Day Trip to Ringwood State Park — A Perfect One‑Hour from New Jersey

 🌲 Ringwood State Park — A Perfect One‑Hour Day Trip from New Jersey

If you’re looking for a calm, easy, and beautiful day trip within one hour from Bergen County, Ringwood State Park is one of the best choices. It’s quiet, scenic, and perfect for couples who want a simple escape without long driving.

🚗 Drive Time

• From Tenafly / Bergenfield / Palisades Park: 40–55 minutes
• Easy parking at both the Ringwood Manor and Skylands Botanical Garden areas

💑 Why It’s a Great Date Spot

Ringwood State Park has that peaceful, slow‑paced vibe that makes a date feel effortless.
You can walk, talk, take photos, and enjoy nature without rushing.

📍 1) Ringwood Manor — Historic Walk + Lake Views

Address: 1304 Sloatsburg Rd, Ringwood, NJ 07456

This area is perfect for a relaxed start to your date.

What to do:

• Walk around the historic Ringwood Manor grounds
• Enjoy the quiet lake and small bridges
• Take photos under the big trees
• Explore the short, flat walking paths (easy for any fitness level)

Why couples love it:

• Peaceful atmosphere
• Beautiful scenery without hiking
• Great for slow conversations and simple moments

📍 2) Skylands Botanical Garden — Romantic Garden Walk

Address: 2 Morris Rd, Ringwood, NJ 07456

Just a few minutes from Ringwood Manor, the Skylands area feels like a completely different world.

Highlights:

• The New Jersey Botanical Garden
• Seasonal flowers and open lawns
• The historic Skylands Manor
• Scenic stone paths and quiet corners

Perfect for:

• Taking couple photos
• A slow, romantic walk
• Sitting on a bench and enjoying the view

📍 3) Shepherd Lake — Lakeside Relaxation

Address: 1304 Sloatsburg Rd, Ringwood, NJ 07456 (same entrance as Manor)

If you want a calm lakeside moment, Shepherd Lake is ideal.

What you can do:

• Walk along the water
• Sit by the lake and relax
• Enjoy the mountain backdrop
• Bring simple snacks or coffee

🍽️ Nearby Food Options

There aren’t many restaurants inside the park, but nearby towns have great spots.

Close options:

• Rhodes North Tavern (American casual)
• Mt. Fuji Steakhouse (beautiful view)
• Sloatsburg cafés for coffee and pastries

🕒 Suggested Date Trip Schedule

10:00 AM — Arrive at Ringwood Manor, walk around the lake
11:00 AM — Move to Skylands Botanical Garden
12:00 PM — Take photos, explore the garden paths
1:00 PM — Lunch at Rhodes North Tavern or Mt. Fuji
2:30 PM — Relax at Shepherd Lake
3:30 PM — Head home

Simple, calm, and refreshing.

📸 Photo Spots

• Ringwood Manor lake bridge
• Stone walls around Skylands Manor
• Open lawns at the Botanical Garden
• Shepherd Lake shoreline

🏁 Dad's Final Thoughts

Ringwood State Park is one of the easiest and most peaceful day trips from North Jersey.
No hiking required, no complicated planning — just a clean, relaxing date surrounded by nature.