RINGWOOD STATE PARK

RINGWOOD STATE PARK

	RINGWOOD STATE PARK
Location:	New Jersey
Nearest Town:	RINGWOOD
Directions to Trailhead:	TAKE 208 OR 287 TO SKYLINE DRIVE GO RIGHT @EXIT PROCEED TO END (A FEW MI)MAKE RIGHT PROCEED A FEW MILES THAN MAKE SECOND RIGHT ONTO SLOATSBURG RD. YOU SHUOLD SEE SIGNS FOR THE PARK AT THAT PIONT....ONCE IN PARK PROCEED TO LOT C,YOU WILL SEE THE TRAIL HEAD.
Trail Description:	ONCE YOU GET OUT OF THE LOT YOU MAY THINK ITS ALL FIRE ROADS BUT KEEP YOUR EYES OPEN AND YOU WILL FIND ENDLESS AMOUNTS NJ'S MOST TECHNICAL SINGLE TRACK(YOU WANT THE GREEN TRAIL)ITS GOT ROCKS,CLIMBS,KILLER DOWNHILLS YOU NAME IT....ALSO ITS VERY EAST TO GET LOST SO FIND SOMEONE IN THE PARKING LOT TO HOOK UP WITH!
Trail Length:	ENDLESS
Trail Type:	Singletrack & Fire Roads
Skill Level:	Advanced
Submitted By:	NORTH JERSEY MOUNTAIN BIKE CLUB

from Ringwood Date: June 29, 2003 Trail Ridden: Please Select
Recommended Route: I apologize for doing this, but I am a Ringwood State Park employee and I just wanted to let you know that the directions on this site aren't very good! Here is my revised version: Take 287 to exit 57, "Skyline Drive, Ringwood" Take Skyline Dr approximately 4 mi. up and over the mountain until you reach the very end Bear RIGHT at the intersection onto Rt 511 (Ringwood Ave) follow that about 2 mi. and make your 2nd RIGHT onto Sloatsburg Rd ( it's a turn that kind of sneaks up on you, so be aware that it is coming up if you are going around a blind turn) Follow Sloatsburg Rd about another 2 mi. and make your 2nd RIGHT onto Morris Rd ( there will be signs for Shepherd Lake and Skylands botanical gardens) Follow Morris Road all the way to the top, through the stone eagles, and past the toll. Bear to the left when the road splits and you will see signs for lot C. PLEASE ALSO NOTE THAT THERE IS A $3 PARKING FEE ON WEEKENDS!!!! Thanks! Hope this helps! Enjoy our trails! Other recommended trails in the same area: Ramapo Lake, Norvin Green State Forest
Review: Great trails! Be sure to have a map!	Overall Rating:

Eric from RINGWOOD Date: June 9, 2003 Trail Ridden: Once a week
Recommended Route: I take a trail from behind my school and make a left onto a fire road and take the road to the parking lot an go from there. Other recommended trails in the same area:
Review: THESE TRAILS ARE AWSOME. they have everything. crazy downhill course. The logs are very well placed and are carved out so your sprocket wont dig into it. The drops are great and the rock gardens are better. If you ever get the chance i strongly recomend these tralis. There are trails for everyone. I like to challenge myself so i just go for the toughest trail i can find. It is easy to get lost for people who dont live there. i suggest you ride with a freind just in case. GOOD LUCK!	Overall Rating:

Free-Riding Freddy from Franklin Lakes, NJ Date: February 10, 2003 Trail Ridden: Once a week
Recommended Route: Parking Lot C to white trail - green trail - red trail -yellow trail - green trail - red trail to shepard's lakes - road back to C ya! Other recommended trails in the same area:
Review: YO YO YO. Don't even think about trying this with out full body armor. You be straight trippin' otherwise. Strap dat shit on yo cause you best get ready for da pain!....bitch! yeah you see me on the cammo green cannondale...da one wiff phat travel. but you only gonna see me in da lot...then i be like the hardest nigga in a stolen police car...straight gone. maybe i'll sign an autograph when i get back. shout out to my monsta huckin' niggas...B-Dog, PAP Loose!	Overall Rating:

Philo Beddoe from south plainfield Date: January 24, 2003 Trail Ridden: Once a year
Recommended Route: 287 to Skyline, go to the top near the resovior and make a right. Other recommended trails in the same area:
Review: Previous review sounds like Ramapo basin to me, but anyway this place is massive. I once got lost on a solo ride for about 6 hours with no water. Had to ride back to the park on RT 287. Sick!! Did a couple of races hear back in the day also around 94'. Love this place, you could find new stuff every time you go. Never was able to find the trail back to Ramapo basin though.	Overall Rating:

dirty dave from dirty jersey Date: December 3, 2002 Trail Ridden: Once a week
Recommended Route: skyline drive to the upper parking lot Other recommended trails in the same area: graham hills, clauseland, tallman(beleive it or not, that place is some super hard shit @ night-I almost dropped a nut out there!!!)
Review: i never go to the other side of this place, which is good and bad. If you take 287 to skyline drive exit go straight off of the exit pass the first parking lot you see. That's the lower parking lot. you can end up there if you wish. proceed a mile up the drive to the second parking lot. take the pavement about 150 yards, keep your eyes peeled for a trail on the right when the pavement curves to the left. The trail is a small 7-8 foot hill. follow that trail, but be careful, 6 inches or more travel recommended. when you get to the lake go left around the lake a eventually you end up at the lower lot. this is perfect if you are by yourself with no shuttle. Go downhill, some flat, sick rockgardens, a couple 8 foot drops (i haven't even taken these drops yet, cuz they're f***ing hairy!!!) good technical riding	Overall Rating:

vince from bergen county NJ Date: November 9, 2002 Trail Ridden: Once a week
Recommended Route: park in parking lot C its free except from labor day to memorial day its $3.00 Other recommended trails in the same area: still my fravorite place to ride is stewarts air force base but it is closed form october-feb. due to hunters.
Review: very nice ride super fast if you know the trail if you have never been there it is easy to get lost but the trail are very well marked do the race course you will love it lots of climbs and lots of downhills lots and lots of rocksin some areas but all in all super fun also the green trail is fun	Overall Rating:

