Ramapo Mountain State Forest

Ramapo Mountain State Forest is a woodland area in northern New Jersey covering thousands of acres with hiking trails winding through deciduous forests and around a central lake. The terrain includes varied landscapes with trails suitable for different skill levels.

The forest lands were originally home to Lenape Native Americans who named the region based on their language. The area was later established as a state forest to protect its natural landscape.

The forest provides a natural classroom for environmental education programs where students and researchers study local ecosystems and wildlife populations.

Multiple parking areas and trail entrances serve visitors with maps available at kiosks throughout the property. The best visiting times are during autumn and spring when weather conditions are most favorable for outdoor activities.

From certain overlooks hikers can glimpse the New York City skyline while surrounded by undisturbed forest, creating an unusual contrast between wild nature and distant urban development. This combination of wilderness and city views appears nowhere else nearby.

Location: New Jersey

Website: http://state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/ramapo.html

GPS coordinates: 41.03281,-74.25182

Latest update: December 9, 2025 18:45