Sunday, April 21, 2024

Ringwood Botanical Garden Skylands Manor Spring Hike

Ringwood State Park
Passaic Co.
New Jersey

Hiking Trails:
Crossover Trail: White blaze
Five Ponds Loop Trail: Pink blaze

Total Time: 1:10 hours
Estimated Distance: 2.4 Miles

Pros: Scenic botanical gardens
Cons: None
Hike Type: Loop
Level of  Difficulty: Easy

Google Maps of Parking:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/TMwNuXAJbahH5kBd9

This was a nice spring day, though a bit chilly, but the trees and plants were all flowering. I took the opportunity to visit the Ringwood Botanical Garden to see the beautiful floral displays. I had also injured my foot and needed to an easier hike than usual. I parked at the parking area for the botanical garden (free until Memorial Day) and took the Crossover Trail. I then cut across the lawn of the botanical gardens and explored the gated idea (to keep out the deer) and then went to the bamboo garden and then across the field. I then continued along the path to the next parking area, and took the Five Ponds Loop Trail back to the Crossover Trail heading back towards the botanical gardens area. I then went to Swan Pond and then crossed the road towards Skylands Manor, and walked along the terraced gardens and then walked along back to my car.

Map of the Route

Crossover Trail Marker

Ringwood Botanical Gardens













Painter Capturing the Scenes

Stream Behind the Bamboo Grove

Blooming Apple Tree

Cherry Blossom Orchard


Mt. Defiance in the Background

Five Ponds Loop Trail Near Swan Pond


Swan Pond Outlet

Swan Pond




Gardens Behind Skylands Manor


View Behind Skylands Manor



Skylands Manor



Sunday, April 14, 2024

Panther Mountain Spring Hike

Harriman State Park
Rockland Co.
New York

Hiking Trails:
Tuxedo-Mt. Ivy Trail: Red blaze
Suffern-Bear Mountain Trail: Yellow blaze

Total Time: 2:00 hours
Estimated Distance: 3.4 Mile

Pros: Good climb, quiet area, nice views
Cons: None
Hike Type: Two Car
Level of  Difficulty: Slightly difficult

Google Maps of Parking:
First Car: https://maps.app.goo.gl/yma1avuB2rWWQiEo8
Second Car: https://maps.app.goo.gl/RUNefftJWjnjg7cZ8

Hiking Partner:
Shimmy Rosenberg

Map of the Route

Greenery at the Foot of the Mountain



Brook on the Bottom of the Mountain

First View on the Tuxedo-Mt. Ivy Trail

Pond on the Top of the Mountain

Suffern-Bear Mountain Trail

Approaching the Panther Mountain Summit




Panther Mountain View















Manhattan Skyline in the Distance


Descending the Mountain



Waterfall Near the Bottom of the Mountain