Ringwood State Park has tons of things to see and do, whether for day trips or special events and it’s one of the most beautiful places I recommend you visit if you’re in NJ. In this post I’ll be talking about all of that and helping you navigate the area.
Info:
- Name: Ringwood State Park
- Location: Ringwood NJ
- Cost to enter: $5 per car
- Distance from NYC: 1 hour
- Ideal time to visit for: 1 day
- Reviews: 4.7 out of 5
Overview:
Ringwood State Park is a place that contains both a lot of scenic views, outdoosy things to do and a lot of rich history on top of all of that. There are about 4,000 acres of land within which this park is situated and it provides sights and things to do for all types of people. You can visit this park for a single day and find a lot of things to do, but it is also very popular for hosting special events like weddings.
Things to do:
- Hikes: Trails and treks are a big draw here. You’ve got options ranging from easy strolls to rugged backcountry treks. The popular Canoe Brook Trail offers not just a good workout but also tranquility amidst nature, while the more challenging Crossover Trail caters to the adventurers at heart.
- Water activities: Shepherd Lake is located inside the park and is erfect for fishing bass or kayaking, it’s also home to a sandy beach where you can swim in the designated areas during summer months. Remember to check open seasons and any required licenses for fishing!
- Winter activities: During winter, Ringwood State Park transforms into a snowy wonderland. There are spots for ice skating that feel straight out of a storybook, and trails that welcome cross-country skiers looking for a serene glide through frozen forests.
- Picnics: For those who prefer a leisurely day out, the park boasts several picnic areas.
- Botanical gardens: The main center of the park features several botanical gardens you can explore.
Photos:
When to visit:
If you’re looking to experience Ringwood State Park’s natural beauty, the good news is that you have many optons to choose from but each season offers its unique allure, but let me tell you, spring and autumn here are in a league of their own and here’s why:
Spring ushers in a burst of life, with wildflowers speckling the landscape and the lush greenery making a grand return. Hikers and photographers alike flock to the park to capture the vibrant transformation and it’s when you can really get a lot of the above activities done.
Autumn, on the other hand, is arguably the park’s most visually stunning period. Imagine the photos you saw above, but now mixed together with the autumn leaves and mountains the background that are painted in yellow, orange and red. This is why if you have 1 time to visit this park, make it in the fall which in this case is around November.
But let’s not discount the other seasons too. Summer at Ringwood is teeming with activity and it’s when you can see/do the most things in the park. It’s ideal for those wanting to dive into the full breadth of outdoor activities, from swimming to boating. Just be prepared for it to be a bit busier during this peak season.
Winter in the park is serene and quiet for the most part. As I mentioned earlier, it’s a wonderland for those who appreciate a more tranquil visit. Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing become the activities of choice then, offering a refreshing way to interact with the landscape covered in snow. While colder and less crowded, winter’s subdued beauty creates a magical and peaceful atmosphere.
Nearby attractions:
Ringwood State Park is indeed a sanctuary for nature lovers and history buffs alike, but that’s not where the adventure ends as there are numerous places to see very close to this park that also offer their own activities and adventures to check out:
- If you’re looking to expand your exploration, the village of Ringwhite is highly recommend where you can stroll through the streets, enjoy the history of the area and architecture of the buildings.
- Just a short drive from the park, you’ll also find the New Jersey Botanical Garden at Skylands which is a stunning add on to include in your trip to Ringwood State Park.
- For those who crave more wild adventures, nearby Wawayanda State Park provides a different terrain to explore.
- I’m also a big fan of Norvin Green State Forest which is also close by and offers rugged trails and stunning vistas. I’ve been there twice now and the trails are amazing.
- Longpond Ironworks State Park which is also pretty close to Ringwood. It offers a combination of hiking trails and boating activities to explore across the many lakes and reservoirs in the area.
- Finally there are 2 additional parks close by that I’d recommend you also see for great trails and adventures and that is Sterling Forest State Park and Harriman State Park as well.
I hope that your time at Ringwood State Park and its surrounding areas brings you as much joy and rejuvenation as it has to countless visitors (including me). I’ve explored this place numerous times and often with people who aren’t so much into hiking and outdoors as me and they have all had a blast here. I’m sure you will too and I’d love to hear about your experiences if you visit the area!
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