Ramapo Reservation Thanksgiving Hike

Ramapo Valley County Reservation
Mahwah,
Bergen Co.,
New Jersey

Hiking Trails:
Vista Loop Trail: Yellow blaze
River Trail: Orange/Green blaze

Total Time: 2:00 Hours
Estimated Distance: 3.5 Miles
Level of Difficulty: Moderate
Level of Recommendation: Highly Recommended

Points of Interest: Scenic lakes, waterfall, and good views
Cons: Area is very busy, especially at the beginning of the hike

Hiking Partner:
Aaron Parnes

The past Sunday was raining all day, so was happy to be off on Thanksgiving to do a hike. We parked at the Ramapo Reservation parking lot, and took the the Vista Loop Trail on the side of Scarlet Oak Pond, and then climbed the mountain to Hawk Rock and Cactus View, offering excellent views of Ramapo College and the Manhattan skyline in the distance.

We continued along the Vista Loop to the Ridge Overlook, and then down to the Macmillan Reservoir. We then took the trail alongside the waterfall, which was flowing strong, to the River Trail and then back to our car.

Map of the Route

View of Ramapo College from Hawk Rock

View from Hawk Rock Facing East

Aaron Parnes at Hawk Rock

Me at Hawk Rock

Scarlet Oak Pond in the Distance 

Manhattan Skyline from Cactus Ledge

Scarlet Oak Pond from Cactus Ledge

Me at Cactus Ledge

Me and Aaron Parnes at Cactus Ledge

View along the Vista Loop

Another View of the Manhattan Skyline

Me at the View

Aaron at the View

Oak Pond Reservoir

Waterfall along the Vista Loop

Brand New Bridge right after the Waterfall on the Vista Loop Trail