Hidden at the end of a nondescript dead-end road is the surprisingly impressive Ringwood Sculpture Trail. A short and easy hike takes visitors through the unique sculpture garden, located on the peak of one of the many mountains of the New Jersey Highlands. Along the way, visitors will see many interesting sculptures, ranging from abstract creations to animal cutouts and impressively large sculptures for the terrain, such as that of Bigfoot. Continue reading to learn how to get to this hidden gem in Passaic County.
Explore North Jersey Review: Short but fun hike through a unique sculpture garden
North Jersey District Water Supply Commission Land
Hike Information
Distance: Less than a mile
Ascent: ~175 feet
Difficulty: Easy
Background
Not much is known about the origin of the sculpture trail, but it was likely created by a local resident.
The trail is located amongst many unmarked trails and is located on North Jersey District Water Supply Commission Land. Land managed by this group is typically restricted for water security, but access through this area is permitted, with some marked trails passing through, such as the 180-mile Highlands Trail. It is important to respect the land here to ensure that the Water Supply Commission continues to allow access.
The Hike
Begin the hike at the end of White Road. There is no designated parking area, so park on the street just before the pavement ends and the road turns into a gravel driveway. On the left side of the road, you will see a very obvious gravel road and the start of the Teal and Black Highlands Trail Connector. Take this trail, which starts by following the gravel road. In a few hundred feet, the Teal and Black Trail will exit the road to the right. Continue on this trail for another couple of hundred feet. The Teal and Black Trail will make a turn to the left here, but if you look straight ahead, you will see the Sculpture Trail.
Sculpture Trail
The Sculpture Trail does not have an official entrance, but you will know you reached it when you see the red bird sculpture ahead.
Immediately after the bird sculpture, the trail splits in three directions. The trail is a loop with a small connector bisecting the middle of the loop (which starts at this point). To see all the sculptures, you must take the connector trail in the middle. My recommended path is starting by turning left and completing the initial loop clockwise. Once you complete the loop, I recommend taking the short connector trail as an out-and-back trail to return to the start. I recommend going this way as the largest and most impressive sculptures are near the end of the loop. The connector trail only has two smaller sculptures so if you are short on time, you can skip it, but it is still worthwhile to explore.
The trail does not feature any trail markings, but it is clear and easy to follow. There are a few unmarked side trails exiting the Sculpture Trail, but the sculptures are frequent enough to ensure you are on the right path.
If you look down, the trail features many small metal animal cutouts attached to the ground. The cutouts span the entire trail and are perfect for younger children who will want to see what the next animal will be.
Near the back of the loop is a popular Bigfoot statue.
The trail also features a small registry for visitors to sign. This is located in an obvious metal box next to a bench at a location featuring many sculptures at once. If you take the trail I recommend, and began by turning left at the start, this will be at the end of your hike.
Once you have completed the Sculpture Trail, return to your car the same way you came from the initial red bird sculpture.
(Note: The Sculpture Trail features many more sculptures than those pictured above)
GPS Route
Attached is the route as described above for reference. Additionally users can download the route to use on their preferred GPS. How to use the GPS routes on your phone.
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