Dawg from New England Date: November 6, 2002 Trail Ridden: Ridden Once
Recommended Route: Skyline to bottom Other recommended trails in the same area: Wish I knew more!
Review: Nick knows whats up. Trail is SICK. Comparable to North Van., easy. Joe and his boyz are inSANE.	Overall Rating:

VStoked from Oak Date: September 26, 2002 Trail Ridden: Please Select
Recommended Route: Other recommended trails in the same area:
Review: Please not that the review below should say COUNTER CLOCKWISE around the lake. Sorry for the false info.	Overall Rating:

Very Stoked from Oakland Date: September 26, 2002 Trail Ridden: Once a month
Recommended Route: I parked at Ringwod Manor. That was a mistake cause it was a climb to the Lake. I would probably park at Sheppard Lake. Take the lake Clockwise and look for the red trail on the right, you'll have a good climb here but keep going and eventually you run into the race course. take a left. From there I just went and eventually got lost. I'd suggest doing the same. It's more fun that way. I asked a couple dudes where to go and they helped me out. Other recommended trails in the same area: Ramapo Mountain State Park is my home turf. But a little trip to Ringwood isn't so bad....at all!
Review: This Place Rocks.... no pun intended...eh! Anyway it was very challenging and the trails are very long. I like that it gives you more time in the saddle and more experience. It's quiet there too. You are really out in the middle of....well... Jersey but you know what I mean. I would recommend this place to the avid explorer with some good skills. I consider myself a pretty good rider and this place had a lot to offer. Some spots I nailed others got nailed. I am definately going back very soon. PEACE DOG!	Overall Rating:

dave from Date: September 3, 2002 Trail Ridden: Once a month
Recommended Route: race course is marked, otherwise bring a map. One can get lost Other recommended trails in the same area:
Review: What can I say that hasn't already been said. This is hands down my favorite spot in the tri-state area and I want to keep it that way. STAY OFF THE HIKING TRAILS!!! Lately, I've seen bikers on the hiking trails. If you love riding here, keep off of the hikers trails. If you see others riding hiking trails, tell them to stay out. All it takes is one pissed off hiking group and we're out of there. Remember Watchung and South Mountain? The place is big enough for everyone.	Overall Rating:

Remo from Ringwood, NJ Date: August 12, 2002 Trail Ridden: Once a week
Recommended Route: Any trail is great! Cannanball trail to Devil's cliff for some spectacular views. Yellow and white trail to Bear Swamp Lake - Stop for 10-15 minutes to appeciate the views from the top of the mountain, (awesome). Green trail is always a good workout. Other recommended trails in the same area: Ramapo Mountain trail in Oakland, Wawayanda
Review: I have lived in Ringwood my whole life and I finally bought my own home right on the edge of the park. I go up on the mountain 2 or 3 times a week and depending on the day, you can spend more than 3 hours or more EXPLORING. That is what is so great about this area, you can take a different route every time and it is just a blast to see where you end up. Be warned, there are a lot of hills, rocks and mud holes, wear your gear, take 2 tubes and fill up the spare water bottle. This is one of the best spots around, so be courteous to hikers and the appreciate the surroundings!	Overall Rating:

R. from JERSEY CITY Date: August 1, 2002 Trail Ridden: Once a month
Recommended Route: Parking lot C. Enter the trail head and go right and then follow the fireroad/doubletrack up the mountain and look for single track offshoots when you get to the top. Other recommended trails in the same area: Plattekill
Review: Foolow the racing trail. It is highly technical. Drops, switchback, decents. Good long climbs. Rocks and trees. Just watch out for the rattlesnakes. I ran into one two weeks ago. There's somwthing here for every level of rider.	Overall Rating:

Clayt from All over Date: June 17, 2002 Trail Ridden: Ridden Once
Recommended Route: Anything but the red trail going uphill from the green trail to the gasline. You'll be walking or carying your bike the whole time. (unless you like to do that) Other recommended trails in the same area:
Review: Just rode it this past weekend with two buds of mine. For the first time being there it was like a recon trip. We did'nt really know where to go but parked in the "C" lot to a green trail (uphill) then to a red trail (uphill again). Actually, we pretty much hiked for the first 40 minutes. My advise if never there; park up at shephards lake and head off to the right on the race course and follow that. I was dissapointed with the poor signage even on that though. A great trail though is the cut along the gas line. Great for mud and very rocky desents. I'll give it 3 tires for now until I find more and get more familiar with the place to give it more. Definately a good chalenging place though.	Overall Rating:

JC from NY/VT Date: April 26, 2002 Trail Ridden: Once a week
Recommended Route: Other recommended trails in the same area:
Review: I'm fortunate enough to ride a lot in Vermont, but when I'm not there this is the place! An awesome area! Probably some of the finest riding around featuring great climbs, lots of technical stuff that can make the most experienced riders pucker up, and many miles of trails. Including the race trail, I have experienced three distinct routes, with some but minimal overlap, that are all awesome. And it's always amazing that in spite of the number of cars in the lots, you don't see many people on the trail. Quite frankly, it's hard to believe that this area is actually in NJ. This is a great area for riders of all ability; there's something at Ringwood for everyone. Further, the RVCC and/or JORBA take extremely good care of this area with regular trail maintenance. Helmets off to them!	Overall Rating:

Nick from NJ Date: March 25, 2002 Trail Ridden: Once a month
Recommended Route: Start at the upper parking lot on skyline drive. The ride all the way down to the baseball fields. Keep shuttling that route Other recommended trails in the same area:
Review: This place was awesome! Easily the best freeriding in NJ. Some HUGE drops, great way to get in shape for Plattekill. Some nice rock gardens too.	Overall Rating:

rokhoppr from union NJ Date: March 9, 2002 Trail Ridden: Once a month
Recommended Route: 24 W, 287 N, exit 57, left off exit right onto Pool Hollow rd, park on right side of street, state land. Other recommended trails in the same area: Hartshorn, Chimmeny Rock, CheeseQuake, Hunter Mnt, South Mtn, Killington
Review: I have rode at Ringwood many times, but today I rode the Cannonball trail for the first time. it was totally awsome. I have no other way of describing it. The length is endless and the terrain is so diverse. It was a definit good time. It was very technical and inclined, but the ride back to where we parked was well worth it. There is another ride in the future coming up. It is for the more advanced riders, and don't forget your body armor!!!!!!!	Overall Rating:

