Ramsey Outdoor Staff Picks: Favorite Outdoor Activities

We asked the staff at Ramsey Outdoor to share their favorite outdoor activities. Check out the list below to find out the Top Staff Picks.

DJ - Kayaking: Hands down, the best summer and early fall outdoor activity for me is kayaking. The best spot in North Jersey for that? Cranberry Lake. Tucked away off Route 206, this lake has a ton of coves, minimal wake from large boats, and a nifty suspension bridge to paddle underneath.

This past summer, thanks to MTI, I was able to bring my dog, Ella, along for a morning paddle session. After getting her fitted for the MTI life jacket, we lashed the kayaks to the top of my Subaru and headed off to the lake. Cranberry Lake is aptly named for its dark red colored water, and mornings where the fog is rising off the lake make it picture perfect. For my dog’s first paddle though, it was an adventure in getting her settled into a kayak, not lunging after ducks on the water’s surface. Still though, kayaking at Cranberry Lake is one of the best ways to spend a morning.

Shannon – Fishing and Hiking: What's up everyone! Living the outdoor life is my passion. I enjoy breathing in the fresh mountain air and feeling the cool lake waters against my skin. Since I can't choose just one, I love to fish the local North Jersey waters, like Lake Musconetcong to Tilcon Lake, and hike anywhere from Hacklebarney State Park in Chester, NJ to the Catskills in Upstate New York. The feeling you get when you fight and catch your PB to overlooking the mountainous, autumn tree line is like none other. Watching the wind in the trees or listening to the waves in the water is the most relaxing part of my week and helps me get away from everyday life. I encourage everyone to get outside and find your outdoor niche!

Enzo – Winter Sports: One of my favorite activities to do throughout the winter is skiing. I never skip the chance to go out and get some runs in whenever I can. This past winter was one of the greatest for all snow sports alike; the crazy snowfall had made the local slopes like Camelback Ski Resort and Blue Mountain a blast!

One of the greatest feelings is waking up and getting out there to shred with some friends. Whether its technical alpine trails or stomping tricks in the park, the ambiance of the mountain is unmatched. Even if you don’t like the cold, or if heights give you the hebegebees, everyone should give skiing a try!

Theresa – Hiking:There are, of course, many outdoor activities I love to do, but one of my favorites has to be hiking. Whether it's a long hike during a backpacking trip or just a day hike on the weekends, hiking makes me feel happy and relaxed. When I get to go out on the trail and be in nature it gives me the opportunity to leave all the stress of life behind, and just be in the moment. I don't have to worry about bills or grocery lists or that weird sound my car is making. When you’re hiking, all you have to worry about is the next mile and putting one boot in front of the other.

Gear up for adventure with Ramsey Outdoor!