Bergen Co.,
New York
Hiking Trails:
Vista Loop Trail: Yellow blaze
River Trail: Orange/Green blaze
Total Time: 0:35 hour
Estimated Distance: 1.1 Miles
Pros: Scenic area
Cons: Very busy and crowded area
The previous day has a featured a large coastal storm with several inches of rain. I had time for a quick hike near my work at Ramapo Reservation. Fall foliage was in peak color, and it lasted later than usual than in previous years. I parked in the main parking lot, took the trail across the Ramapo River, and then took the River trail. The River Trail had many problems, from fallen trees to flooding, and each time I had an obstacle, I contemplated turning around. However, I persisted, but at the last flooded area, I fell off an unstable branch in the water and fell knee deep into the water. I then took the Vista Loop Trail back, taking the path parallel to Scarlet Oak Pond, back to my car.
The pictures below were taken with my cell phone camera.
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| Map of the Route |
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| Scarlet Oak Pond |
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| Scarlet Oak Pond and Hawk Rock |
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| Scarlet Oak Pond Eastern Shore |
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| Scarlet Oak Reservoir and Fall Foliage |
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| River Trail Trailhead |
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| Felled Tree Blocking the River Trail |
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| Large Puddle Blocking the River Trail |
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| Very Large, Impassible Flooded River Trail |
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| Scarlet Oak Pond, on Return Route |
