Beautiful Allamuchy Mountain State Park lies within the Allamuchy Mountain region just 38 miles west of Newark, NJ and 48 miles west of New York City.
This NJ State park offers visitors miles of trails, excellent trout fishing, boating opportunities and more.
Nearby Stephens State Park connects to Allamuchy Mountain and together they make up an area of 9,600 acres which include miles of multi-use trails that extend throughout the forest and wetland areas.
Activities
Whether you visit during peak season (April to October) or off season (November to March) you’ll discover lots of exciting outdoor activities to keep you entertained at Allamuchy Mountain State Park.
Some of these activities include a rock climbing wall, educational programs, trails, boat rentals, picnic areas, a playground and self-guided tours of Waterloo Village (a restored 19th century village). Popular Winter activities include ice skating, cross-country skiing, sledding and ice fishing.
Here’s a closer look at some of these activities:
Boating at Allamuchy Mountain State Park
Love to kayak? There’s a 3-mile water trail on the Musconetcong River that’s open to canoes, kayaks and rowboats.
Allamuchy Mountain State Park also has a public boat launch with concession on Cranberry Lake, so bring your own boat or rent one there. Rentals include kayaks, canoes and rowboats.
Electric and gas motors are also allowed and may launch onto the lake between sunrise and sunset year round.
Fishing at Allamuchy Mountain State Park
Don’t forget to bring your fishing pole and supplies. Allamuchy Mountain State Park provides excellent fishing opportunities year round.
Catch largemouth bass, perch, sunfish and pickerel in Cranberry Lake, Allamuchy Pond, Jefferson Lake and Deer Park Pond. Or head over to Musconetcong River, which is stocked with trout – brown, rainbow and brook!
Ice fishing is popular during the winter and is permitted inside the park.
Hiking at Allamuchy Mountain State Park
There are just over 14 miles of marked trails inside the Allamuchy Natural Area and another 20 miles of unmarked trails that run through the northern section of the park. Trails wind through oak and hardwood forest, along Deer Park Pond and across numerous maintained fields.
All trails are open to hikers, mountain bikers and horseback riders with trails ranging from moderate to rugged in difficulty.
Here are some of the trails at Allamuchy State Park:
- Sussex Branch Trail Red – A 3 mile moderate trail that winds along the old railroad bed and out to Cranberry Lake.
- Allamuchy Pond Trail – A 2.2 mile moderate loop that circles Allamuchy Pond and parallels the wetlands area south of the pond.
- Highlands Trail – A longer distance trail that is moderate in difficulty (the entire trail is 150 miles long, 10 of which are located within the Allamuchy Mountain area). Explore the beautiful forest and rocky highlands while taking in the breathtaking views of the Musconetcong River. A section of this trail crosses through nearby Stephens State Park.
Biking at Allamuchy Mountain State Park
Allamuchy Mountain State Park’s multi-use trails are also open to mountain bikes. The area has more than 14 miles of marked trails and another 20 miles of unmarked trails.
Here are some of the popular trails for mountain biking at Allamuchy Mountain State Park:
- Byram Trail – A 1.5 mile easy trail through the forest and past Jefferson Lake.
- Iron Mine Trail – A 1.6 mile moderate loop through the forested area. This rocky path consists of single and double track paths.
- Pebble Trail – A moderate 3 mile rocky and hilly trail that offers scenic views as it travels along a ridgeline above the Musconetcong River. The trail’s name comes from the glacial deposit boulder, ‘Pebble’.
Birding at Allamuchy Mountain State Park
The oak and hardwood forest, wildflower fields and the waters of the Musconetcong River and Deer Park Pond create a picturesque and ideal setting for birdwatchers and bird lovers of all ages.
This natural area is home to Great Horned owls, bald eagles, hawks, warblers, wild turkey, ducks and many more species.
Nature and Wildlife at Allamuchy Mountain State Park
Be prepared to see lots of wildlife during your visit to Allamuchy Mountain State Park, especially deer. Some others that you may see are squirrels, raccoons, opossums and foxes.
Pets at Allamuchy Mountain State Park
Feel free to bring your pet when you visit Allamuchy Mountain State Park. But remember that pets must remain leashed (on a leash no longer than six feet in length) and under your supervision at all times. And please clean up after your pets.
Camping Near Allamuchy Mountain State Park
Planning to visit Allamuchy State Park between April and the end of October? Get the most out of your visit and stay overnight in one of these nearby campgrounds:
Stephens State Park: A mere 6 miles from Allamuchy State Park has 39 campsites for tents or small trailers. Each site has its own fire ring and picnic table and is located close to hot showers and flush toilets.
Camp Taylor Campground: Lakeside campground located at 85 Mount Pleasant Road in Columbia, NJ and 27 miles west of Allamuchy Mountain State Park. This family campground has cabins, electric/water sites and primitive sites. Each campsite and cabin has a picnic table and fire pit.
Park Location
Allamuchy Mountain State Park
Waterloo Road
Stanhope, NJ 07874
Phone: 908.852.3790
Map
Video
Here is a short YouTube video showcasing several attractions at Allamuchy Mountain State Park:
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