Dick from West Milford Date: February 2, 2002 Trail Ridden: Once a month
Recommended Route: I like to start from Shepherds Lake and either take the Race Loop ( well marked ) which is the high side or the Governor Mountain out and back. Other recommended trails in the same area: Waywayanda State Park. This is the other great riding area in NJ after this travel for variety only.
Review: The Race Loop is probably the most challenging marked mountain bike trail in the state. I've never come close to cleaning it. It throws everything at you; rock gardens, log ramps, hairpin climbs,fast and long decents and mud at certain times of the year. There are other trails that branch off and extend your ride for many hours. Just be sure you know where you're going as it's easy to become lost and find yourself far far away from where you started. Governor Mountain. Great ride but there are major mud holes at certain times of the year. If you're in shape you'll love this ride. From the Shepherds Lake upper lot take the double track trail on the right as you exit the lot. Make a sharp right by a yellow rusting asphalt paver which you'll see just off the main trail. Now follow your map. You will cross Morris road and Cartondale Rd. on the way.After you cross Morris you follow the yellow trail. The last piece to the top of Governor Mountain is a bike carry up a steep rock scramble but the view from the top is worth it.The last piece is also a loop which you'll see on your map.	Overall Rating:

MARTY from AVENEL Date: January 25, 2002 Trail Ridden: Once a week
Recommended Route: STARTING AT LOT C I ALWAYS END UP PASSING A CAR HALF BURRIED ON A TRAIL ABOUT 3 MILES NORTH OF THE LOT. I'M NOT SURE WHAT THIS TRAIL IS BUT EVENTUALLY YOU CAN HOOK UP WITH THE GREEN TRAIL WHICH IS AMAZING. THE RACETRACK IS RIDEABLE FOR MOST OF US BUT I'VE BEEN BEATEN UP COMING DOWN THE SWICHBACKS. Other recommended trails in the same area: ALLAMUCHY
Review: I;VE RIDDEN IN MOAB AND IN THE PISGAH SO MOST NEW JERSEY TRAILS ARE FORGETTABLE. RINGWOOD IS ANOTHER STORY ALLTOGETHER. THESE TRAILS JUST GO EVERYWHERE. DON'T BE FOOLED BY THE LAME AND AWFUL TRAILMAP THAT WE ALL SEE IN THE BOOKS AND ON THE RINGWOOD PARK GUIDE. THE GOOD ONES START OFF THE LOOP AND JUST GO IN EVERY DIRECTION. THE ROCKS HERE ARE NOT AS BRUTAL AS SOURLANDS BUT THE HILLS GO ON FOREVER. THERE ARE TRAILS FOR EVERY LEVEL OF RIDER AND THE SINGLETRACK IS AWESOME! IF YOU RIDE ALOT AT HARTHSHORNE OR CLAYTON CHECK THE WEATHER AND CONDITIONS AS THE SNOW STAYS AROUND MUCH LONGER UP HERE. CONVERSELY, ITs' COOLER IN THE SUMMER AND SHEPARDS LAKE IS A GREAT DUNK AFTER A SWEATY RIDE. GO FOR IT!	Overall Rating:

Riggs from Bronx, NY Date: November 26, 2001 Trail Ridden: Ridden Once
Recommended Route: Can't remember since I came with a friend, so find someone who knows and write down the directions...IT's WORTH IT!!!! Other recommended trails in the same area: Our crew is mainly from the Bronx, so with regard to that I must first and foremost recommend Van Cortlant, and for the rookies I suggest the Hunter trail @ Orchard Beach. Other places that we've visited are Fahnestock State Park and FDR State Park (which is also great for rookies).
Review: I've only been to this trail once with my bike mechanic, his friend, and my buddy the Mad-man. I gotta tell ya that this trail is a lot of fun for guys who REALLY LOVE TO RIDE! This trail is so diverse, that you can vary you ride to your liking. There are also a couple of really sick downhills, but for the XC FREAKS (like yours truly) there are aolt of great climbs and descents, and plenty of technicals to help you practice control. I'll definitely come back!!! Once again, I Gotta give my shouts to my peeps from Da Boogie Down Bronx- Da MadMan, Murdock, Snake-Eyes, O-dog, D-man, P., J.Cruz, J.Fernandez, WD40, Da Hammer, Capt. Clitti, & My Brother Oli. I couldn't finish this review by paying tribute to our good friend "BINGO" who we lost Sept. 11. "WE Miss you, Bingo!!!"	Overall Rating:

Howie from Hopatcong Date: November 1, 2001 Trail Ridden: Please Select
Recommended Route: Grab a map and start exploring. Other recommended trails in the same area:
Review: With all the reviews on this page it's hard to say anything that has not yet been said. The ride rocked, nice fast decents, some technical sections, and pleanty of trails to keep you busy. The shot gun range can get kind of annoying but makes a good referance point while your checking the map. If you'd like to see some pictures of ringwood and a copy of the trailmap go to www.geocities.com/mtbtrailblazer and click on trails icon.	Overall Rating:

Bruha from Morris County Date: July 3, 2001 Trail Ridden: Once a week
Recommended Route: The RVCC Race Trails or the Green Trail that takes you to Skyline Drive and Cannon Ball Trail. We park at lot A (By the Botanical Gardens) or Shepards Lake. Once in a while we start at Lot C. Other recommended trails in the same area: Cannonball Trail, Wawayanda, Mahlon Dickerson, Kittatiny, Mountain Creek in the summer
Review: Love it!!!RVCC puts on about 5 races each year. They all start from Shepards Lake Parking area. They vary the races a little. Most all of the race is rideable unless you get behind slow riders on some technical climbs. The laps vary from 5.5 miles to 8.5 miles. The main race loops take between 38-55 minutes depending on ability. Be careful riding down Deadmans Singletrack(you'll know when you get there) and going down the Switchbacks (the ride up the Switchbacks and Deadmans will challenge the best riders). "Novice riders should get off their bikes at the Switchbacks and Deadmans Singletrack or you will donate blood". We ride here twice a week and enjoy it every time. There are plenty of other trails to explore but make sure you stay together as getting separated is easy. If you stick to the brown bike trail markings you should be okay but if you get lost ride north until you hear gun fire and that should lead you to the lake (that's where the shooting range is). Try to find someone to ride with that has ridden here before. The Green Trail if you can find it, is a great challenge. Take it until you find the markings 'c'(red in color) for CannonBall Trail and this will lead you to Skyline Drive between Ringwood and Oakland (you will come out of the woods by the Compost site on Skyline Drive). From Shepards lake to this spot takes me about 1 hour but the ride back makes it a killer. Never checked the distance but I assume it's between 18-20 miles.	Overall Rating:

