Ramapo State Forest Challenge: Views, lakes, & a castle – Strenuous
Details
Join Bionic Man (aka the leader) on a variation of his training hike.
This hike has it all – Wanaque Reservoir Views, Van Slyke Castle, Ramapo Lake, NYC Views, and rarely seen views of Pompton Lakes using a rarely used trail as well as a possible bear sighting – last time I saw it, it waved its paw at me as if to say, “nice to see you again!”.
Hiking time is expected to be around 6 hours covering 14 miles/1,500’. We will take the occasional aesthetic break as well as lunch. I expect the day to take around 7 hours.
Your reward at the end of the day will be a hot tub and/or swimming pool for those with more time (First four who let me know).
For self-sufficient hikers who might be short of time or miscalculate their energy, there are early bailouts. If you think this might be you, please bring a map – I highly recommend the Avenza app on your cell phone with the NY-NJ Northern New Jersey Highlands (Combined).
While the distance on this hike merits a strenuous, the pace will be a “compassionate” vigorous.
This hike is targeted toward solid vigorous hikers who want to challenge themselves with a longer day or strong hikers who want a longer day on rarely used trails. If you have not done a vigorous hike of at least 10 miles before, please contact the leader to verify this is a hike that is appropriate for you as this is a big day for most hikers.
Side note: For those who have joined me on the much shorter variation of this hike, this hike is significantly harder. If you are thinking of coming, you must meet the requirements in the previous paragraph.
Current forecast is good, but if it changes, rain will cancel.
Please note that Covid-19 has persisted in our region from its onset in 2020. In the interest of public health, please do not join this hike if symptomatic of Covid-19 or infected with it.
Ramapo State Forest Challenge: Views, lakes, & a castle – Strenuous