Wawayanda State Park
A swimming lake, mountain paths, and wetlands offer several very different ways into New Jersey’s northern highlands.
Artwork inspired by George Inness
Wawayanda Lake anchors the easy picture of this park, but the surrounding Bearfort Mountain and swamp natural areas explain why it is more than a summer beach. Hiking routes cross rocky, glaciated ground and quieter wetland edges, with habitats that support notable birds. Stay on mapped paths and scan from a distance rather than approaching a nest or marsh.
A lake outing and a ridge hike are separate plans. Lifeguarded swimming is seasonal and limited to designated areas; boat launches and camping have their own rules. Summer vehicle entry varies by residency and day, and the gate closes earlier in winter. Check the chosen entrance before aiming for a trail that begins outside the main lake area.
- Lake
- Wawayanda Lake
- Upland
- Bearfort Mountain
- Setting
- New Jersey Highlands
Quick guide
- Pick your terrain
- Lake, swamp edge, and mountain route differ substantially.
- Confirm the gate
- Season changes the evening closing time.
Know before you go
- Read the rock
- Glacial ground shapes walking pace.
- Observe wetlands
- Keep distance from birds and fragile margins.
- Check swim rules
- Water access depends on designated lifeguarded areas.
- Use the right entrance
- Some trailheads are not by the lake lot.
Good to know
The main gate pin is a starting point, not every trailhead. If your target is the Appalachian Trail or Bearfort area, consult the official trail map for a closer entrance.
Notice these
- Wawayanda Lake
- Bearfort Mountain
- Wetland habitats