The Ramapo Lake Loop is an 8-kilometer circuit trail within Ramapo Valley County Reservation, Bergen County's largest natural preserve, located at 584 Ramapo Valley Road in Mahwah, New Jersey. The reservation encompasses over 4,000 acres of the Ramapo Mountains and offers a well-marked trail network through varied habitats. The main parking lot off Route 202 North is free and open year-round.
The loop begins at the main parking area and climbs steadily on a combination of wide gravel paths and narrower dirt singletrack to Ramapo Lake, a scenic impoundment surrounded by mixed hardwood forest. The climb from the trailhead to the lake gains approximately 140 meters over the first 2.5 kilometers, with the steepest pitch on the upper approach. The lake area offers a relatively flat perimeter path and serves as the natural midpoint where most visitors pause to take in views of the water and the surrounding Ramapo Mountains.
Beyond the lake, the loop continues over the reservation northern ridge on a trail with intermittent views before descending back toward the trailhead through second-growth forest. The trail surface alternates between compacted gravel, dirt, and rocky outcrops; sturdy hiking shoes or boots are advisable, particularly on the ridge sections. Total elevation gain for the full loop is 200 meters, rating it as moderate and suitable for most fitness levels including families with older children.
The reservation borders New York and connects to the Harriman State Park trail system across the state line, enabling longer days for experienced walkers. Trail maps are available at a kiosk at the main parking area. The Ramapo Lake Loop can become very busy on fall weekends during foliage season from mid-October through early November; arriving before 9 a.m. ensures easier parking. No potable water sources exist on the trail; a 1.5-liter carry is recommended. Ticks are active from April through November and DEET repellent is advised throughout that period.
Trail facts
- Trail area
- Mahwah
- Best season
- April–November
What to bring
- hiking boots
- water
- trail map (free at trailhead kiosk)
- tick repellent
Location
Ramapo Valley County Reservation, 584 Ramapo Valley Rd, Mahwah, NJ 07430
41.0779, -74.2068 View on map
Highlights
- Ramapo Lake framed by the Ramapo Mountains — the scenic centrepiece of Bergen County's largest nature reserve
- 8 km loop with 200 m of gain through mixed hardwood forest and open rocky ridge
- Connects to New York's Harriman State Park trail network via the northern reservation boundary
- Free parking off Route 202 North in Mahwah with trailhead kiosk map
- Peak fall foliage on the ridge from mid-October through early November
Tips for visiting
- Arrive before 9 a.m. on fall weekends — the main parking lot fills quickly during foliage season and the road shoulder has limited overflow.
- Pick up a free trail map at the kiosk before starting; cell signal on the upper ridge can be unreliable.
- Carry at least 1.5 liters of water — no potable sources exist anywhere on the trail.
- Apply tick repellent before setting out; the reservation dense forest understory harbors deer ticks from April through November.
- Strong hikers can continue north from Ramapo Lake to connect with Harriman State Park in New York for a longer day.
When to visit
Mid-October through early November for peak fall foliage on the Ramapo ridge. Spring from April through May offers lower crowds and wildflowers along the lower paths. Avoid hot summer weekends when shade on the upper ridge is limited and the trail is heavily used.
Accessibility
The Ramapo Lake Loop trail consists of natural-surface singletrack and rocky outcrops and is not accessible to wheelchair or stroller users. The first section of wide gravel path from the main parking area is relatively flat and may be manageable with a sturdy pushchair as far as the lower trailhead junction.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a parking fee at Ramapo Valley County Reservation?
Parking is free at the main lot on Route 202 North. The lot can fill on popular weekends; limited overflow parking exists along the road shoulder.
How long does the Ramapo Lake Loop take?
Most hikers complete the 8 km loop in 2.5 to 3.5 hours at a comfortable pace. Allow extra time for breaks at the lake or on the ridge.
Are mountain bikes permitted on the Ramapo Lake Loop?
Mountain bikes are permitted on some trails within Ramapo Valley County Reservation, but certain sections including the loop perimeter near the lake are foot-traffic only. Check trail signage at the trailhead kiosk.
Can the loop be shortened for a quicker outing?
Yes. Hikers can follow the main path to Ramapo Lake and return the same way for a 5 km out-and-back with 140 m of gain, reducing total time to about 1.5 to 2 hours.
Is the Ramapo Lake Loop suitable for first-time hikers?
The trail is moderate and suitable for fit beginners or families with older children. The climb to the lake has a steady gradient with no technical scrambling. The rocky ridge section requires attention to footing.