Ramapo Mountain State Forest
4,200-Acre Mountain Forest — Ramapo Lake, Van Slyke Castle Ruins, Rocky Ridge Hiking, Mountain Biking, NYC Skyline Views, Oakland NJ
Ramapo Mountain State Forest is a state forest accessed from 67 Skyline Drive, Oakland, Bergen/Passaic County, New Jersey. The forest features 4,200 acres of rugged mountain terrain in the Ramapo Mountains, the 120-acre Ramapo Lake with scenic shoreline trails, Van Slyke Castle ruins (early 20th-century estate on Castle Point), challenging rocky ridge hiking with panoramic views including NYC skyline, mountain biking on intermediate-to-advanced technical single-track, Wanaque Ridge with views over Wanaque Reservoir, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in winter, and abundant wildlife in the northern New Jersey highlands.
Ramapo Mountain is North Jersey’s premier outdoor destination — 4,200 acres of rugged mountain terrain just 35 miles from Manhattan, with NYC skyline views from the rocky ridgelines. The Van Slyke Castle ruins — remnants of an early 20th-century estate perched on Castle Point — are the most photographed spot in the forest.
The 120-acre Ramapo Lake sits in a mountain bowl surrounded by forested slopes — trails encircle the lake for a scenic loop hike. Note: swimming is prohibited in Ramapo Lake.
Things to Do
- Hiking — rocky ridges, lake loop, castle ruins
- Mountain biking — technical single-track
- Castle Point — Van Slyke Castle ruins
- Ramapo Lake — 120-acre scenic loop
- Ridge views — NYC skyline, Wanaque Reservoir
- Winter sports — XC skiing, snowshoeing
Park Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | 67 Skyline Dr, Oakland, NJ 07436 |
| Size | 4,200 acres — Ramapo Mountains |
| Lake | Ramapo Lake — 120 acres (no swimming) |
| Trails | Multi-use — rocky, technical terrain |
| Parking | Skyline Dr lots — fills early weekends |
| Managed By | NJ Division of Parks and Forestry |
| Coordinates | 41.0328° N, 74.2518° W |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you swim in Ramapo Lake?
No — swimming is prohibited in 120-acre Ramapo Lake at Ramapo Mountain State Forest in Oakland, NJ. The 4,200-acre forest offers rocky ridge hiking with NYC skyline views, Van Slyke Castle ruins on Castle Point, mountain biking on technical single-track, and Wanaque Ridge overlooks. Parking on Skyline Drive fills early on weekends. NY-NJ Trail Conference maps recommended for navigation on the rugged, rocky trail network.
Last updated: May 2026
