New Jersey's Vibrant State Park Near The New York Border Features A Crystal-Clear Lake And Woodland Trails

It's always hard to believe, thanks to its tall skyscrapers and seemingly endless miles of interstate roads, that New Jersey is called the Garden State. But the New Jersey Highlands region, dotted with farms, forests, and wildlife, may quickly prove you wrong. This remote area is home to Wawayanda State Park, where you'll find a pristine lake and well-marked trails through the woods.

The New Jersey Highlands are tucked into the state's northeastern corner along the borders of New York and Pennsylvania. The region spreads across roughly 1,300 square miles and extends into seven counties, according to the State of New Jersey. Two of those, Passaic and Sussex, are perched on top of the Wawayanda Plateau, the remains of some of the continent's oldest geologic features. That land was the ideal spot to create a state park.

Wawayanda State Park was built around Wawayanda Lake, a 255-acre lake that was the location of an iron mine and ironworks town in the 19th century, and old logging roads from the first half of the 20th century. Both industries had ceased by the time New Jersey started buying this land through the Green Acres Program, which protected state land for public use. Wawayanda State Park opened in 1963 and soon expanded with three natural areas — Bearfort Mountain, Wawayanda Swamp, and Wawayanda Hemlock Ravine — as well as the Ferber Wildlife Sanctuary. It now covers nearly 36,000 acres and is one of the largest state parks in New Jersey.

There are more than 25 trails winding through Wawayanda State Park. They blanket more than 50 miles and are easy to follow due to their color-coded markers. The Appalachian Trail is, by far, the longest trail on the list. Affectionately referred to as the A.T., this 2,197.9-mile trail extends from Georgia to Maine, running through New Jersey. Seventy miles of the trail run through the state, and 14 of those weave their way through Wawayanda State Park.

Over this steep stretch, you'll follow the white markers up to Pinwheel Vista, one of New Jersey's best viewpoints, and the top of Wawayanda Mountain, the second-highest peak in its namesake state park. Along the way, you'll have spectacular views of the Kittatinny Ridge in the west and the Shawangunk Ridge and the Catskill Mountains in New York.

You don't have to follow the longest and steepest trail in Wawayanda State Park to enjoy a hike, though. There are plenty of less demanding trails that meander between the hardwood forests, around the swamps, and near the edges of lakes and ponds. The Wawayanda Lake Loop, an easy trail around the 255-acre lake, allows you to see a bit of everything. Over 6.1 miles, you'll pass Wawayanda Beach and its boathouse, a historic iron furnace, a campground, and Laurel Pond. 

After working up a sweat during your hike, you'll be drawn to the crystal-clear water of Wawayanda Lake. The large lake was created by glaciers, sits more than 1,100 feet above sea level, and is fed by nearby springs. Don't be surprised by its chilly water after you drop your belongings on the white-sand beach. Next to the beach, you'll find a boat ramp to access the water with your own canoe or sailboat, as no gas-powered motors are allowed. If you don't have your own equipment, Flatwater Paddle Co., an outdoor recreation company, rents single and double kayaks, plus stand-up paddleboards, at the Wawayanda Boathouse. You can also go fishing for catfish and largemouth bass if you have a New Jersey freshwater fishing license.

Though the gates of Wawayanda State Park are open all year, you only have to pay a vehicle fee to visit the state park from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. The rates vary based on whether you're a New Jersey resident or an out-of-stater, as well as on weekends and holidays. While in the area, you can also visit High Point State Park, a picturesque Highlands escape perfect for hiking, fishing, and camping, that's about 30 minutes away.

Wawayanda State Park is 58 miles northwest of the largest airport in New Jersey. Though you can fly to Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) from cities all around the world, be forewarned that it's a US East Coast hub known for cancellations.