Wawayanda State Park
🥾 13,000 Acres of New Jersey Highlands — Appalachian Trail, Terrace Pond, and Lake Wawayanda — 60+ miles of trails through rugged mountain terrain, a glacial lake with swimming beach, the Atlantic white cedar swamp, and some of the wildest backcountry in the Garden State — Hewitt, Passaic County
Wawayanda State Park is one of the largest and wildest state parks in New Jersey — 13,000+ acres of rugged Highland terrain in the far northwestern corner of the state, where New Jersey feels more like Vermont than the turnpike stereotypes. A 19.6-mile section of the Appalachian Trail passes through the park, connecting thru-hikers and day hikers to some of the most spectacular ridge walking in the mid-Atlantic. Terrace Pond — a glacial lake perched on a high ridge of Precambrian pudding stone — is one of the most photographed natural features in New Jersey. Lake Wawayanda provides a lifeguarded swimming beach, paddling, and fishing. And the Wawayanda Swamp Natural Area preserves one of the rarest ecosystems in the region: an intact Atlantic white cedar bog accessible only by boardwalk.
With 60+ miles of marked trails ranging from gentle lakeside walks to technical mountain scrambles, Wawayanda serves hikers, mountain bikers, horseback riders, and cross-country skiers. The park is located about 50 miles northwest of New York City but feels a world away — black bears, bobcats, and bald eagles inhabit the densely forested slopes, and the group campgrounds (the only camping option) require a minimum of seven people, keeping the backcountry quiet.
Trail Highlights
Appalachian Trail — 19.6 Miles Through Wawayanda
The AT section through Wawayanda is some of the most varied on the entire trail. Marked with white blazes, it crosses rocky ridgelines with panoramic views, descends through hemlock ravines, crosses boardwalks over wetlands, and passes through mature hardwood forests. The terrain is genuinely rugged — rocky footing, boulder scrambles, and elevation changes keep even experienced hikers engaged. For day hikers, a popular out-and-back follows the AT north from Warwick Turnpike to Pinwheel Vista and beyond.
Terrace Pond
The hike to Terrace Pond is one of the most popular and challenging day hikes in New Jersey. The pond — a clear glacial lake surrounded by unique pudding stone (Precambrian conglomerate rock) — sits on a high ridge accessed via several trail routes. The most common approach is approximately 4 miles round trip with significant elevation change and rocky, technical terrain through rhododendron forests. The pond itself, reflecting sky and surrounding cliffs of puddingstone, is stunning in every season.
Trail Guide
| Trail | Distance | Difficulty | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Appalachian Trail (park section) | 19.6 mi | Difficult | Ridge views, rock scrambles, AT experience |
| Terrace Pond Loop | ~4 mi RT | Difficult | Glacial pond, pudding stone, scrambles |
| Wawayanda Swamp Boardwalk | 1.5 mi | Easy | Atlantic white cedar bog, rare ecosystem |
| Laurel Pond Trail | 2.5 mi | Moderate | Mountain lake, wildflowers, forest |
| Multi-Use Forest Trails | 30+ mi | Varies | Mountain biking, horseback riding |
Lake Wawayanda
The centerpiece for non-hikers: Lake Wawayanda offers a lifeguarded swimming beach (Memorial Day through Labor Day, 10 AM–5:30 PM), kayak and canoe rentals, and fishing for bass and panfish. Electric motors only — no gas engines allowed. The lake is surrounded by dense forest, creating a secluded mountain-lake atmosphere unusual for a park this close to the NYC metro area. A boat ramp provides launch access for personal watercraft. Inner tubes and rafts are not permitted in the swimming area.
Best Time to Visit
| Season | Weather | Crowds | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (Apr–May) | 45–68°F | Low | Wildflowers, waterfall flow, AT hiking |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | 68–85°F | Moderate | Swimming, paddling, Terrace Pond |
| Fall (Sep–Nov) | 45–70°F | Moderate | Peak foliage, AT section, photography |
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | 18–38°F | Very Low | XC skiing, snowshoeing, solitude |
💰 Trip Cost Estimator
| Expense | NJ Resident | Non-Resident | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parking (Weekday) | FREE | FREE | No parking fee weekdays |
| Parking (Weekend/Holiday) | $5 | $10 | Memorial Day–Labor Day |
| Kayak/Canoe Rental | $15–$25 | $15–$25 | Seasonal at lake |
| Group Camping | $5/person | $5/person | Minimum 7 people required |
| Total Day Trip | $0–$5 | $0–$10 | Outstanding value |
⚠️ Safety Information
| Hazard | Risk Level | Prevention |
|---|---|---|
| 🐻 Black Bears | Moderate | Carry bear spray, make noise, secure food |
| 🪨 Rocky Trail Terrain | Moderate | Ankle-supporting boots essential |
| 🧭 Trail Navigation | Moderate | 60+ mile trail system — carry map, charge phone |
| 🌡️ No Trash Facilities | Low | Pack in/pack out — carry-out-everything policy |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Appalachian Trail go through Wawayanda?
Yes. A 19.6-mile section of the AT passes through the park, offering some of the most varied ridge hiking in the mid-Atlantic region.
How hard is the Terrace Pond hike?
Difficult. Approximately 4 miles round trip with significant elevation change, rocky scrambles, and technical terrain through rhododendron thickets. Not suitable for young children or casual walkers.
Can you swim at Lake Wawayanda?
Yes, when lifeguards are on duty — typically Memorial Day through Labor Day, 10 AM–5:30 PM. Inner tubes and rafts are prohibited; only Coast Guard-approved life jackets are allowed.
Is there individual camping at Wawayanda?
No. The park only offers group campsites requiring a minimum of 7 people. Sites are primitive — no running water, no electricity, no showers. Water must be carried in from the main office area.
How far is Wawayanda from NYC?
Approximately 50 miles (1.5 hours) northwest via I-80 and Route 23. One of the wildest parks accessible as a day trip from the New York metro area.
Are dogs allowed?
Yes, on leash. Dogs are allowed on all trails. They are prohibited from the swimming beach area.
What is pudding stone?
Precambrian conglomerate rock — pebbles and stones cemented together by natural processes over a billion years ago. Terrace Pond is surrounded by dramatic outcrops of this distinctive rock type, creating a unique geological landscape.
Are there bears at Wawayanda?
Yes. The park has an active black bear population. Store food securely, never approach bears, and make noise on trails. All campers must keep clean, secure campsites.
🥾 Ready to Explore Wawayanda?
From the Appalachian Trail and Terrace Pond to a mountain swimming lake and 60+ miles of trails, Wawayanda State Park proves that New Jersey’s Highlands rival anything in the mid-Atlantic for wild, rugged outdoor adventure.
Wildlife & Nature
Wawayanda SP — 35,424 acres — is one of New Jersey’s largest state parks. The park’s Wawayanda Lake, Highlands ridgeline, and Appalachian Trail section support black bears, bobcats, and timber rattlesnakes. Bald eagles nest near the lake. The Appalachian Trail runs 20 miles through the park. Hemlock Ravine Natural Area preserves ancient hemlocks.
Nearby Attractions
Highland Lakes — adjacent. Warwick, NY — 10 miles north. Vernon — 10 miles east — has Mountain Creek resort.