Gtpers from Fairfield, NJ Date: June 20, 2001 Trail Ridden: Once a week
Recommended Route: Part 2... ELI, ELI, ELI! Ringwood is no Chimney Rock? Other recommended trails in the same area: Waywayanda, Allamuchy, Chimney Rock.
Review: First off, I like Chimney rock. But geeze! I ride all 4 areas (some trails both ways) and am only riding for 2+ hours. The first time I rode there, my feet never came out of the pedals! It's fun, but really. We ride the whole place after work during the week. It isn't even in the same league either as an epic ride and definately not even close as far as technically challenging. Sorry, you seemed to have made the same mistake that many make . Now get back there and go with someone who knows it! Great stuff awaits! Good luck!	Overall Rating:

Gtpers from Failfield, NJ Date: June 20, 2001 Trail Ridden: Please Select
Recommended Route: There's so much and so many places to start from. Ability level - The stuff that is good is mostly all difficult. Other recommended trails in the same area: Allamuchy, Waywayanda, Chimney Rock.
Review: This is home base for a bunch of us. All I can say is that the biggest mistake you can make is to just show up and wonder around or just ride the race course. Just show up at Shepherd lake and talk someone in the parking lot into letting you tag along. Hopefully they will know a good loop to get you started. This area is huge and you really have to know it to be able to put a good loop together. It is not a "find a trail and go" place. You'll inevitably end up on one of the "TONS" of fire roads that all look alike. The last thing you want to do is waste a day riding up and down them. As far as "epic" rides (which are 2-3 hours at a good pace), there are 10 different loops that I can think of that will get you that distance. They're as technical as you'll want to get. This place is endless. If you decide to go out there on your own and want to get the flavor, I would suggest that you park on the top of skyline drive, cross the road and hit one of the trailheads. Just keep riding as long as you want, then turn around and head back the same way. Ain't no fire-roads that'll waste your time up there! Bring your body armor. This is one of the few areas that I give "5 tires".	Overall Rating:

Evan Piche from Ringwood, Nj Date: June 19, 2001 Trail Ridden: Once a week
Recommended Route: I live about 100ft from one of the best trail access i've ever seen. I like to start at M.J. Ryerson School, from their you head out to Milly Whites road, it was easy until hurricane Floyd. Its still easy though. To get to Milly's road from the Duck pond loop you go to the first gate on the Duck pond loop. once their you take the first right onto a dirt road, you go about a third of a mile or so until you get to the dirt road that extends down and up the mountain, go up all the way to the top of the first bump of Mt. Defience. Once on the first bump go left, if everything works out right you'll get to Warm Puppy Rock you'll known it when you see it, once their take a left. Now this isn't a "Mountain Biking Trail" exactly, but neither me nor most of the locals will bother u. Follow it straight down the mountain. It gets hard! You'll know where you are when You get to the bottom. Other recommended trails in the same area: Halifax, Cooper Union, The Green Trail, The Race Course, Red Trail, and Cannonball trail. (Plus my secret trail that I made!)
Review: if you like this trail there are seriously tons of others just as hard or harder. Email me if you want other trails, i'll try to send you some maps that I added good trails onto Peace	Overall Rating:

Clueless from Ringwood Date: June 14, 2001 Trail Ridden: Please Select
Recommended Route: I have a question, I have ridden in Ringwood for about 10 years. I know the area very well, and I was just wondering where these drop offs that everyone talks about are??? Other recommended trails in the same area:
Review: All of the trails in Ringwood are EXCELLENT. THe uphills burn the legs but the long and technical downhills are a great reward for all the hard work of going up and up and up!!!!!!!	Overall Rating:

PETE from Hoboken Date: June 5, 2001 Trail Ridden: Please Select
Recommended Route: I got so lost trying to find the trails from the directions - what a pain in the ass. I finally found Sheppard's Lake/lot A, and didn't find lot C, until after I lost the trail, found a road & took the road up this rediculously long hill back to the car. Other recommended trails in the same area:
Review: I started off on the red trail from lot A. The day we went, there were millions of these little catapiller things stringing down on little strings (like spider wed strings) - I couldn't ride 10 feet without getting that shit all over me. Anyway, the red trail has this one spot that looks like it was hit by a meteor shower - there were so many huge rocks just laying around, so tightly packed together at times, it was impossible to ride. Once we got off the red trail we started cruising again- but those damn catapillers, what a f'ing pain! I really enjoyed the yellow trail, but I came to the end of it at a road, and didn't see markers for it after that. Where did it go? I never did find the green trail, even witht that lousy confusing 'biking map' My first experience wasn't that great (but that's mostly b/c we had no idea where we were going so we had to keep stopping to try and desifer the map and b/c those annoying catapillers - Arrrrgh!), the majority of the trails were good. And I haven't been able to find the green trail which I hear is good. Next time I'll have to aviod catapillar season, and bring a tour guide to lead me to that green trail. I'll be optimistic - 4 tires.	Overall Rating:

Nik from Ringwood Date: May 17, 2001 Trail Ridden: Once a week
Recommended Route: Nice singletracks and endless trails. I've lived here for over 20 years and have not yet road all the trails that Ringwood has to offer! The trail are good for all types of riders- stay on the fire roads if you want - take the singletrack if you can! Other recommended trails in the same area: Skyline Drive is another great place to ride in Ringwood- But there is so many more ways to get lost back there..good luck
Review: The racetrack is great-it gets a bit crazy at parts, switch backs and downhills- beware! So many trail to ride..... **If you decide to visit us in Ringwood- Please remember to carry out what you brought in. It is a beautiful park, and it is a great place to visit, but PLEASE leave it the way you found it-	Overall Rating:

