South Mountain County Park
Rockland Co.
New York
Hiking Trails:
Long Path: Green blaze
Total Time: 0:35 hours
Estimated Distance: 1.2 Mile
Pros: Nice view for short hike
Cons: Noise from road
Google Maps of Parking:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/aD3rjocfkwNxr9Kg8
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| Map of the Route |
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| Signs at the Trailhead |
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| New Sign Posted at the Trailhead |
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| View Above the Quarry |
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| Flowering Trees |
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.
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| Map of the Route |
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| Crossover Trail Marker |
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| Ringwood Botanical Gardens |
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| Painter Capturing the Scenes |
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| Stream Behind the Bamboo Grove |
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| Blooming Apple Tree |
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| Cherry Blossom Orchard |
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| Mt. Defiance in the Background |
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| Five Ponds Loop Trail Near Swan Pond |
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| Swan Pond Outlet |
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| Swan Pond |
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| Gardens Behind Skylands Manor |
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| View Behind Skylands Manor |
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| Skylands Manor |
