A Guide to the G. Thomas Donch Nature Preserve in Franklin Lakes

The G. Thomas Donch Nature Preserve (also known as the Franklin Lakes Nature Preserve) is a 120-acre park centered on the 75-acre North Lake, formerly the Haledon Reservoir. Despite being located in the heart of Franklin Lakes and bordering major roads, the trail system here is surprisingly good. The paths offer frequent views of the lake and the neighboring High Mountain. At times, the trail even manages to mask the fact that you are mere feet from a house or road.

Do not go in expecting a long or strenuous hike, as the trail network is small and flat. However, for those looking for a quick walk nearby, this nature preserve is perfect.

The Hike

G. Thomas Donch Nature Preserve is fairly small and essentially only features two trails: the main Shoreline Loop and the Island Bridge Trail, which begins and ends on the Shoreline Loop. The trails are all very easy and are nearly entirely flat. The trail is mostly natural, except for a short portion of the Shoreline Loop, which is designated as ADA accessible and features a gravel surface.

Given the way the trails are laid out, there are essentially three hiking options, as described below.

Note that the parking lot is on the smaller side for the park’s popularity. You may have trouble finding parking on a nice day.

Recommended Route: Island Bridge Trail and Northern Shoreline Loop (1.6 miles)

The best hike in the preserve, in my opinion, is the Island Bridge Trail and the northern section of the Shoreline Loop Trail. This hike gives a satisfactory loop with a few interesting features, namely the Island Bridge Trail. Additionally, the northeastern section of the Shoreline Loop features less road visibility and noise. And finally, the views are simply superior here; you can see High Mountain in the distance, unlike the flat-land views from the southwestern portion.

To do this route, begin at the large parking area and begin the White Shoreline Loop Trail, which follows the perimeter of the park and North Lake. For this hike, follow the trail counter-clockwise, heading away from the dam. The trail begins with a short ADA-accessible portion that is enjoyable thanks to the zigzagging gravel path through the woods.

Along the way, the ADA-accessible portion ends with a short loop on the left. Honestly, that section of the trail is not too exciting and is skippable. After about a half mile, you will reach the beginning of the Blue Island Bridge Trail on the left, which you will want to take. This half-mile trail is the highlight of the preserve. It features a narrow chain of islands that separates the “lagoon” from North Lake. At two points, floating bridges connect the islands.

This trail also offers some of the best water views in the park.

Eventually, this trail rejoins the Shoreline Trail. I recommend you turn right here to return on the northern side of the reservoir, which is a much more enjoyable route.

This trail is hugs the shoreline for most of its course and features a few views of the lagoon and High Mountain.

This trail also features a few bridges spanning small streams that lead to the reservoir. The trail then leads to a point on the map labeled “Basalt Beach.” This location is just a section of exposed basalt bedrock sloping into the water and is not that exciting.

Soon after the basalt beach, you will reach the Island Bridge Trail again. From here, simply return to the parking lot on the section of the Shoreline Trail you already took.

The Shoreline Loop (1.5 miles)

The full Shoreline Loop Trail follows the park’s entire perimeter and bypasses the Island Bridge Trail. Surprisingly, this loop is also nearly the same length as the recommended loop.

To take this trail, simply follow the White Shoreline Loop around the reservoir. While the northeast section is decent, the southwest section passes very close to two busy roads: Ewing Avenue and High Mountain Road. The trail builders did the best they could, squeezing the trail on the thin strip of land sandwiched between the roads and water. In fact, there are a few surprisingly isolated sections on this trail, considering the proximity of the roads.

However, the road is unavoidable in other sections.

The loop finishes (or begins depending on which way you complete it) by crossing the North Lake Dam.

Longest: Island Bridge Trail and Full Shoreline Loop (2.3 miles)

For those wanting to hike the entire preserve, you can do so, but you must repeat one section of the trail to do so. I recommend following the guide for the recommended hike above, but instead of returning to your car after reaching the Island Bridge Trail, I would re-hike that trail, then turn left onto the Shoreline Loop.

Review

The G. Thomas Donch Nature Preserve is honestly better than I expected, especially since it is sandwiched between major roads and suburbia. Do not expect to feel like you are in the wilderness, but it is possible to briefly forget you are mere feet from development. The highlight, as explained above, is the Island Bridge Trail, but the northeastern side of the Shoreline Loop is surprisingly good as well. Unfortunately, the other side of the park is much closer to roads, downgrading the experience.