Nailbiter from Morristown Date: May 6, 2001 Trail Ridden: Please Select
Recommended Route: The directions to Ringwood posted above suck....Scroll down and use "Lewis Morris'" directions that he has included in his review, they're right on the money for where you want to be. Other recommended trails in the same area:
Review: Ringwood hands down is one of the top 3 places to ride in NJ. We rode this place Saturday for the first time with a few people we met in the lot and a few locals we met on the trail. From what we saw, this place is pretty much as technical you're going to get in NJ. Super steep climbs and decents, with lots of rocks, trees, and switchbacks. Some sections it would've been nice to not have been riding clipless pedals.....and at times a full face motocross helmet would've been comforting. You can find some pretty fun times back in these woods. As a pretty seasoned rider, I found everything back here and more. Lot C \ Shepards Lake is where to park. If you're into freeriding, come to Ringwood. You'll definately leave a happy camper.	Overall Rating:

from Date: April 9, 2001 Trail Ridden: Once a month
Recommended Route: park at either lot c or shepards lake Other recommended trails in the same area:
Review: the trails here a cool. there is something for every level. there are alot of locals who no the trails,try to hook up with them.try to stay off the hiking trails,as some of us want to keep riding here for many years to come.ALSO I WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE PEOPLE WHO DO TRAIL MANTIANCE.there are some awesome trails hidden away in this park,which has taken me 5 years to find.	Overall Rating:

Jeffrey Keating from Dublin, Ireland Date: April 6, 2001 Trail Ridden: Once a week
Recommended Route: Dont know, I just followed the lads. I was a complete novice when I first started and it was a bit of a killer but got really into it. Other recommended trails in the same area: There is a trail near the New York border I think called 'NIKE'?? It was an old missle base. Short but sweet.
Review: When I lived in New Jersey (Palisades Park) my mates from the company I used to work for would take me on a Wednesday evening and then on a Saturday morning to the trails. I used to love it. Really exciting and enjoyable. Since I have come home to Ireland I have really missed them. I am hoping to get back there for a week during the summer and hit the trails.	Overall Rating:

Mike B from mercer county new jersey Date: March 28, 2001 Trail Ridden: Ridden Once
Recommended Route: any Other recommended trails in the same area: Mountain creek and my back yard and katty's pu$$y talk about a deep valley and great rid e
Review: this park is nice we didnt get to indepth cause they had the races goin on that day and it was raining but deffintly looking forward to getting out there this year and not to mention we are all riding hard tailes i wouldnt suggest this to everyone unless u have a big ass or padded shorts	Overall Rating:

Munster from Park Ridge, NJ Date: March 16, 2001 Trail Ridden: Once a week
Recommended Route: Bomb the green trail! Also try the Yellow trail which is probably one of my favorites. Other recommended trails in the same area: Waywayanda, Mahlon Dickerson, Alamuchy
Review: I need to start riding else where! I know this place to well. Still one of the best places to ride in NJ.	Overall Rating:

Jack Tor-S from Way Downtown Date: March 5, 2001 Trail Ridden: Once a week
Recommended Route: Pearson's Ridge Other recommended trails in the same area:
Review: Q: Whats long, hard and fun to ride??? A: Ringwood Trails... Be prepared for agony. Heartpump Hill and Pearson's Ridge are especially brutal. I still remember my first ride up these trails...It tore the ass out of me! Don't get me wrong, they can be alot of fun as well. Last year I suggested a naked, winter night ride - it went over like Balls Marie! Also, I read that Johnny from Ringwood ran into Bret Weir. I would like to see him in a big way honey!	Overall Rating:

TP from NY Date: March 4, 2001 Trail Ridden: Every few months
Recommended Route: First get map then get lotsa powerfood and coffee then loose map fast. Directions: 1. Start anywhere climb till you cant go any higher and get on to green trail. 2. Follow to bottom. 3. Repeat as nessessary or untill blood supply runs out. Best bet hang out until friendly locals show up (Not long). Other recommended trails in the same area: If I told you brown markers would start to grow. Trails would be manicured so rich bit...s could ride thier dulies without scratching the paint. And those damm weekend whimps would start shi...ng Gue wrappers all over the trails............. Clean up after yoursellf unles you bring your momy with you.
Review: I lived very close to Wawayanda for 20 somod years and started riding there (loveit). Found Ringwood before the brown marker things started growing, and dropping thier gue rapper seeds. The best way to figure out the trails is to ride till you drop then try to get back to the car (who wants to stop to read a map on such cool terrain) or cheet and get a GPS Anyone can ride in ringwood please carry in carry out.	Overall Rating:

JOHNNY from RINGWOOD Date: January 7, 2001 Trail Ridden: Once a week
Recommended Route: ALL TRAILS Other recommended trails in the same area: THIS IS THE ONLY PLACE TO RIDE.
Review: THIS PLACE IS GREAT. I HAD NO KNOWLEDGE OF THIS PARK WHEN I MOVED HERE, WHAT A PLEASANT SURPRISE. THERE IS TERRAIN FOR EVERY LEVEL OF RIDER. LOTS OF HILLS, BE READY FOR SOME HUFFIN' & PUFFIN'. LOTS OF GREAT VIEWS AND NATURE. I'VE SEEN DEER, TURKEYS, RATTLE SNAKES, AND BLACK BEAR. HARD TO BELIEVE IT'S ONLY ABOUT 30 MILES FROM N.Y.C. WATCHOUT FOR BRETT WEIR, HE TRIED TO PULL THE OL' HUCKLEBUCK ON ME UP ON PIERSONS RIDGE. I HAD TO PUNCH HIM IN THE MOUTH. CONDITIONS ARE PERFECT NOW FOR NAKED,NUDE,NIGHT,SNOW RIDING. DON'T FORGET TO SETTLE DOWN WITH A NICE IRISH CAR BOMB AT THE END OF YOUR RIDE: SHOT GLASS WITH HALF BAILEYS HALF JAIMESONS DROPPED INTO A HALF PINT OF STOUT, CHUG DOWN AND SAY MMMMMMM!	Overall Rating:

