Ramapo Reservation Pre-Winter Hike

Ramapo Valley County Reservation
Bergen Co.,
New Jersey

Hiking Trails:
Pond Loop: Silver blaze
Cactus Ledge Shortcut Route: Unblazed
Vista Loop: Yellow blaze
Ridge Loop: Blue blaze
River Trail: Orange/Green Trail

Total Time: 1:35 hours
Estimated Distance: 2.9 miles

Pros: Steep climb, great view, waterfalls
Cons: Very busy area, especially on weekends
Hike Type: Loop
Level of  Difficulty: Difficult

Google Maps of Parking:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/eLQwfjzKfMiEWcnQ8

I had found the two non-marked trails on Ramapo Reservation that are shortcuts to Cactus Ledge earlier in the year in the summer. I wanted to explore the area a bit more, now already in the cold weather in December. I parked in the main parking lot of Ramapo Reservation, and crossed the river on the bridge and took the Pond Loop on the busy path, and then took the unmarked trail at the bend where the trail starts climbing the mountain.

I took the steep trail up to Cactus Ledge, which is a great view, and then continued on the Vista Loop Trail. I took a spur trail to another previously unexplored rocky viewpoint. I then bushwhacked back to the Vista Loop and then took the Ridge Loop. Near the waterfalls I took an unmarked trail down above the falls and cross the brook to the Vista Loop to the waterfalls. The waterfalls was once again flowing nicely, and was partially icy from the cold weather. I then continued along the River Trail back accross the bridge and back to my car.

Map of the Route

Fly Fisherman in the Cold Ramapo River

Approaching Scarlet Oak Pond

Scarlet Oak Pond

View from Cactus Ledge

View from the Unmarked Trail Past Cactus Ledge

Crossing Bear Swamp Brook

Waterfalls at Ramapo Reservation

North Hook Mountain Haverstraw Beach

Hook Mountain State Park /
Rockland Lake State Park /
Haverstraw Beach State Park,
Rockland Co.,
New York

Hiking Trails:
Long Path: Green blaze
Treason Trail: White blaze

Total Time: 1:55 min
Estimated Distance: 3.7 Miles

Pros: Good river views
Cons: Creepy tunnels and bushwhack
Hike Type: Reverse lollipop
Level of  Difficulty: Slightly difficult

Google Maps of Parking:
https://goo.gl/maps/dtPUUPejWzoWgE4b7

This hike completed all the missing links of my hikes on the Long Path on the Palisades Ridge including New York and New Jersey. It was the northern part of Hook Mountain from Haverstraw. I parked on Route 9W, right past Route 304, and took the Long Path up the mountain. I went passed the main summit and the continued up and down the next set of summits, along the narrow ridge with nice views of the Hudson River to the east.

I then turned around and took the Treason Path down the mountain as it snaked down to the bike path along the river. I then took the spur to the small peninsula by the Hudson River, and then went back and then took the woods road to the railroad tunnel. The woods road was overgrown, and then I had to bushwhack up past the tunnel which was annoying. I then took this route back to my car.

Map of the Route

Ascending Hook Mountain from the North

Buck on the Trail

Hudson River and Power Lines

Hudson River in the Distance

Croton Point View Across the Hudson River

Descending on the Treason Trail

View of the Light in the Hudson River

Old Quarry Near the Treason Trail

Freight Train Going through the Tunnel

Old Ruins Near the Hudson River

Hudson River Waterfront

Treason Site Plaque

Old Creepy Tunnel Under the Railroad