Ramapo Reservation
County Park is a very special place. One would expect it to be a state park;
it is proof of Bergen County's long standing concern for protecting the
environment but maintaining a balance with the commercial and industrial needs
of the county.
Situated alongside the
very busy Interstate 287 and sliced by US-202 between Oakland and Mahway, the
park has been closed to vehicular traffic. Ramapo River, which flows alongside
US-202 here, has a tributary, Bear Swamp Brook which gives us a couple very
welcome hydrospectaculars: Bear Swamp Falls, which is displayed to us in an
upper and lower plunge, and Buttercup Falls which, in the early Spring, gushes
off a rock ledge to tumble nearly 25 feet. Though not a virgin stand, the
surrounding woods shield the sounds and scents of the hustle surrounding the
park. You have to walk in on Bear Swamp Road but the trail is short and easy.
By the way... we are told that the Ramapo River, here, has the best fly
fishing in New Jersey. Enjoy!
From I-287 northbound,
take exit 58 and head north on US-202 (the park is plainly visible on your
left( to Bear Swamp Road. From I-287 southbound, take exit 65 and head south
on US-202 to Bear Swamp Road (which will be on your right).
