Wanaque Ramble - Wanaque Reservoir views, Van Slyke Castle, & a Lake! (Moderate)

Join leader on his backyard hike on rarely used trails in northern NJ. This hike has it all and is an excellent return on energy expended. Modest initial climb (450') rewarded by a magnificent ridge and Wanaque reservoir views. We will continue to Van Slyke castle then return via Ramapo Lake. Fit beginners are welcomed and encouraged but please check with the leader to see if this hike is appropriate for you and you are properly equipped. Be prepared for 7.5 miles/900' in 4 hours of hiking time on rocky trails with stream crossings. If you think you may need poles, you do.

Level will be at the upper end of moderate (2C+ on the old scale).

For those who may be short of time and think they may want to leave early or those who wish to use a map, I highly recommend Avenza (free) with the NY-NJ Northern New Jersey Highlands Combined Maps ($15 or so). AllTrails is great for telling you what to do, but nowhere near as good as Avenza with the TC combined maps for telling you how to do it.

Transportation information

Logistic information (please read before coming)

As always, Leaders In Training and those considering leading are strongly encouraged to contact L.

For drivers, plenty of parking!

AMC trip listing

Please note that Covid-19 persists in our region, with a recent upsurge in the number of cases. Out of consideration to fellow hikers, do not join this hike if symptomatic of Covid-19 or infected with it.