Ramapo Valley County Reservation

Scenery:
Difficulty: 6 out of 10 (4.9-mile loop with rolling climbs (with shorter options available))
Highlights: beautiful lake, multiple views, NYC skyline, waterfall, wild cactus grove
Distance: 4.9 miles, Loop
Approximate roundtrip time: 3 hours (or 1.5 hours for the up/back to Cactus Ledge)
Total ascent: 948 ft
Max elevation: 800 ft above sea level
This hike is for you if: You want to take a pleasant, moderately difficult hike to see a wide variety of interesting stuff, including views of the NYC skyline, a nice waterfall, and a wild cactus grove that exists in northern New Jersey for some reason.

Surprise Lake (via Bearfort Ridge)

Scenery:
Difficulty: 7 out of 10 (long hike over very rocky terrain with a few steep sections)
Highlights: beautiful lake, NYC views, rhododendron tunnel, very nice overlook
Distance: 6.0 miles, Loop
Approximate roundtrip time: 4 - 5 Hours
Total ascent: 1,240 ft
Max elevation: 1,418 ft above sea level
This hike is for you if: You don’t mind stepping on a few (thousand) rocks to see some gorgeous woods, nice views and a beautiful, tucked-away lake.