Hiking in Round Valley Resevoir: trails, map and practical info

Round Valley Reservoir is one of New Jersey's most impressive bodies of water, and the trail system that wraps around it offers a hiking experience that's genuinely unlike anything else in the Highlands region. This isn't your typical loop through the woods — it's a serious, remote-feeling adventure that demands preparation and rewards effort.

The Reservoir and Its Setting

Round Valley Reservoir sits in a natural bowl formed by the surrounding hills, which gives it that striking, almost dramatic appearance when you first catch a glimpse of it through the trees. The water is deep and clear, and the shoreline alternates between rocky outcrops, sandy patches, and dense forest edges. The Highlands landscape here is rugged — exposed ridgelines, boulder fields, and dense mixed forest that feels genuinely wild for a state as densely populated as New Jersey.

The reservoir itself is managed as part of Round Valley Recreation Area, a state-operated park that draws hikers, backpackers, anglers, and swimmers. The trail system is the main draw for hikers, and it's well-regarded among serious day hikers and backpackers in the region for its challenge and its scenery.

The Trail Experience

The main hiking route follows the perimeter of the reservoir, tracing the shoreline and climbing through the forested hills that frame it. The terrain is consistently rocky and rooted underfoot — this is not a groomed path, and footing requires attention throughout. You'll move through sections of open ridge with wide water views, then drop back into shaded forest corridors, then scramble over boulder-strewn slopes. The variety keeps things interesting, but it also means the trail takes longer than the distance alone might suggest.

What sets Round Valley apart from other Highlands hikes is the sense of remoteness. Once you're past the first stretch from the trailhead, the crowds thin out quickly, and for long stretches you'll have the shoreline entirely to yourself. The reservoir views are consistently excellent — the water is visible from multiple vantage points along the route, and the reflections off the surface on calm mornings are genuinely striking.

The trail is blazed and generally well-marked, but there are sections where the path becomes faint or rocky enough that you'll want to pay attention to the blazes. A map — whether paper or downloaded offline — is a smart call before you head out.

Backpacking at Round Valley

Round Valley is one of the few places in New Jersey where backcountry camping is permitted, and that makes it a standout destination in the region. There are designated primitive campsites accessible only on foot, situated along the reservoir shoreline. These sites are remote by New Jersey standards — you're packing in everything you need, and the sites offer a level of solitude that's rare this close to the New York metro area.

Permits are required for backcountry camping and must be obtained in advance through the New Jersey State Park Service. If you're planning an overnight trip, booking ahead is essential, especially on summer weekends when demand is high.

What to Know Before You Go

• Terrain: Rocky, rooted, and uneven throughout. Sturdy hiking footwear with ankle support is strongly recommended. Trail runners can work for experienced hikers, but sandals or casual shoes are a bad idea here.
• Navigation: Carry a downloaded map or a paper copy. Cell service is unreliable in sections of the trail, and the route has spots where the path isn't obvious.
• Water: Bring more than you think you need. There are limited reliable water sources along the trail, and the reservoir water requires treatment before drinking.
• Parking and access: The main trailhead is accessed from the Round Valley Recreation Area entrance. A parking fee applies — New Jersey State Parks charges a day-use fee that varies by season. Annual passes are available and worth it if you visit state parks regularly.
• Swimming: The recreation area has a designated swimming beach, separate from the hiking trail access. It's a popular spot in summer and can get busy on hot weekends.
• Fishing: Round Valley Reservoir is known as one of New Jersey's top trout fisheries, particularly for lake trout. Anglers share the area with hikers, especially near the shoreline access points.
• Dogs: Dogs are permitted on the trails but must be kept on leash. Clean up after your dog — this is a managed recreation area and the rules are enforced.

Who This Hike Is For

Round Valley Reservoir is best suited to hikers who are comfortable on rough, rocky terrain and have some experience navigating less-groomed trails. The full perimeter route is a significant undertaking — it's the kind of hike where you want to start early, especially in summer when afternoon heat can make the exposed sections uncomfortable. That said, the trail doesn't require technical climbing or specialized gear, and fit hikers with solid footwear and good preparation will find it very manageable.

For backpackers looking for an accessible but genuinely remote overnight experience in the Northeast, Round Valley is one of the best options in New Jersey. The combination of shoreline scenery, challenging terrain, and true backcountry camping makes it a destination worth planning around.

Getting There

Round Valley Recreation Area is located in the Highlands region of New Jersey, easily reachable from major highways serving central and northern New Jersey. The entrance road leads directly to the parking areas, and the trailhead for the hiking route is clearly signed from the main lot. Arrive early on summer weekends — the parking area fills up, and late arrivals sometimes find themselves turned away once capacity is reached.