Ringwood: Gardens, Lake and History

When looking for a hotel in Ringwood, you can first consider whether garden landscapes, outdoor activities or history will be the main focus of your stay. The options range from landscaped gardens and a large lake to hiking and multi-use trails, as well as Ringwood Manor. When choosing a specific hotel, check that its location suits your plans.

Gardens and woodland

The New Jersey Botanical Garden encompasses 96 acres of gardens surrounded by 1,000 acres of woodland. This places landscaped garden spaces within a much larger woodland setting. In the garden’s woodland, you can join an easy, family-friendly hike led by NJBG hike leaders. The NJBG frequently offers tours of the gardens and Manor House. Tours and special events are also offered through the NJBG/Skylands Association; availability depends on the program.

Shepherd Lake and trails in the state park

Shepherd Lake is a 74-acre spring-fed lake. The Shepherd Lake section of Ringwood State Park has a boat launch for visitors bringing their own boat, canoe, kayak or stand-up paddleboard. Only electric motors are permitted on the lake. The Shepherd Lake Recreation Area also provides access to trails suitable for hiking.

In Ringwood State Park, multi-use trails offer mountain bikers varied terrain. Shepherd Lake and Skylands Parking Lot C are good starting points for accessing the trails. The activities also differ in how they are planned: hiking involves using trails suitable for hiking; mountain biking focuses on varied terrain, while boating is shaped by the watercraft you bring and the electric-motor rule.

There are also many opportunities for cross-country skiing in winter on the grounds and trails around Ringwood Manor and Shepherd Lake. The trails are not groomed, and there is no rental service. If cross-country skiing is important to your stay, take these conditions into account when planning.

Ringwood Manor and the history of iron mining

In the community of Ringwood, Ringwood Manor is preserved as a historic house museum and designated a National Historic Landmark District. The building has 51 rooms; it was constructed in several styles characteristic of the Victorian era and features eclectic interiors. The details about its rooms, architectural styles and furnishings convey different aspects of the historic residence without reducing its architectural character to a single style.

Iron mining is also part of the community’s history. During the American Revolution, iron mining at the Ringwood site supplied iron for components of the chain system used to defend the Hudson River, field ovens, and household tools and hardware for the Continental Army. The Skylands estate is a 1,117-acre property now surrounded by Ringwood State Park.

Practical information

The entrance to Ringwood State Park is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Check the hours before you arrive if you plan to visit the park.

Discover more destinations: Paterson, West Milford, Woodland Park, Wanaque, Wayne, Clifton, Totowa, Little Falls Township

For the regional travel overview: Passaic.