Hike Reviews
February 29, 2016
Great hike with older kids
<p>Just finished this hike yesterday with a group of older Cub Scouts (9-11 year olds) and they loved it. There are a couple of steeper sections so I think it could be a difficult hike for kids much younger than that age group. This loop is designed so that the direction you head is a much easier hike than people we ran into trying to head down the steep sections we were climbing up.</p>
<p>The trails are all well marked beside one spot that is windy shortly before you pick up the MacEvoy trial where a couple of trees had recently fallen and we were very briefly uncertain but we figured it out quickly by looking ahead and realizing which direction the later markers were.</p>
<p>The hike has lots of interesting views along the way which kept the kids entertained.</p>
November 13, 2013
Virtual Tour of Ramapo Mountain State Forest!
<p>Check out a virtual tour of Ramapo Mountain State Forest on NJUrbanForest.com!</p>
<p>http://njurbanforest.com/2013/11/13/hiking-ramapo-mountain-state-forest/</p>
<p>Plenty of Pictures!!</p>
September 15, 2013
Thank you for all of the
<p>Thank you for all of the detail! I printed this out and went with my family and we had such a nice time. I think we missed a turn somewhere because it took us 4 hours total and according to our GPS we walked 5 miles, but we didn't mind. This was our first time hiking and we are already looking for our next trail for next weekend! </p>
August 28, 2012
Very nice hike !
<p> Enjoyed this hike this weekend, just long enough & interesting for a Sunday Afternoon. Well blazed but one had to keep an eye out for the sharp turns. The parking lot was full but we only saw a few people on the trail.</p>
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June 21, 2012
Thanks Daniel, it was a great
<p>Thanks Daniel, it was a great hike and I can see it being one of my faves as well. I look forward to doing it again. </p>
June 19, 2012
Your comments on the hike
<p>Thanks very much for your comments! As you will note, I most recently redid this hike this past February, and I believe that my description is still accurate. However, the appearance of trails does change from time to time. I plan on going back soon and rechecking the hike -- which, by the way, is one of my favorites. I'll then make any changes to the description that I think would be necessary or helpful. I've also alerted the maintainer of the Castle Point Trail, who is aware of your comments.</p>
<p>As for your comment that the trail does not join the woods road, the "woods road" that you are referring to is what I call, in the description, a "wide gravel road." If you look at it this way, I believe that the description is correct.</p>
June 17, 2012
updated description 6/17/2012
<p>Did this hike today, really liked it. Took just over 2 hours, and that included a some time exploring the mansion ruins and a few other stops here and there. </p>
<p>A couple of things to note...I always print these narratives and bring it with me on my hike so I know what to expect and look out for. In the 3rd paragraph, you can delete the sentence that says "Eventually, the yellow blazes turn right, leaving the road...." because that just doesn't make sense with what is actually there. At that point you will see the road on your right, and you will bear left and follow the yellow blazes and walk over the "undulating terrain". Eventually pass the small stream. You will be on the yellow Hoeferlin trail for quite a while, (it is not a woods road, it is a trail) and we did not see any blue blazes at all, only yellow. The first blue blazes we saw were at the end of the 3rd paragraph where it says "the trail bears left and descends a short pitch to a paved road". So, don't be alarmed if you're not seeing any blue, just keep going on the yellow.</p>
<p>In the second to last paragraph, the Castle Point trail turns <strong>sharply</strong> right and descends into the woods just before the gas pipeline. There are no white blazes untl about 50-75 yards down the trail. Also, It does not join the woods road. What happens is that you will come to a point where you will see the woods road about 20' in front of you, but you will also see a post with white blazes and a trail that bears to the left. You want to bear left at the post, don't go to the road. Eventually you will meet up with the gas pipeline and follow that for the 350 feet. </p>
<p>This was a nice, quick hike. Perfect for a day when you get a late start or have limited time. I will definitely do this one again. </p>
August 30, 2010
great hike
Great Hike! Very well blazed. I've been to the lake marvolous. Any novice, pro, or a family outing. It's soo close to home and the city. It's great. Climb to the view of the wanaque res. best view I seen in this area of the park.
"No need to drive to a view, just hike an extra few"