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.
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| Map of the Route |
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| Fly Fisherman in the Cold Ramapo River |
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| Approaching Scarlet Oak Pond |
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| Scarlet Oak Pond |
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| View from Cactus Ledge |
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| View from the Unmarked Trail Past Cactus Ledge |
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| Crossing Bear Swamp Brook |
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| Waterfalls at Ramapo Reservation |
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