HomeNew JerseyMahwah › Ramapo Valley County Reservation

Ramapo Valley County Reservation

4.8 ★★★★★ 2,006 Google reviews · Running trail in Mahwah, New Jersey · Posted hours

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Not reported
Distance
80 mi
Shape
Not reported
Shade
Not reported
Access
Posted hours

Confirmed from Ramapo Valley County Reservation's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.

80 miScenicDog-friendlyHillyRestroomsTrailhead parkingQuiet

Vast park on 3,313 acres with rugged trails & dog-friendly walking paths, a pond, reservoir & views.

What runners say about Ramapo Valley County Reservation

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (2,006 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

well-maintained 5 mentions

“For amenities, there are several portable toilets, but I've always found them to be surprisingly clean and well-maintained.”

🏞️ beautiful scenery 12 mentions

“Autumn foliage is stunning, and if you come in the early morning, you're sometimes treated to a beautiful, mystical fog over the water.”

🌾 quiet & peaceful 6 mentions

“Ramapo Valley County Reservation is such a beautiful and peaceful place to spend time outdoors.”

👟 good for all levels 2 mentions

“The trails are scenic, well worth exploring, and there’s a nice mix of easy walking areas and more challenging sections if you want a real hike.”

🐕 dog-walking favorite 6 mentions

“There are lots of dog walkers (must keep on leash, although I see friendly dogs running around all the time).”

Great place to avoid the 90+ weather. The trails weren't difficult. People we ran into along the trails were friendly, nice, and courteous. There's even trout fishing as you enter the trails; and, the campground is right there so one can have fresh fish. The reserve is also dog friendly so bring your DBF.

★★★★★ — Johnny , Jun 2024

Great local park with a lot of hilly trails. Very large and even some historical surprises within (since it is a surprise, I won’t mention it, but be on the lookout for something historical). There is a nice lake and some very nice streams. Definitely a very enjoyable place so close to the city.

★★★★★ — Hasan , Nov 2024

This very big area lot trails and paths and multiple water bodies. Highly recommended to have a trail maps if you’re going for first time to explore. There are lots of dogs in the park in beginning…more you go further you’ll not see many.

★★★★★ — Rajesh , Sep 2024

I went to this park looking for a new place to hike and I’ve definitely found one of my new favorite places to hike in Bergen County! There are bathrooms available next to the parking lot, the trails are very enjoyable and well managed. Beautiful views and perfect for birding for any bird enthusiasts!!

★★★★★ — Zuellie , May 2025

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 2,006 reviews →

Trail conditions & character

What this trail is actually like underfoot and overhead, taken from its own listing and from reviews. Each one links to every other trail with the same character. Busy or quiet is reported as a plain fact, not a plus or a minus — a runner heading out alone at dawn often wants company on the path, and someone running intervals wants an empty one.

🏞️ Scenic views 26 mentions

“We started with the blue yellow trail at scarlet pond, continued on the blue till the reservoir and then took the yellow trail on our way back to see the waterfall.”

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🐕 Dog-friendly 13 mentions

“There are lots of dog walkers (must keep on leash, although I see friendly dogs running around all the time).”

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🅿️ Trailhead parking 12 mentions

“A quick tip for first-timers: Weekends are extremely popular, and parking can be a real challenge, so try to come early.”

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🤫 Quiet / uncrowded 5 mentions

“Ramapo Valley County Reservation is such a beautiful and peaceful place to spend time outdoors.”

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⛰️ Hills / elevation 4 mentions

“Great local park with a lot of hilly trails.”

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🚻 Restrooms 3 mentions

“For amenities, there are several portable toilets, but I've always found them to be surprisingly clean and well-maintained.”

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🏃 Long-run distance (5mi+)

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Plan your run at Ramapo Valley County Reservation

The practical stuff

  • AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
  • Distance80 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit. Long enough for a real long run.
  • ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
  • At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
  • DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
  • Trail mapOfficial trail map
  • Websitebergencountynj.gov
  • Phone+1 201-327-3500
  • Social Instagram · Facebook

Hours

Monday 7 am–8 pm
Tuesday 7 am–8 pm
Wednesday 7 am–8 pm
Thursday 7 am–8 pm
Friday 7 am–8 pm
Saturday 7 am–8 pm
Sunday 7 am–8 pm

Posted hours for the park or trailhead. Gates and parking lots often close earlier than the trail itself, and seasonal hours change — worth a check before a pre-dawn or after-dark run.

Where to find Ramapo Valley County Reservation

608 Ramapo Valley Rd, Mahwah, NJ 07430

Get directions

Running trails near Mahwah

Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.

Scarlet Oak Pond Walk

4.7 ★★★★★ 169 reviews

Mahwah, NJ

LoopScenicDog-friendly

Park featuring a lake and wooded areas, popular for hiking and dog walking.

under a mile away

Ramapo River Access - Ramapo Reservation

4.9 ★★★★★ 12 reviews

Mahwah, NJ

under a mile away

1.1 miles away

New York-New Jersey Trail Conference

4.6 ★★★★★ 67 reviews

Mahwah, NJ

196 miScenic

1.1 miles away

Continental Soldiers Park

4.6 ★★★★★ 277 reviews

Mahwah, NJ

MixedScenicDog-friendly

Clean field featuring a playground for kids as well as sporting grounds.

1.2 miles away

Mary Patrick Park

3.7 ★★★★☆ 6 reviews

Mahwah, NJ

1.9 miles away

All running trails in Mahwah, NJ →

Nearby towns

Listing verified July 2026 from public records, the trail's own website and runner reviews. Trail conditions change — paths flood, gates close at dusk, and shaded woods stay muddy for days after rain. Something out of date? Report a correction. Manage this trail? Send us the details — it is free.