Hiking the Vista Loop at Ramapo Valley Reservation

The Vista Loop at Ramapo Valley Reservation is one of the most popular hikes in New Jersey, and for good reason. This quick 3.4-mile hike packs in multiple scenic views (including one with native cacti), a scenic pond and reservoir, and finishes with a 20-foot waterfall. You do have to work for these views, though, as the trail features a few steep and rocky sections, but the effort is worth it. Continue reading to learn more about one of the most popular hikes in New Jersey.

The Hike

The Vista Loop trail is a moderate-difficult 3.4-mile loop. The trail climbs Monroe Ridge, though it does not reach the true summit, though the overlooks are still excellent. The trail can be hiked either clockwise or counterclockwise, but it is recommended to complete the loop counterclockwise. The hike begins with the steepest climb, one that is easier uphill than downhill.

The trail is entirely on the clearly marked Yellow Trail. A few sections are coterminous with other trails, but as long as you see the color yellow, you are on the right trail. The trail begins and ends on a flat road, but most of the hike is up and down rocky, sometimes steep terrain. The trail is very well-traveled and wide.

Note: The pictures in this post were taken in early April. I have been here many times and can confirm that the views are a lot more impressive when the trees have leaves. I am sorry for my poor timing.

Beginning the Hike

Begin by the trail by walking down a set of steps in the corner of the large parking area and walk ahead on the wide unpaved road that serves as the entrance to the main park. You will immediately cross a wide bridge over the Ramapo River. If you visit during the warmer months, the river will likely be populated by fishers.

Continue on this road, passing Scarlet Oak Pond where you can get a few views of the upcoming hill.

Hawk Rock

Continue walking straight until you reach the end of the pond. You will see a sign pointing left to a waterfall. You will be returning from this direction. Instead, continue straight and make a right turn to continue along the edge of Scarlett Oak Pond. The Yellow Trail soon leaves this flat road by crossing a small footbridge to the left. From here, the trail begins a much more natural section and features multiple rocky ascents.

This begins an approximately 260-foot climb to Hawk Rock, the first overlook of the trail. This also marks the location you cross over the Ramapo Fault, an approximately 185-mile fault line crossing northeastern New Jersey. The fault separates the New Jersey Highlands which feature the Ramapo Mountains with the much flatter New Jersey Piedmont. This is why the trail goes from flat to steep so quickly.

Hawk Rock is arguably the least impressive view on the trail (yet often the most crowded). While still a good overlook, the following two are from a higher elevation (this is only 454 feet) and provide a farther view. Like the other overlooks later in the hike, you can see New York City in the distance, but it is not as clear as those further on.

Hawk Rock does, however, provide a very good view Ramapo College.

Cactus Ledge

The next overlook is less than a quarter mile from Hawk Rock. This is also the most challenging section of the hike as you gain an extra hundred plus feet almost immediately.

You will soon reach Cactus Ledge, and it will immediately be clear why it is named as such. The ledge here is covered in cacti, more specifically, the Eastern Prickly Pear Cactus. This cactus species is native to New Jersey and has two types: one that prefers sandy environments (you can find many at Sandy Hook) and one that prefers rocky outcroppings, such as those found here.

The view here is also superior to Hawk Ledge’s. Its higher elevation at 596 feet offers an unobstructed view of New York City in the distance.

Ridge Overlook

Past Cactus Ledge the trail features a couple of turns continuing up the hill, but the steepest part is behind you. Very soon the Green Trail begins to the right. Continue on the Yellow Trail. About a half mile past the green trail you will reach an intersection with the White Trail on the right. Bear left to once again stay on the Yellow Trail. You will soon reach the Blue Trail. Here the trails are briefly co-blazed. Continue on the Yellow and Blue trail a short distance until the Yellow Trail exits to the right. Follow the Yellow Trail a few hundred feet.

You will soon reach another for and the start of the Yellow Star Trail (a yellow blaze with a black star in the center). This short spur trail leads to the Ridge Overlook, the highest of the three overlooks at 682 feet, 228 feet higher than Hawk Rock. Interestingly, the highest point on this hike, which you pass before joining the Blue Trail, does not feature any view.

This added height really elevates Ridge Overlook, offering the best view of the three overlooks. Due to fewer obstructions, the view of the New York City skyline is also superior.

MacMillan Reservoir

When ready to continue, return to the Yellow Trail. The trail soon dips down again, before climbing out the final hill of the hike. Once cresting this small hill, the trail quickly dips down to the MacMillan Reservoir.

A large flat piece of exposed bedrock provides a popular resting spot and overlook of the reservoir. The Yellow Trail does not go all the way to the water, but it is easy to do so if desired. Note that you are not allowed to swim here.

The Yellow Trail turns left at this rock and follows the outline of the reservoir without ever getting close until you reach the dam. At the dam, the Yellow Trail tightly climbs down the side. Due to some trees and equipment, this side of the dam does not provide a good view; the other side does if desired.

Follow the Yellow Trail down until you reach a once-paved and now crumbling road. If you would like a better view of the reservoir turn right here and follow the road to the water.

At the road, the Yellow Trail once again joins the Blue Trail and is once again co-blazed. Follow the Yellow and Blue Trail just a couple of hundred feet until you see a sign pointing to a waterfall on the right. Follow this sign to remain on the Yellow Trail.

MacMillan Falls

From the sign, follow the Yellow Trail about a quarter mile to reach MacMillan Falls. Along the way, the trail parallels MacMillan Brook, which features a few smaller cascades. Soon, the trail switchbacks down to reach the base of the 20-foot waterfall.

From the waterfall continue down MacMillan Brook until the Yellow Trail crosses a wooden footbridge. After this bridge the trail significantly flattens out and returns to the dirt road-like surface from the start. Follow the road until you reach Scarlett Oak Pond again. At the pond turn right and follow the road back to the parking lot.

GPS Route

Review

On the surface, the Vista Loop is an excellent trail, featuring three impressive overlooks, two scenic ponds, and a waterfall, all in less than 3.5 miles. However, the trail becomes less appealing when considering the crowds. Ramapo Valley Reservation is perpetually busy, often to the point of feeling overwhelming, especially in the popular areas along this trail. In fact, on weekends, finding a parking spot can be nearly impossible despite the large lot. Even on weekdays or in poor weather, the park remains consistently crowded. If you do not mind the company (or many off-leash dogs), this is easily one of the best hikes in New Jersey.