Parks and Recreation

Ranger Loop Trail
Allamuchy Mountain State Park

DIRECTIONS: There are two places to park and start your walk on this trail. To get to the first take CR517 North over I80 go past Puffer Rd. and then as you pass Old Allamuchy Rd. on your left look right and you will see an old road blocked by a gate with a small area to park.  Pull in and park, the gate will be to your left and at the other end of the parking area you will see a very steep path that goes up a very steep embankment onto the trail (RED marker). 

For the second access continue past this on CR 517 until you see the entrance to Tranquility Farms on your left, make a right turn onto the dirt road directly across from the farm entrance.  This is a tree lined dirt road between two fields that comes to a “T” intersection where you will have to make a left and then you can immediately pull off and park on the left side of the road. (Note:  when you leave just keep following this road and you will pass by the Still Restaurant and be back on CR 517 by the old church and cemetery.)

TRAIL INFO: When you exit your car you will see a sign on a wooden gate ‘Waterloo/Rt. 517 Trail’ you will also see WHITE markers this is the beginning of your walk.  Go in this road and come to another “T” at which point you will make a right turn and walk in a very short distance where you will see the “RED” trail markers on the left which is the Ranger Loop Trail.

As you are walking you come to a point where the “RED” trail splits one part goes off to your right the other part continues uphill until it also turns right after intersecting with the Ditch/Cardiac Trail which is designated by PURPLE. I think the easiest route is to make your first right, which will take you past the first parking area off CR517 and then you double back slowly traversing along the mountain slowly going uphill. When you reach the Ditch/Cardiac Trail just make a left and go downhill back to your car. 

Your entire walk is in the woods and you pass through several areas where you can see the large old pine trees that where planted to give cover to the various game birds that Rutherford Stuyvesant imported.  The Ranger Loop Trail is a 2.6 mile loop.  This is your typical trail, it is very well maintained and footing except for some rocks makes for a pleasant walk.  There is no noticeable steep uphill walking if you use this guide and the only grade of notice is between your starting point and the Iron Mine Loop Trail and you will be going downhill this way. 

Did you remember!?  Proper shoes, clothing, water, camera and your phone in the “off” position.  This is a nice walk, enjoy.

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