The best walks and hikes around Ramsey
4.9
(46)
586
hikers
73
hikes
Hiking around Ramsey offers a variety of trails, many of which explore natural areas and state forests. The region features routes with diverse elevation changes, from gentle paths around natural areas to more challenging ascents within mountain reserves. Hikers can find options ranging from short loops to longer excursions, providing opportunities to experience varied terrain.
Best hiking trails around Ramsey
- The most popular hiking route is Vista Loop Trail, a 3.6 miles (5.8 km) trail that takes 1 hour 42 minutes to complete. This easy loop offers accessible outdoor exploration.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is Bear Swamp Lake loop via Halifax Trail — Ramapo Mountain State Forest, a moderate 8.2 miles (13.3 km) path. This route leads through Ramapo Mountain State Forest, featuring significant elevation gain.
- Local hikers also love the Scarlet Oak Pond loop via Vista Loop — Ramapo Mountain State Forest, a 1.3 miles (2.1 km) trail leading through Ramapo Mountain State Forest, often completed in about 31 minutes.
- Hiking around Ramsey is defined by trails through state forests, mountain reserves, and natural areas. The network offers options for different ability levels, from easy loops to moderate climbs.
- The routes in Ramsey are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.9 stars from over 40 reviews. More than 500 hikers have used komoot to explore Ramsey's varied terrain.
Last updated: April 26, 2026
27
hikers
4.09km
01:10
100m
110m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
12
hikers
7.68km
02:16
220m
220m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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8
hikers
17.0km
05:01
500m
500m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(2)
5
hikers
6.23km
02:00
260m
270m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4
hikers
13.8km
03:56
340m
260m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
Spanning about 250 feet long and rising 20 feet tall, this low-flowing dam is constructed of concrete faced with stone. Only a thin veil of water typically trickles over the spillway of this impressively long barrier, which holds back the reservoir's contents.
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Bear Swamp Lake is a large lake in Ramapo Mountain State Forest. It is surrounded by woodland, so it is a great spot to find a quiet spot next to the water to enjoy a picnic.
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Bear Swamp Lake is a large lake in Ramapo Mountain State Forest. It is surrounded by woodland, so it is a great spot to find a quiet spot next to the water to enjoy a picnic.
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Spanning about 250 feet long and rising 20 feet tall, this low-flowing dam is constructed of concrete faced with stone. Only a thin veil of water typically trickles over the spillway of this impressively long barrier, which holds back the reservoir's contents.
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Spanning about 250 feet long and rising 20 feet tall, this low-flowing dam is constructed of concrete faced with stone. Only a thin veil of water typically trickles over the spillway of this impressively long barrier, which holds back the reservoir's contents.
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Take in spectacular sights from Cactus Ledge, where the NYC skyline is visible on clear days. More immediately, gaze out over the serene Scarlett Oak Pond nestled below this beautiful overlook within Ramapo Valley County Reservation. Another, ideal vantage point on the Vista Loop trail to admire the scenery.
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Hawk Rock offers panoramic views of the Ramapo Valley Reservation's northern section. Lake Henry can be seen below, while the Ramapo River is harder to discern beyond the trees. During fall, this viewpoint displays spectacular foliage in vibrant shades of orange, red and yellow.
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Great view of the Ramapo River from the crossing on the Vista Loop Trail. The river is a tributary of the Pompton River and at this point, is a calm, slow flowing body of water. The river is popular among fly fishers looking to catch trout.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many hiking trails are available around Ramsey?
There are over 50 hiking trails around Ramsey, offering a wide range of options for different preferences and skill levels. These include routes through state forests, mountain reserves, and natural areas.
What kind of terrain can I expect on hikes in Ramsey?
Hikes around Ramsey feature diverse terrain, from gentle paths in natural areas to more challenging ascents within mountain reserves. You'll find trails winding through forests and offering varied elevation changes.
Are there any easy hiking options suitable for beginners or casual walkers?
Yes, Ramsey offers many easy hiking options. There are 26 easy routes, such as the Vista Loop Trail, which is 3.6 miles long and takes about 1 hour 42 minutes to complete. Another easy option is the Scarlet Oak Pond loop, a shorter 1.3-mile trail.
Can I find longer, more challenging hikes in the Ramsey area?
Yes, for those seeking more challenging routes, Ramsey has 30 moderate trails and 2 difficult trails. A popular moderate option is the Bear Swamp Lake loop via Halifax Trail — Ramapo Mountain State Forest, an 8.2-mile path with significant elevation gain.
Are there any circular hiking routes around Ramsey?
Many of the trails around Ramsey are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Vista Loop Trail and the Celery Farm Natural Area loop.
What natural attractions or landmarks can I see while hiking near Ramsey?
While hiking near Ramsey, you can encounter several natural attractions and landmarks. These include bodies of water like Wild Duck Pond, Ramapo Lake, and Glasmere Ponds. You might also find viewpoints such as the Pirie Platform at Celery Farm Natural Area and Warm Puppy Rock.
Are the hiking trails around Ramsey suitable for families with children?
Yes, many of the easy and moderate trails around Ramsey are suitable for families. Routes like the Vista Loop Trail and the Scarlet Oak Pond loop offer accessible outdoor exploration for all ages.
What do other hikers say about the trails in Ramsey?
The hiking trails in Ramsey are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.9 stars from over 40 reviews. Hikers often praise the varied terrain and the opportunities to explore state forests and natural areas.
What are the elevation changes like on trails around Ramsey?
Elevation changes on trails around Ramsey vary significantly. Some routes, like the Scarlet Oak Pond loop, have minimal elevation gain (around 12 meters). More challenging trails, such as the Bear Swamp Lake loop, can feature over 330 meters of ascent.
How long do hikes in Ramsey typically take?
Hike durations in Ramsey vary widely depending on the route. Shorter loops, like the Scarlet Oak Pond loop, can be completed in about 30 minutes, while longer, moderate trails such as the Bear Swamp Lake loop might take over 3 hours and 45 minutes.
Are there any historical sites or man-made structures to see on hikes?
Yes, some routes may lead you past interesting man-made structures. For instance, you can find the MacMillan Reservoir Dam and the Van Slyke Castle Ruins in the vicinity of Ramsey's hiking trails.
Most popular routes around Ramsey
Most popular attractions around Ramsey
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