A.S. from NY Date: November 20, 2000 Trail Ridden: Once a month
Recommended Route: Follow the Brown Post signs with the white arrow and bike symbol. They will take you on a loop around the park. There are trails everywhere. If you go exploring and get lost, try to find your way back to these marked trails. (Does that make sense?) Other recommended trails in the same area: Waywayyanda is similar to Ringwood but a bit easier.
Review: Ringwood is awsome! It's huge too. The trails are very rocky with baby heads embedded into the ground. I highly recommend a dual suspension bike. There is a lot of climbing but you're rewarded with killer downhills. It's your typical Northern East Coast mountain - very technical. Skilled intermediates will get a chalange and the more advanced will get a thrill. Beginners will not enjoy Ringwood and should ride somewhere else. Have fun!	Overall Rating:

Eli from Long Valley, NJ Date: November 14, 2000 Trail Ridden: Ridden Once
Recommended Route: None...yet (see below), but we parked on the EASTERN side of 287 and rode over the bridge over 287 toward Ramapo Lake. Other recommended trails in the same area:
Review: This is my 2nd review of this area, but of a different part: Ramapo. Specifically, CANNONBALL TRAIL (red) and also the yellow trail, off of 287 right on Skyline Drive. (NOT up in Ringwood State Park or the Botanical Gardens.) We took the red trail (Cannonball) over 287 and up to Ramapo lake. Nice ride, mostly gravel road/double track. However, from Ramapo Lake north, the red trail (Cannonball) is unrideable. We carried our bikes more than we rode them. We eventually crossed the yellow trail, which was obviously the "mountain-biking trail", because of all the obstacles and tire tracks. The yellow trail is also a good ride. Lots of singletrack. Have to go back soon and explore the yellow trail all the way up to Ringwood State Park & back. The rating is 3 treads, but that's 1 tread for Cannonball, and 4 treads for the yellow trail.	Overall Rating:

Bart from Franklin Lakes Date: November 10, 2000 Trail Ridden: Once a week
Recommended Route: None Other recommended trails in the same area: The Wawa Trail mentioned near the bottom
Review: This place blows. Stay away. We don't need anyone else finding out about Ringwood.	Overall Rating:

Foolishhuman from Morris County Date: November 7, 2000 Trail Ridden: Every few months
Recommended Route: Take 287N, exit at skyline, make a left, then there will be a parking lot shortly on your left. Other recommended trails in the same area:
Review: Ramapo state park is a highly recommended ride. The terrain is very diverse, with singletrack, fire roads, and some rocky technical stuff. Well, lots of rocky technical stuff. Some sections are pretty steep and funky, but can be ridden with some mad skills. The famous Cannonball trail is very cool, although the overpass crossing Rt.287 is probably going to cause car accidents one of these days. The powerline trail also makes a very cool down hill section. And lets not forget the blair witch house on top of the mountain!!! Overall this place has something for everyone, highly recommended.	Overall Rating:

Lewis Morris from Indian Rock Date: October 13, 2000 Trail Ridden: Once a week
Recommended Route: Skyline Drive for Ramapo Mountain trails and/or Ringwood State Park (too many trails to list and they are all good anyway!) WARNING: THESE PARKS (RAMAPO AND RINGWOOD) GET VERY TECHNICAL (DANGEROUS) VERY QUICKLY. MANY TRAILS ARE REMOTE AND SELDOM RIDDEN ON, SO IF YOU DON'T HAVE THE SKILLS AND YOU GET HURT - CHANCES ARE THAT NO ONE WILL FIND YOU ANYTIME SOON. MANY TRAILS CAN BE CLASSIFIED AT THE EXPERT/LUNATIC LEVEL, SO BEWARE!!! Other recommended trails in the same area: Go out there and have some fun would ya!!!!!
Review: Forget the directions above - they suck. Take 287N or S to Skyline Drive exit, If you are 287S, keep to the right on the exit ramp to merge onto Skyline Drive. If you're 287N, make a left off of the exit ramp onto Skyline. There are two places to ride here: 1)Park at either the lower parking lot on Skyline (the first parking lot to your left immediately to your left when getting off of 287) or the upper parking lot on Skyline (~1mile up Skyline from 287). Park the car and explore, practically all trails are color blazed. 2)From 287N/S, merge onto Skyline Drive and keep going over and down Ramapo Mountain until you reach the deadend and bear right (the Wanaque Reservoir will be in front of you). Bear right onto Sloathsburg Road. Make a right at Morris Avenue and follow to the first stop sign (there will be two cement eagles on either side of the corner) make a left to get to Shepards Lake or go straight to get to Parking Lot C. **LETS REMEMBER PEOPLE: BRING OUT WHAT YOU BROUGHT IN! ITS STARTING TO GET DIRTY HERE - LETS TRY TO KEEP IT CLEAN. DO YOURSELF A FAVOR AND PICK UP A PLASTIC BOTTLE OR CLIF BAR/POWER GEL/GU WRAPPER IF YOU SEE ONE.	Overall Rating:

Matt Minassian from West Milly, New Jersey, USA Date: October 2, 2000 Trail Ridden: Once a week
Recommended Route: dude i have not found one best way to go cause they all rock if you want a short ride go to the parking lot on the left its almost after the botanical garden and take the white trail and keep going straight then you will see if thats the way to go or go to parking lot c...... Other recommended trails in the same area: ummmmm do this trail youll never ride any others
Review: ok this place rules me my brother and my bro's friend we ride here more than 3 times a week usually my advice go there and ride hard hard and harder. i only ride here now we use to ride a lot in waywayanda but this place rules and also if any west milly's are out there this weekend sunday the 7th of october we are doing a ride i will get back to you on the itme if you want to go riding with us email me at mattl6669@hotmail.com and also if you ever want to ride just email me im always up for a killer ride laterz	Overall Rating:

