Ringwood State Park early AM question

[rojasj]

I have not been to Ringwood State Park in years but now that the weather is better and I'm back on my mtb bike I plan on riding there tomorrow. Due to family commitments and obligations I have to be on the trails by 6:30 AM or 7:00 AM at the latest. I used to park in parking lot C at the bottom part of the Botanical Gardens, however I can't recall if there is a gate at the entrance that is closed before 8 AM or not. Does any know if I get there by 6:30 AM can I just drive past the usual entrance or is it closed off until 8:00 AM?

 

[roc]

The back entrance to lot c is usually closed until 8. You could always park at that school right on valley road. Lot c is 5-10mins from the school on a bike.

 

[shrpshtr325]

i also prefer to park at the school on weekends or during the summer.

 

[rojasj]

Are you guys referring to Martin J. Ryerson Middle School?

 

[shrpshtr325]

yessir.

 

[oobaa47]

I may be wrong but between memorial day and labor day, doesn't it cost a few sheckles to park at lot C or Shepard's lake? If not, then I gave a few bucks to some kid hanging out in one of those booth's last year.....

 

[BabyRobot]

I parked at Shepard yesterday, around noon. No fee collection in sight. The school is always guaranteed free though, and im my opinion, closer to the better trail in the park.

 

[Mr.Moto]

Between Memorial day and Labor day there is a fee on the weekends to enter. I believe more at Shepard's Lake because of amenities there. Parking at the school avoids the weekend fees during the summer.

 

[rojasj]

Well, I didn't make it to Ringwood this morning. But I did make it Ramapo right off Skyline Drive. Nice ride with some good climbs but... Accuweather was way off and boy, I should have bought a bar of soap with me because it rained so much I could have taken a mid-ride shower. Next weekend I'll do an early AM ride at Ringwood.