Allamuchy State Park is a large state park located on the border of Morris, Warren, and Sussex Counties. The park is primarily used by mountain bikers, but most trail users are welcome on the many miles of trails through the park’s forest. The Musconetcong River, which winds its way through the park, is a popular trout fishing destination. Other sites include the Waterloo Village, a historic 19th-century location, and a handful of scenic lakes such as Deer Park Pond and Cranberry Lake.
Basic Information
Parking:
- Sussex Branch (~20 spots):
- Earthworm Lot (~20 spots, this lot is very hidden and looks like a gravel driveway)
- Waterloo Village (~100+ spots)
- Tamarack Park (~50+ spots, town park across from the Green Trail)
- Allamuchy Pond (~5 spots, this lot is accessed from the Mountain Villa School driveway)
- Allamuchy Road (~10 spots)
- Station Road (~10 spots)
- Stephens State Park (~20 spots)
Restrooms: Yes, in Waterloo Village
Visitor Center: Saturday and Sunday, 10:00-3:30 at Waterloo Village
Price: Free
Activities
Hiking
There are 14 miles of marked hiking trails of varying difficulty. In addition, there are miles of unmarked trails in the area east of Interstate 80 (Cranberry Lake side of the park). The majority of the unmarked trails are primarily used for mountain biking
Mountain Biking
Allamuchy is a very popular mountain biking destination. There are 14 miles of marked trails and about 20 miles of unmarked trails open to mountain biking
Biking
A 3-mile stretch of the Sussex Branch Trail passes through Allamuchy State Park. The section in Allamuchy State Park is wide, with packed gravel, and suitable for most bikes. Past Cranberry Lake, the trail gets more rugged.
Horseback Riding
Horseback Riding is allowed on all the marked and unmarked trails. Be aware the the trails are heavily used by mountain bikers.
Boating
Cranberry Lake features a public boat launch. Kayaks, canoes and rowboats are also welcome on the Musconetcong River
Fishing/Hunting
Fishing is permitted in the park lakes, and the Musconetcong River
57% of the park is open to hunting
Rock Climbing
There is a rock climbing area near Waterloo Village. A waiver from the state park service is required.
Points of Interest
- Waterloo Village
- Budd Lake Fire Tower
- Deer Park
Alerts
- Deer Park Road once had two parking areas. The road is currently closed due to poor road conditions and ongoing disputes with a neighbor who has repeatedly attempted to prevent people from parking there. When open, most cars should be able to reach the first parking area, but a high-clearance vehicle is needed for the second.
Waterloo Village
The Waterloo Village is a 19th-century village on the Musconetcong River. Tours are available on Saturday and Sunday, and visitors are also welcome to walk the grounds at any time. For more information, see their website.
The Waterloo Concert Fields were once a popular area of live music, but are not used much anymore.
Deer Park and Allamuchy Natural Area
Deer Park is a large section of land on the western end of the park. This area is a very popular mountain biking destination, but other users, such as hikers, are welcome to use the area as well. Due to the lack of convenient parking and trail access, this area tends to be less busy than other areas of the park.
The trails in this area are pleasant and feature gentle rolling hills.
North Park Area
On the eastern side of Interstate 80 is the busiest area of the park, also known as the North Park. Here you will find most of the marked trails and countless unmarked trails, primarily used for mountain biking. A GPS map is highly recommended if you decide to go on one of the unmarked trails, as they are not on the official trail map.
The trails here feature rolling hills and are of moderate difficulty. For those wanting something easy, the Sussex Branch Trail begins here are is a wide, flat trail though the park.
Unfortunately, there is limited parking in this area, and arriving early is recommended on nice weekends.
South Park Area
South of Waterloo Road (County Road 604) is the southern end of the park, and also the least trafficked area of it. The easiest access is hiking in from Stephens State Park. Alternate access is from Station Road.
This area of the park is lightly used, and you will likely not see many people, if any at all. The trails here are okay, with the highlight being the Budd Lake Fire Tower.
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