NJ Botanical Gardens Hike from Ramapo Resrvation

This is the seasonal hike to the Botanical gardens

Distance: 14 miles round trip , or 7 miles if you bail out at the botanical garden and arrange for a car ride back.

Duration: 5-6 hours

Elevation gain: Approx 2,400 feet

Difficulty: Moderate hike at a moderate to brisk pace of 2.5-2.9 mph with several .5-1 mile uphill climbs and can be strenuous for some.

Gear: HEADLAMP, Clothing for changing temps/wind/RAIN; water; snacks Map: NY/NJ Trail Conference map for Northern New Jersey Highlands trails; Avenza phone app for Northern New Jersey Highlands or Ramapo County Reservation + Ramapo Mountain State Forest + Ringwood State Park(free version).

The Hike: Please read the entire description before signing up. Not recommended as a "first-ever" hike. This is a longer hike with several hills to climb over and can be somewhat strenuous. Hikers should not overestimate his/her abilities. There is no "sweeper" following the last hiker(s). The hike starts at the posted time.

The hike will starting from Ramapo County Reservation Parking lot. We will meet very briefly by the south end trail map (by the dumpster) and hike up the vista loop (yellow trail) and cross the brook twice via the halifax trail (Green Trail). This will take us into Ramapo State forest, then Ringwood State Park where we will climb over Mount Defiance via the pink trail (please note that trails are not as well blazed in Ringwood state park, but we will take the most direct route into the Botanical Gardens) We will spend 40-45 minutes in the gardens touring the grounds as well as breaking for a snack. We will return via the white trail and head south to Erskine Connector (blue trail for milder descend) and stop by the Ilgenstein Rock and the Bear Swamp lake on our way back to Ramapo Reservation via Silver/Red and blue trails. The hike will proceed rain or shine. Dog are welcome but they must be on leash, and be able to complete a 15 mile hike. Bailout is unlikely on this route as we are crossing 3 county/state parks with no road access or modern facilities in between. You can Uber back from njbg if you get too tired.

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NOTE: You are responsible for bringing appropriate gear, supplies, clothing, first aid, and lights. You should review topographic maps and trail features carefully; understanding topography of any hike is key to your knowing where you are, where you're going, and how to get back. See suggestions for GEAR on the "About" page for additional gear ideas.
If you join us for a hike (or any other event), please understand that you are responsible for your own preparedness and well-being and will hold no one else liable in case of injury or mishap. You agree not to hold the Organizer, Assistant Organizers, or any other members responsible for any injuries, mishaps, or any other situation that may happen at a planned event. You are responsible to research the event, know the area, and bring the proper gear.
Your attendance on a hike signifies that you have read and accept the terms of this liability waiver. Full waiver can be found on the ABOUT page.