Night Hike?

P

pomole

Member
I live in the bergen county area and am looking for somewhere to go for an evening hike through the woods. The problem is, alot of parks/reservations close at sundown around here.

anyone have a suggestion for a legal place to go for a walk? i dont mind driving a little bit (40 mins max.)

just want to get out for a bit one night this weekend.

thanks!

-pom
 
Hey, if you did a search you will find out a bunch of threads with the discussion. Unfortunately, NJ Dept of Forestry dictates that its illegal for anyone to be in the woods after sunset.
 
Ringwood State Park and Ramapo Mtn. Reservation close at 8pm. Both are within reach of you in Passaic County.

The Appalachian Trail is a national park. NJ rules do not apply to that.
 
ChrisG said:
As I understand it, AT hikers are expected to spend the nights at the designated shelters. Not necessarily in/under them, but on their grounds at least.
Click to expand...

There used to be a few sections in NJ where you could make camp anywhere, but it was limited, you couldn't be within a few hundred feet of the road, and you couldn't have open fires. I don't remember what classification that land was but I believe a section past Sunfish Pond going north was open camping.
 
BiknBen said:
The Appalachian Trail is a national park. NJ rules do not apply to that.
Click to expand...

The AT is not a national park btw but rather a national trail... So if you would like to hike at night check out easy access to the AT so NJ rules do not apply... A perfect example would be Worthington State park where the trail is easily accessible
 
Spencer the Kalmyk said:
Does this include someone doing the AT who has to camp down for the night???:hmmm:
Click to expand...

Basically the rule is, once you are in, you are in and you cant 'get in' after sun set. Chimney Rock, Ringwood and Round valley are just few of many with posted sign that says 'park closes at sunset'. I am sure CR is not that big of an issue since not that many bridgewater cops run by CR road, but a parked vehicle on the shoulder would rise suspicion and lead to ticketing. As far as Round Valley goes, once you are in, you display a registration on your windshield and the National Park Rangers (who carry weapons) are a section of NJ State Police so they could ticket you for whatever they want (my gf got a ticket for expired inspection sticker at Round Valley two years ago) and fine you if you are there past sunset without proper papers.

PS: Damn I typed a lot. 🙂
 
Norm said:
There used to be a few sections in NJ where you could make camp anywhere, but it was limited, you couldn't be within a few hundred feet of the road, and you couldn't have open fires. I don't remember what classification that land was but I believe a section past Sunfish Pond going north was open camping.
Click to expand...

The camp site after Sunfish pond is open still. It is about a 2 hour hike if you are fast and don't stop. Just watch out though. There are some BIG bears up there this year. Don't smell like food.😀
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom