Exploring the Ruins at Back Beach Park

Back Beach Park is a small park located in Wanaque, New Jersey. While well known to local residents, this property is virtually unheard of outside the immediate area. Although it does not have an official trail network, there are miles of unmarked trails snaking through the property, plus a connection to Ramapo State Forest for those who prefer well-marked trails. The highlight of the park is easily the numerous ruins from when the area was home to a powder mill. Explorers will enjoy finding what feels like endless ruins throughout the property, including some large brick buildings and an old train trestle.

History of the Site

Back Beach Park is located in the Haskell region of Passaic County’s Wanaque Borough. Haskell was founded as a company town for the Laflin & Rand Powder Company, which DuPont acquired in 1902. They operated a Powder Mill here to manufacture gunpowder until it closed in 1926, following World War I. The remains of the manufacturing activities can be seen throughout the park.

DuPont continued manufacturing explosives and other chemicals on the other side of a ridge until 1994. These activities led to extensive contamination of soil, sediment, and groundwater, primarily with lead and mercury. This contamination moved off-site via the aptly named Acid Brook and migrating groundwater plumes (contaminated water) into the neighboring town of Pompton Lakes, passing through a residential area. An environmental cleanup has concluded as a result of this contamination.

While the ruins accessed from Back Beach Park are separated from the most heavily contaminated (and closed) areas by the ridge, I’d still exercise caution and avoid eating or drinking anything found in here (not that you should in New Jersey to begin with).

Visiting

Back Beach Park is located at the end of 4th Avenue in Wanaque. While the park features several athletic fields, courts, and a playground, the trail access is tucked away in the far corner opposite the playground. There, you’ll find a directory and a painted sign directing you toward Ramapo State Forest.

The park is essentially split in two by the Wanaque River, with the majority of the ruins situated to the south (downriver/to the right). There is only one way to cross this river, located near the parking area; the crossing is sketchy. The location of this crossing is annoying as it requires backtracking after exploring one side of the river to reach the other, but enough side trails keep the return from either side from getting too repetitive.

According to a sign, the bridge was originally built in 1885 and has been rebuilt at least four times, most recently in 1995. It is only one person wide, and the concrete is visibly deteriorating.

Once across, you will immediately encounter a second water crossing. Though smaller, it is arguably sketchier, as it consists simply of tree limbs placed side by side.

Beyond these water crossings, the trails are incredibly easy to traverse. This is largely because locals use Back Beach Park as an ATV playground. As is common in parks with high ATV use, there is a maze of intersecting paths. Fortunately, it is difficult to get lost if you keep the Wanaque River within sight.

The area is densely covered in ruins. While a few of the larger structures are highlighted below, you will see remnants virtually everywhere you look. Note that the trails begin to fade out the further south you go, especially once you pass under Route 287.

Highlighted Ruins and Locations

Review

Back Beach Park is an interesting place to explore, offering what feels like an endless supply of ruins, some of them surprisingly large. Additionally, being able to stand under the bridge is impressive.

Now for the more critical side: While the ATV tracks make it easy to traverse, there is also the risk of encountering one on a blind turn. Additionally, while the athletic fields and playground are well-maintained, the town clearly lacks a comprehensive management plan for the hiking area. In some ways, I’m okay with that, as it leads to some quirks, but the place has been taken over by locals who think they own the place. There are mountains of beer cans in some locations and many late-night hangout spots. It is also worth noting that part of the property was the site of the 2024 Cannonball 3 Wildfire. While an official cause has not been determined, the numerous fire pits throughout the area make it fair to wonder if there is a connection.

My biggest gripe, however, is the lack of creativity in the graffiti. There are so many evil snowmen, it’s time to change it up a little.