

Pros: Quiet area, good views
Cons: None
Hike Type: Loop
Level of Difficulty: Slightly difficult

Google Maps of Parking:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/HKnBh7kmErDxJm6L6

I had intended to take the Long Path at South Mountain along the ridge, but after parking and reaching the overlook over the quarry, I noticed a new trail blazed in red. I didn't see any documentation on this trail, but decided to take it and see where it leads me. I took the trail and noticed that it goes parallel to the Long Path on the southern section of the ridge.

I took the trail to see how far it went, and when I reached the communications tower I had to head back and didn't see the end of the trail. (Little did I know that I was very close to the end at the point.) I then took the Long Path back, stopping at the Cactus grove where there was a great view of the Manhattan skyline, and then continued on the Long Path back to my car.

Map of the Route

Overlooking the Gurnee Park Ampitheater

View of Cheescoate Mountain

View at the Quarry Overlook

Start of the New Trail on South Mountain

The New Trail Along the Southern Part of the Ridge

Trail Marker Indicating the Terminus of the Trail, Although the Trail Kept on Going

Split Rock Along the Trail

Small Ribbon Snake on the Trail

Communications Tower

Scenes Along South Mountain

View from South Mountain at the Cactus Grove

View of the Manhattan Skyline

Glacial Rock on the Long Path