Swartswood Lake is New Jersey’s third-largest natural lake and its first state park. While often overlooked in favor of more popular boating destinations, it still offers an enjoyable experience, complete with a handful of quiet coves and an interesting shoreline. Interestingly, the shoreline is surprisingly developed considering this is New Jersey’s oldest state park. This…
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Exploring the Family-Friendly Gnome Hollow Preserve
Located along a nondescript back road in Sussex County is the little-known Gnome Hollow Preserve. The namesake of this preserve is the collection of countless small gnomes hidden throughout the park landscape. This family-friendly destination features over a hundred small gnomes (plus a few gnome homes) tucked away on rock ledges, inside tree trunks, and…
Kayaking at New Jersey’s Deepest Natural Lake: Lake Aeroflex
Located in Kittatinny Valley State Park is the highly underrated Lake Aeroflex (also known as New Wawayanda Lake). While this is far from the largest lake in the state, it is actually the deepest natural lake, at 110 feet deep. Not only is this the deepest natural lake in the state, but it is also…
Mount Tammany: Hiking New Jersey’s Most Iconic Mountain
Mount Tammany, one half of the Delaware Water Gap, is arguably New Jersey’s most iconic mountain. At a summit elevation of 1,527 feet and a climb of 1,200 feet, this is also one of New Jersey’s most challenging hikes. The effort is worth it, though, as the views from both the midpoint of the mountain…
Hiking the Elizabeth D. Kay Environmental Center to Waterfalls and Ruins
Located next to the incredibly popular Hacklebarney State Park is the comparatively unknown Elizabeth D. Kay Environmental Center. This lack of recognition is surprising once you visit, as the Kay Center is just as good as, and arguably better than, Hacklebarney. A relatively easy 3-mile hike takes visitors to a variety of sights, including cottage…
Hiking the Coppermine Trail: Waterfalls and Mines
The Coppermine Trail is one of the most overlooked and underrated routes in the popular Delaware Water Gap. This moderately difficult trail takes visitors past two fascinating, abandoned copper mine entrances and multiple scenic yet virtually unknown waterfalls. Continue reading to learn more about this hidden trail, including information on the difficult parking situation and…
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…
