New Jersey might be a small state, but it certainly doesn’t feel like it to those of us dedicated to exploring the Garden State. It’s surprisingly filled with huge parks and natural spaces, and those are filled with hidden gems of trails that many people don’t know about. That means it’s almost always possible to have a peaceful day in nature no matter the season – and a great place to do that is on the Scarlet Oak Pond to MacMillan Reservoir Trail in Ramapo Valley County Reservation, the best hike near Mahwah, NJ. This hike is one of the most gorgeous spots in the state, with waterfront views that rival anywhere else in the state, and it’s an easy 2.4-mile loop trail that should be accessible to just about anyone. No matter the time of the year, this is a great place to explore and see one of the best trails in New Jersey.

The water views on this laid-back trail are among the best in the state, and it's rarely a crowded path during the cooler months.
Snjezana Bursa/AllTrails
It's largely dominated by a boardwalk path, so this is an ideal hike for beginners.
Remi Piraino/AllTrails
Along the way, you'll pass along many small bodies of water. It's no surprise this is a popular spot for jogging, but the well-maintained path should have room for everyone.
Daniel Eskanazi/AllTrails

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For adventurous types, there are quite a few areas where you can go off-path and explore the woods at your own pace.
Stevie Capone/AllTrails
Before the end of the path, you'll come across a small waterfall. Consider a winter visit to see it in all its frozen glory.
Daniel Eskanazi/AllTrails
Not only is this a dog-friendly path, but they're allowed to be off-leash in some areas. Keep an eye on the signs!
Hyerim J/AllTrails

Have you taken the Scarlet Oak Pond to MacMillan Reservoir Trail in Ramapo Valley County Reservation? Let us know if you think it’s the best hike near Mahwah, NJ in the comments section! You can see more photos of the trail on the AllTrails trail page, and check out more about the Ramapo Valley County Reservation on the official Bergen County website. You can also check out our past coverage of Mahwah to see why it might be a great place to settle down! If you’re planning more hiking adventures, it might be worth it to subscribe to AllTrails + – a great app that can help you always stay connected on more remote trails with downloadable trail maps and other features.

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Featured Addresses
Ramapo Valley County Reservation, 608 Ramapo Valley Rd, Mahwah, NJ 07430, USA