Ramapo Valley County Reservation: A Beautiful Fall Hike with a 3-Year-Old

Looking for a beautiful fall hiking spot in New Jersey? Ramapo Valley County Reservation is a great place to enjoy autumn foliage, peaceful lake views, and a little outdoor adventure with your family.

Located about 30 minutes from Bergen County, this popular nature destination is perfect for a weekend escape.

We visited with our 3-year-old son and spent about three hours exploring the area. The lake was absolutely beautiful, and we even made our way to a waterfall!

Here’s what our visit was like, including a few things to know if you’re planning to visit with young children.

The Lake Was Absolutely Beautiful in Fall 🍂

We arrived around 11 AM, and the weather was cool, sunny, and perfect for a fall walk.

The lake was the highlight of our visit. The colorful autumn leaves reflected on the water, creating a beautiful view that made us want to stop and take pictures.

We spent about an hour walking around the lake and letting our son play in the grassy areas nearby.

I especially loved how peaceful and scenic everything felt. Around 11 AM to noon, the sunlight made the fall colors look even more beautiful.

There were other families enjoying the area, too, including parents with younger children.

If you’re visiting mainly to enjoy fall foliage, I think the lake area alone is worth the trip.

Hiking to the Waterfall with a 3-Year-Old

After exploring the lake and taking a short snack break, we decided to hike toward the waterfall.

The hike took us approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes with our 3-year-old, as we moved at his pace and took our time along the trail.

The uphill section was a little challenging. Some areas were steep and rocky, with uneven stone steps. Fallen autumn leaves covered parts of the trail, so we had to be extra careful about slipping.

Our son managed the rocky sections surprisingly well, but I held his hand and watched his steps closely. We also stepped aside to let other hikers pass.

What made me proud was that he didn’t complain once. He carefully held my hand and kept going.

I couldn’t help thinking, When did my little baby get so big? 🥹

Was the Waterfall Worth the Hike?

When we finally reached the waterfall, I was curious to see how much water would be flowing.

Honestly, it was more of a small trickle than the dramatic waterfall I had imagined! 😂 Several people were taking pictures nearby, though, and it was still a nice place to pause after the climb.

On the way down, we took a gentler trail leading back toward the lake instead of retracing the same rocky uphill route. The descent felt more gradual and was easier for us with a young child.

My tip: If you’re hiking with a toddler, be prepared for a more challenging uphill section. Take your time, hold your child’s hand, and watch out for slippery leaves and uneven rocks.

We managed the hike, but I wouldn’t describe the entire waterfall route as an easy toddler trail.

Is Ramapo Valley County Reservation Toddler-Friendly?

I would say yes, with a little planning!

The lake area is great for families who want to enjoy nature without committing to a challenging hike. You can walk around, enjoy the scenery, and let little ones explore the grassy areas.

However, if you plan to hike to the waterfall, keep your child’s age and hiking ability in mind. The rocky uphill sections may be difficult for some young children.

Here are a few things I recommend bringing:

• Comfortable walking or hiking shoes
• Water and snacks
• Clothes suitable for changing fall temperatures
• A steady hand to hold on rocky or uneven sections!

You don’t have to hike to the waterfall to enjoy this park. Families can still have a lovely visit by spending time around the lake.

Parking Tip: Arrive Strategically

One thing to know is that parking can be limited, especially at this popular hiking destination.

We arrived around 11 AM, hoping that some of the early-morning hikers would be leaving. Luckily, we spotted people heading out and were able to get a parking spot right away.

It worked out well for us, but parking availability can vary.

If possible, consider arriving earlier or planning some flexibility into your schedule, particularly on a beautiful fall weekend.

How Long Should You Spend at Ramapo Valley County Reservation?

We spent about three hours in total at Ramapo Valley County Reservation.

Our visit included:

• Walking around the lake and enjoying the fall foliage
• Playing in the grassy areas
• Taking a snack break
• Hiking toward the waterfall and exploring the trail

If you’re visiting with a toddler, I recommend allowing a few hours rather than rushing through the park.

You can easily enjoy a shorter visit around the lake, or spend more time exploring if your family enjoys hiking.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth Visiting in Fall?

Absolutely!

Ramapo Valley County Reservation was one of those places that reminded me how beautiful New Jersey can be in the fall.

The lake views and colorful foliage were stunning, and watching my 3-year-old confidently make his way along the trail made the experience even more memorable.

Although the waterfall itself was smaller than I expected, the hike was still a fun little adventure for our family.

I would happily return to see how the scenery changes with the seasons and explore more of the trails.

If you’re looking for a nature getaway near Bergen County, Ramapo Valley County Reservation is definitely worth considering for your next fall outing. Just plan ahead for parking and remember that the waterfall hike can be challenging for little ones.

Have you visited Ramapo Valley County Reservation? I’d love to hear about your favorite trail or time of year to visit!