Eli from Long Valley, NJ Date: September 30, 2000 Trail Ridden: Ridden Once
Recommended Route: Wherever it says "bikes allowed"- there's ALOT of Ringwood where they are NOT Other recommended trails in the same area: none- The Tourne kind of blows- again: ALOT of trails where bikes are not allowed.
Review: First of all, the above directions SUCK! I got very lost trying to find the park itself (the directions take you WAY out of your way), and finally found a park ranger who got me to parking lot C. That having been said... Ringwood did not impress me as much as I thought it would based on reviews here. The "race course" is cool & has alot of obstacles that are alot of fun, but it's so damn short. We rode everywhere bikes were allowed (we skipped some fireroads- we wanted singletrack), and still only ended up with like 7 miles ridden. We wanted to ride Cannonball Trail, but couldn't find the trailhead. I'll ride here once more, to ride Cannonball, and I'll go to the local bike store in Wayne (mentioned somewhere below) to ask for directions & recomendations, but Ringwood is NO Chimney Rock. If I didn't have to drive 1 hour & 15 mins. to get there, I would probably ride it once or twice a month... Keep in mind my rating does not take Cannonball Trail into consideration...	Overall Rating:

Mud Slime Queen from Long Island Date: September 25, 2000 Trail Ridden: Ridden Once
Recommended Route: Too lost to say Other recommended trails in the same area: I hardly ever get out.
Review: I was SCARED! (I was smiling too, but only AFTER I made it) I found parts of this much harder (frightening) than Stewart and Jim Thorpe. But I am going to ride it again. And again. Got SUPER lost. All totalled, we were out 7 hrs. Lost for 2-3. We got off the map the park gave us, which is easy to do. We were over by Pierce Pond (Lake?). Anyway it was private, but the nice guard was simpathetic (do you think we looked just a little tired?) and gave us some directions. And the best part of that was an hour later, we were right back at Pierce Pond. FUN!	Overall Rating:

Doug Franz from Sumter, SC Date: September 24, 2000 Trail Ridden: Once a year
Recommended Route: Other recommended trails in the same area: Wawawanda
Review: As a native Northern NJ mountain biker, I couldn't wait to come back home and ride Ringwood. It didn't disappoint. The singletrack and fireroads were awesome. I did get lost like everyone else. I went on a Friday AM and I was the only one out there. Saw a few deer and turkeys. Parking Lot C is the place to start and is at the Botanical Gardens. Not Ringwood Manor. The trail maps from the Park suck and it took a awhile to figure them out. The Ranger said some of the local bike shops have better maps. My advice, get the better maps and bring a compass. My hardtail was OK for the rocks but a dual suspension would be the bike of choice for Northern NJ. Back is SC, riding on my local smooth singletrack, I long for the hairy trails of my hometown...to all you guys in the Northeast, enjoy what you have...its pretty darn good.	Overall Rating:

ron o'neal from philadelphia Date: September 17, 2000 Trail Ridden: Ridden Once
Recommended Route: park at the lake say hi to the daves' then ride Other recommended trails in the same area:
Review: in a word these trails are sick, lots of good uphill rocky technical riding and plenty of funky high speed downhills, logs to jump and all. plus the little blair which house is good for a chronic break	Overall Rating:

2K JECKYLL 900SL from MATAWAN N.J Date: September 5, 2000 Trail Ridden: Ridden Once
Recommended Route: PARK AT LAKE Other recommended trails in the same area: HARTSHORNE CHIMNEY ROCK ROUND VALLEY
Review: THIS PARK IS FOR ALL CLASS RIDERS. AWESOME SINGLETRACK AND DROPOFFS VERY VERY TECHNICAL!!BRING A MAP OR A G.P.S UNIT! WE GOT VERY LOST AND WOUND UP NEAR RAMAPO COLLEGE. 15 MILES OF ROAD BIKING LATER WE FOUND THE PARK ENTERANCE. THE TRAILS ARE ROCKY,HILLY ,FAST DOWNHILLS ,GREAT CLIMBS THERE ARE ENDLESS TRAILS. WE FOUND A CLEARING CUT IN THE WOODS LOOKS LIKE A FUTURE POWER LINE SITE. CROSSED THAT AND FOUND GREAT SINGLETRACK THROUGH STREAMS AND LARGE ROCKY AREAS. THIS OUR NEW FAVORATE RIDING SPOT IN N.J EXPECT TO SPEND 5 HRS. MANY FIREROADS FOR BEGINNERS TOO. IF YOU LOVE RIDING GO TO RINGWOOD!	Overall Rating:

Nick from Princeton, NJ Date: July 29, 2000 Trail Ridden: Once a week
Recommended Route: Any trail Other recommended trails in the same area: High Point, Wawayanda, Mahlon Dickerson, Lewis Morris Park (follow trail restrictions please!)
Review: This place is the best if you stay off the colored trails. However, be VERY sure that where you are riding is 100% permitted as you don't want to be the rider that gets us all kicked off! Furthermore, be VERY cautious of children and slower bikers as this place gets packed. For the hardcore, go during the week in the morning and you will have the place to yourself. On the weekends, you are lucky if you can find a parking spot (PARK IN LOT C!). I have been doing the trails up in this area for about 15 years and this place is tops. Be sure to be comfortable with drop-offs and very technical rocky downhills. There are moderate trails as well for the less experienced.	Overall Rating:

Mr. Pritchard from New Jersey Date: July 6, 2000 Trail Ridden: Once a week
Recommended Route: Skyline Drive (Ramapo Mountain) is the beginning of some crazy s#$t! Don't listen to anyone who says that this area sucks, I have been riding here for over a year and still come across trails that are new and rock. Start at the upper parking lot on Skyline and follow the blue trail to the lake, go around the lake to the blue trail to the pipeline and get lost. Other recommended trails in the same area: Blue and Yellow off of Mountainside Ave. in Kinnelon. Mahlon Dickerson in Jefferson.
Review: Best place to ride in New Jersey - period. Try the ride from Ringwood to Skyline Drive (the white trail under the Radio Tower on top of Skyline) it is the best two hours you will ever spend on a bike. Extremely technical with skull/knee/face breaking dropoffs and climbs. Bring your balls for this place 'cause you'll need em. *Please be courteous and slow down when coming across hikers/walkers - nothing shuts down a park to biking faster than bombing by hikers and shooting rocks at them. Slow down and yield to non-bikers!** Don't ride here if you are a beginner or lack any common sense, you will get hurt (very badly) and you will f it up for the rest us who know how to ride. This is not the place to learn technical skills, this a place to refine already existing riding skills.	Overall Rating:

biknben from Robbinsville, NJ Date: June 14, 2000 Trail Ridden: Once a month
Recommended Route: Race course and Beyond... Other recommended trails in the same area: Waywayonda, Chimney Slop, Round Valley, etc.
Review: The race course rocks but that is only the tip of the iceburg. You can spend all day in the woods. You can go from Sheppard's Lake to Skyline Drive to Ramapo College without crossing a paved road. Find someone who knows the trails. Going there for the first time without someone who knows where the good trails are is pointless. Hook up with someone in the parking lot at least. I rode there for years and didn't think it was that good until someone showed me the light. Technical climbs and descents...it's all there.	Overall Rating:

ICEMAN from WESTWOOD, NJ Date: June 5, 2000 Trail Ridden: Every few months
Recommended Route: Other recommended trails in the same area:
Review: I've only been here 3 times. The last time I went without my buddies and got lost. This place is HUGE !!! I have always gone from Route 287 South, right onto Skyline Drive. Then there's a small parking lot a mile or 2 up Skyline Dr. on the left. How close is this to the Cannonball trail and Parking Lot C ?? Is this the best place to enter the park or are there better areas to start from that are closer to the good trails ??? Where can I get a really good detailed map of the area trails ?? The terrain and the rocks are awesome, and I would recommend Ringwood to anyone. Bring / wear a bathing suit too, there's always places to take a dip or stick your feet in the water. But it's very easy to get lost. Bring an extra set a legs too - this bitch tires you out.	Overall Rating:

pete a/s/o lost riders friend from Dunellen Date: May 25, 2000 Trail Ridden: Ridden Once
Recommended Route: Other recommended trails in the same area:
Review: Thanks for your help. I'll pick up a map and give it a shot. Once I ride the trail I'll put in my review	Overall Rating:

Jonathan Roman from Teaneck, NJ, USA Date: May 24, 2000 Trail Ridden: Once a week
Recommended Route: All trails - from moderate to expert Other recommended trails in the same area:
Review: The park has endless trails. My STRONG recommendation is to get a good map. The one that they give out when you enter the park at the Botanical Gardens is not bad, but an excellent map is available at Amber Cyclery at 1275 Rt. 23 South in Wayne. It covers Stering Forest, Ringwood State Park and Ramapo State Park. Happy riding, and don't be afraid to get lost - you find the best trails that way!	Overall Rating:

Jonathan Roman from Teaneck, NJ, USA Date: May 24, 2000 Trail Ridden: Once a week
Recommended Route: All trails - from moderate to expert Other recommended trails in the same area:
Review: The park has endless trails. My STRONG recommendation is to get a good map. The one that they give out when you enter the park at the Botanical Gardens is not bad, but an excellent map is available at Amber Cyclery at 1275 Rt. 23 South in Wayne. It covers Stering Forest, Ringwood State Park and Ramapo State Park. Happy riding, and don't be afraid to get lost - you find the best trails that way!	Overall Rating:

lost bikers friend from nj Date: May 9, 2000 Trail Ridden: Please Select
Recommended Route: Other recommended trails in the same area:
Review: I went here on Thursday and rode some nice trails. We parked in the lot after the gardens where the swimming area is and the boat area. There also was a ranger station. We entered the trail where there is a broken down tractor right in the front of the gate. From the reviews here, this place seems great. If someone could help us get on the right trail we would be happy. Thanks for the help. Ps Where is parking lot c from 287 n	Overall Rating:

Lost Biker from Central Jersey Date: May 5, 2000 Trail Ridden: Ridden Once
Recommended Route: HELP! Other recommended trails in the same area:
Review: Could someone tell me where lot C is ? Also, could someone tell me where the start of the cannonball trail is ? I this the trail that leads you over Rt. 287 ? Thank you.	Overall Rating:

Willy from RVCC Date: April 23, 2000 Trail Ridden: Once a week
Recommended Route: Where do you want to go!!!!! Other recommended trails in the same area: Alot
Review: Ringwood has no end to it, go for 1 hour to 6 hours, but don't forget an extra tube or 2.BUT lets remember others that are out there be kind. Enjoy the ride!!!!!!!!!!	Overall Rating:

Dave from Parsippany Date: April 17, 2000 Trail Ridden: Ridden Once
Recommended Route: I could not even tell you which route I took. Other recommended trails in the same area: I can reccomend trying to get a trail map first
Review: This was my first time riding this trail and I thought it was awsome. Great rocky downhills, Rough climbs and great single tracks. It can get very technical if you go thru the right trails. If it is your first time and you go without a map and not with someone who knows the place expect to get lost for several hours. Even though I got lost it was definetly worht it and I cant wait to go back.	Overall Rating:

Jesse Nepywoda from Budd Lake, NJ Date: January 29, 2000 Trail Ridden: Once a week
Recommended Route: just look around there is so much Other recommended trails in the same area:
Review: ++++	Overall Rating:

SuperTuna from Parsippany, NJ Date: January 6, 2000 Trail Ridden: Once a week
Recommended Route: For newcomers - follow the marked race course next to Shepard's Lake, for those willing to explore jump onto any of the trails crossing the fire roads - you shouldn't be disappointed. For those of you who gave this place a bad review, you haven't looked hard enough-try it again, but this time leave your tricycle at home! Other recommended trails in the same area: "THE CANNONBALL" at Skyline Drive in Ringwood ROCKS. Miles of trails on either side of Skyline, very technical and hairy. Great for night riding.
Review: Ringwood has singletrack that will keep any intermediate/advanced hardcore rider happy, this place can be very technical in the climbs, decents and flats - so stay alert. The trails starting in Parking Lot C can be pretty challenging and lead to other parts of the Ringwood which can get hairy fast and is not for the weak.	Overall Rating:

Denny from Morristown, NJ Date: December 29, 1999 Trail Ridden: Once a year
Recommended Route: Other recommended trails in the same area: