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New Jersey
9

New Jersey State Parks

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USA Parks
New Jersey
Gateway Region
Ringwood State Park
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Ringwood State Park © Mwanner at en.wikipedia / CC-BY-SA-3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Shepherd Lake in Ringwood State Park, New Jersey, USA. 18 September, 2005.
Ringwood State Park © Mwanner at en.wikipedia / CC-BY-SA-3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Shepherd Lake in Ringwood State Park, New Jersey, USA. 18 September, 2005.
Ringwood State Park © Dianne Clark
Ringwood State Park © Dianne Clark
Ringwood State Park © Dianne Clark
Ringwood State Park © Dianne Clark
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RINGWOOD STATE PARK
RINGWOOD STATE PARK
1304 Sloatsburg Road
Ringwood, New Jersey   07456
(lat:41.1304 lon:-74.246) map location

Phone: 973-962-2240
Dedicated in 1984, the garden is the culmination of two eras of landscape architecture under the direction of Francis Lynde Stetson, owner of Skylands from 1891-1922. The garden contains an extensive variety of plants, evergreens and deciduous trees and shrubs in specialty areas. Of particular interest are the crabapple vista, terraced gardens, perennial and annual gardens and woodland paths. The extensive vistas of the garden and veiw of Ramapo Mountains frame this 96-acre botanical showplace. Visitors can tour the gardens and surrounding woods year round.
History of the Area
Ringwood Manor

This beautiful country house, which was home for a succession of well-known ironmasters for nearly 200 years, sits comfortably on a low hill overlooking a landscape that looks as if it escaped from a painting. Iron production in this area began in the 1740s. In the mid-19 century, Ringwood Manor was owned by Abram S. Hewitt, America's foremost ironmaster. Tours are offered from Wednesday through Sunday year round from 10 am to 3pm. Please call in advance to check the daily schedule. Ringwood Manor is part of a National Historic Landmark District.

Skylands Manor

Skylands Manor with its English Jacobean architecture common in the English countryside 400 years ago, was designed by John Russell Pope for Clarence McKensie Lewis, a stockbrocker and civil engineer. Built in the 1920s, it is constructed of native stone and half-timbers. The weathered stone facade of this 44-room mansion blends into the landscape. The mansion contains rooms with antique paneling as well as new American Oak paneling and large windows, some of which contain 16th-century stained glass medallions. Moulded plaster ceilings and an elaborately carved staircase add the finishing touches to this impressive county house. Tours are offered one Sunday per month March through November.
Swimming
The spring-fed waters of the 74-acre Shepherd Lake are brisk and invigorating and offer swimming in the designated swimming area while lifeguards are on duty.
Boating
Visitors can enjoy boating activities on Shepherd Lake, a 74-acre lake located within the park. Rowboat rentals are available during summer months for those who do not own their personal boats. However, private craft owners should note that only electric motors are allowed to maintain tranquility in the area and protect wildlife habitats.
Fishing
You can enjoy freshwater fishing in several lakes and ponds, home to various species. Fish include largemouth bass, pickerel, perch and sunfish. The Sheppard Lake is stocked with trout during springtime for a thrilling catch-and-release experience. Fishing licenses are required for those aged 16 or over.



Picnicking
Ringwood State Park offers numerous picnic areas with tables, grills and restrooms. Some sites require a permit for use.
Bicycling
Biking enthusiasts can explore over 20 miles of marked trails. Be aware, the terrain varies from easy to challenging.

Mountain biking is permitted on specific paths only; respect signage and restrictions for safety reasons.

The Skylands Manor area offers less strenuous routes suitable for beginners or casual riders.

For those seeking a challenge, Crossover Trail provides steep inclines and rocky surfaces demanding skillful maneuvering.

Night cycling isn't allowed due to potential hazards in low visibility conditions - plan your trip accordingly during daylight hours.

Remember that helmets are required by law when riding bicycles on public lands within New Jersey.

Always carry water with you as there aren't many sources available along the trails.

Keep an eye out for hikers sharing these multi-use tracks - courteous trail etiquette ensures everyone's enjoyment!
Trails
An intricate system of marked hiking trails are available for the public to explore, some of which connect the Ringwood and Skylands sections of the park. These trails offer visitors opportunities to explore interior woodlands and rocky vistas.

Multi use trails are also available in the Skylands section of the park. These trails are suitable for hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, cross country skiing and snowmobiling. Please obey all designated uses of the trails, posted at the trail heads and trail crossings. A 7.5 mile mountain bike loop trail begins in the Shepard Lake section of the park. For information on this trail and mountain biking volunteer opportunities please visit Ramapo Valley Cycling Club Web site.

Please note that the trail difficulty ratings are opinion only. All trail mileages represent only the portion of the trail that goes through Ringwood State Park, and complete trail lengths could be longer, therefore a topgraphical trail map is recommended for navigation of the trails. Maps may be purchased in the park office or through the New York - New Jersey Trail Conference Web site. A park map is available in the park office.

