Hike of the Week 01/14/05

WHERE: Ramapo Mountain State Forest

FEATURES: This hike climbs to several panoramic viewpoints in the Ramapo Mountains and loops around scenic Ramapo Lake.

LENGTH: 3.8 miles.

DIFFICULTY: Moderate

TIME: About three and one-half hours.

MAP: New York-New Jersey Trail Conference North Jersey Trails Map #22

DOGS: Permitted on leash.

HOW TO GET THERE: Take Interstate Route 287 to Exit 57 (Skyline Drive) and proceed north on Skyline Drive. Just ahead on the left is the Ramapo Mountain State Forest parking area.

DESCRIPTION: From the southern end of the parking area, follow the blue blazes of the MacEvoy Trail. The trail passes stone ruins, turns right onto a woods road, and heads uphill to Ramapo Lake. For much of the way, it parallels a brook with several cascades (particularly attractive after heavy rains). About half a mile from the start, the white-blazed Todd Trail begins to the right, and the MacEvoy Trail crosses a tributary stream. Continue along the blue-blazed trail. Soon, the lake comes into view, and the trail descends to reach a paved estate road. Turn left and follow the road downhill to the dam. Here, the blue blazes turn right, but you should continue ahead across the dam, now briefly following the yellow-blazed Hoeferlin Trail.

            About 100 feet beyond the southern end of the dam, look for three red blazes that mark the start of the red-blazed Lookout Trail. Turn left, leaving the lakeshore road, and follow the red trail, which rises briefly, then dips down to parallel a stream (the other side of the stream that you followed on the way up to the lake). Soon, it turns away from the stream and begins a steady climb for about a quarter of a mile. After leveling off, the trail passes a large rock ledge to the left, and begins to descend slightly. As the trail turns right, look for an unmarked path that bears left. Follow this unmarked path (which is somewhat overgrown) for about 350 feet to an expansive viewpoint which looks over Oakland and beyond to High Mountain. I-287 is visible to the left (unfortunately, the sounds of the traffic are quite audible, even at this distance), and, on a clear day, the New York City skyline can be seen on the horizon.

            After enjoying this rocky vista, backtrack to the Lookout Trail and bear left, now once again following the red markers. The red trail continues at about the same elevation, with several short but steep ups and downs, for two-thirds of a mile. Here, after a short climb, you will reach a junction with the yellow-blazed Hoeferlin Trail amidst pine trees. Turn left at this junction and follow the yellow trail. A few steps ahead along this trail is a viewpoint to the west, through the pines, from a large rock expanse. The Wyanokies stand out in sharp contrast against the horizon.

            The Hoeferlin Trail now begins a steady descent, steep in places. After passing a viewpoint over [lake?] to the southeast, the trail emerges on rock ledges, with a steep dropoff to the left. Just beyond, two industrial buildings may be seen to the left, with I-287 below. The trail now bears right and climbs slightly to a panoramic viewpoint from a large open rock, with High Mountain visible to the south beyond I-287.

            The trail now descends to cross a stream, then climbs to a junction with a woods road. It turns right and follows the road, then bears right at the next two junctions onto intersecting roads. In about 500 feet, the yellow blazes turn left, leaving the road, and reenter the woods on a footpath. The trail passes a huge glacial erratic, then begins a steady descent, first steeply, then more gradually.

            At the base of the descent, the Hoeferlin Trail reaches a wide woods road. Here, the yellow blazes turn left, but you should turn right, now following the Cannonball Trail, marked with white-“C”-on-red blazes. After crossing a stream, the trail ascends a rocky, eroded stretch of the road. In about half a mile, follow the white-“C”-on-red blazes as they turn right onto a level road that was once paved, then turn left onto a gravel road that circles Ramapo Lake. This nearly level gravel road is a welcome contrast to the rocky paths that you have followed for much of the way.

            The trail heads north, paralleling the western shore of Ramapo Lake, but remaining some distance from the water. In another half a mile, you’ll pass a building on the hillside to the left that was formerly used as a ranger station. A short distance beyond, a rock ledge to the right of the trail offers a pleasant view of the lake.

            Soon, another gravel road joins from the left. Follow the road ahead, crossing a stone causeway that isolates a quiet pond on the left from the main body of the lake. Next, you’ll reach another Y-intersection. Here, the Cannonball Trail turns left onto an intersecting gravel road, but you should bear right and continue along the lakeshore road, now unmarked. Bear left at the next fork and follow a winding section of the lakeshore road. After passing a small, abandoned stone building along the lake shore to the right, you’ll reach another intersection. Here, you should bear right, joining the blue-blazed MacEvoy Trail.

            Follow the blue-blazed gravel road that runs close to the shore along the northern end of the lake, passing a private residence on a ledge to the left. When you return to the northern end of the dam, bear left, uphill, on the road, then follow the blue blazes as they turn right, reentering the woods. Continue along the blue-blazed trail back to the parking area where you started the hike.

V3 Last updated: June 28, 2005   Copyright © 1996-2005  New York-New Jersey Trail Conference Privacy Statement.