Blue (Blue blazes) 1.5 milesModerate

Bus Stop (Red blazes) 1.5 miles - Easy

Cannonball (Red blazes) 1.5 miles - Difficult

Cooper Union (Yellow blazes) 5.0 miles - Difficult

Crossover (White blazes) 5.0 miles - Difficult

Cupsaw Brook (Blue blazes) 1.0 miles - Difficult

Halifax (Green blazes) 2.0 miles - Moderate

Hasenclever Iron Trail (yellow blazes) 5.3 miles - Moderate

Hoeferlin (Yellow blazes) 2.0 miles - Difficult

Pierson Ridge 1.0 miles - Difficult

Ringwood-Ramapo (Red blazes) 4.0 miles - Difficult

Shore (Blue blazes) 2.0 miles - Moderate

White (White blazes) 0.5 miles - Moderate

Brushwood Fire Roads (not marked) over 15 miles - Moderate to Difficult

Mountain Bike Loop (RVCC blazes) 7.5 miles - Difficult
Birding
Birdwatchers can enjoy a variety of species due to diverse habitats including forests, marshes and lakes. The park is home to numerous bird types such as warblers, vireos, thrushes and waterfowl. Birding enthusiasts may also spot raptors like hawks or owls during their visit.
Area Attractions
Special Events:Plant a tree in the name of a loved one in the CJ Foundation for SIDS Remembrance Forest. A tranquil one-acre sanctuary in the Skylands portion of the park will be dedicated to the CJ Foundation for SIDS on May 21, 2005 and will display an array of tree species common to the region. Visit www.cjsids.com for more information and details.

The State Botanical Garden:Dedicated in 1984, the garden is the culmination of two eras of landscape architecture under the direction of Francis Lynde Stetson, owner of Skylands from 1891-1922. The garden contains an extensive variety of plants, evergreens and deciduous trees and shrubs in specialty areas. Of particular interest are the crabapple vista, terraced gardens, perennial and annual gardens and woodland paths. The extensive vistas of the garden and veiw of Ramapo Mountains frame this 96-acre botanical showplace. Visitors can tour the gardens and surrounding woods year round, from 8 am to 8 pm. For more info check out the New Jersey State Botanical Gardens (NJBG) Skylands Association Web site. For information on wedding ceremonies and receptions in the gardens please call (973) 962-9370 or visit Frungillo Catering.

Ringwood Manor:This beautiful country house, which was home for a succession of well-known ironmasters for nearly 200 years, sits comfortably on a low hill overlooking a landscape that looks as if it escaped from a painting. Iron production in this area began in the 1740s. In the mid-19 century, Ringwood Manor was owned by Abram S. Hewitt, America's foremost ironmaster. Tours are offered from Wednesday through Sunday year round from 10 am to 3pm. Please call in advance to check the daily schedule. Ringwood Manor is part of a National Historic Landmark District. For more information on Ringwood Manor visit the New Jersey Highlands Historical Society Web site: www.ringwoodmanor.com.



Skylands Manor:Skylands Manor with its English Jacobean architecture common in the English countryside 400 years ago, was designed by John Russell Pope for Clarence McKensie Lewis, a stockbrocker and civil engineer. Built in the 1920s, it is constructed of native stone and half-timbers. The weathered stone facade of this 44-room mansion blends into the landscape. The mansion contains rooms with antique paneling as well as new American Oak paneling and large windows, some of which contain 16th-century stained glass medallions. Moulded plaster ceilings and an elaborately carved staircase add the finishing touches to this impressive county house. Tours are offered one Sunday per month March through November. For tour information please visit the NJBG/Skylands Association Web site. Skylands Manor is available for weddings and special events hosted by Frungillo Caterers. For more info please call (973) 962-9370 or visit Frungillo Catering.

Shepherd Lake Recreation Area:The spring-fed waters of the 74-acre Shepherd Lake are brisk and invigorating and offer swimming from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day from 10 am to 6 pm. Boating, canoeing and fishing are permitted with boat rentals available. A network of trails surrounds the lake leading to rocky vistas.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
August 28 question and review by Chris
park review stars; one to five Your park is magnificent - Are dogs allowed at Ringwood?
August 17 One of our favorite parks by zarafshan
park review stars; one to five this park was really,really,really good!i enjoyed too much at the picnic.i want to go there next summer again twice!
January 1 Something here for everyone..... by The Teacher
park review stars; one to five From historic buildings and gardens to historic relics sinking into the remote forest floor - swamps, ridges and trails galore. Hunting and fishing and hikes to beautiful vistas.... Ringwood State Park has it all....
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Area Fishing Related Businesses
Eastern Fishing & Outdoor
College Rd
Suffern, NY
(845) 356-6076
Davis Sport Shop
120 Route 17
Sloatsburg, NY
(845) 753-2198
Ramsey Outdoor Store Inc
835 Route 17 North
Ramsey, NJ
(201) 327-8141
Britt's Bait & Tackle
41 River Rd
Oakland, NJ
(201) 651-0900
Nearby Hotels
Booking.com

Directions
Take Route 287 to exit 57, follow signs to Ringwood State Park.

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New Jersey
9

New Jersey State Parks

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