Hiking Crater Lake - panoramic view
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Hiking in Crater Lake: trails, map and practical info

Skylands Region • New Jersey

4.7 Appreciated by 3 hikers
François Dumaine
By François DumaineContributor since 2013Updated 01/04/2026
Difficulty
Moderate
Distance
19 km
Elevation
300 ft
Duration
5h15

Explore a 19 km trail through New Jersey's Skylands Region in 7 hours, featuring a unique meteorite impact crater from 15 million years ago. This circular, water-filled depression offers hikers a rare geological wonder in the Garden State.

Recommended for :
Intermediate hikers

Ready to explore Crater Lake? Here's everything you need to know before you go!

Discover the trail

3 community photos

Trail description

crater lake (Klamath: giiwas) is a caldera lake in the western United States, located in south-central Oregon. It is the main feature of crater lake National Park and is famous for its deep blue color and water clarity. The lake partly fills a nearly 2,148-foot (655 m)-deep caldera that was formed around 7,700 (± 150) years ago by the collapse of the volcano Mount Mazama. There are no rivers flowing into or out of the lake; the evaporation is compensated for by rain and snowfall at a rate such that the total amount of water is replaced every 250 years. With a depth of 1,949 feet (594 m), the lake is the deepest in the United States. In the world, it ranks tenth for maximum depth, and third for mean (average) depth. crater lake is also known for the "Old Man of the Lake", a full-sized tree which is now a stump that has been bobbing vertically in the lake for over a century. The low temperature of the water has slowed the decomposition of the wood, hence the longevity of the bobbing tree. Two islands are in crater lake: Wizard Island, formed from a cinder cone that erupted after crater lake began to fill with water, and the smaller Phantom Ship, which has seven trees living on it. There are also colonies of violet-green swallows and several varieties of wildflowers and lichens living there. While having no indigenous fish population, the lake was stocked from 1888 to 1941 with a variety of fish. Several species have formed self-sustaining populations. Since 2002, one of the state's regular-issue license plate designs has featured crater lake. The commemorative Oregon State Quarter, which was released by the United States Mint in 2005, features an image of crater lake on its reverse.

The crater lake is a beautiful, serene lake located in the heart of British Columbia. The lake is surrounded by pristine forest and towering mountains, making it the perfect place to relax and enjoy nature. The crater lake is known for its clear, turquoise water which is perfect for swimming, fishing, and kayaking. Visitors can also enjoy hiking and camping in the surrounding area.

The crater lake is a geological feature located in the New Jersey Highlands. It is a circular, water-filled depression that is about 1,000 feet in diameter and 100 feet deep. The lake was formed by the impact of a meteorite that struck the earth about 15 million years ago. The crater is now filled with groundwater and is a popular destination for hikers and nature lovers.

Ready to go?

Everything you need to know before you go

Where?

Address
Layton, NJ 07851, USA
GPS coordinates
41.1093486, -74.8921734
Phone
Not available

Starting Point

The crater lake trails start at the parking lot on the east side of the lake.

The trails at the crater lake in New Jersey can be accessed from the parking lot off of Pleasant Valley Road.

When?

Opening hours
Monday: 12:00 – 10:00 PMTuesday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PMWednesday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PMThursday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PMFriday: 5:00 AM – 6:00 PMSaturday: ClosedSunday: Closed
Varies by season
Best season
Fall
Spectacular colors
Best time
Early morning
Less crowded
Weather (next days)
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How much?

Entry fees
Adult
Not available
Child
What to bring?
Gear
  • Hiking shoes Essential
  • Layered clothing Essential
  • Rain jacket Essential
  • Trekking poles
  • Headlamp
Download the PDF checklist
Water & food
2L minimum
No water point on the trail
Bring energy snacks for a 4h+ hike
Good to know
Park rules
No dogs
Safety
Download the GPX before you go
Limited cellular coverage on the trail
Slippery after rain
Be careful on rocky sections
In an emergency
Emergency
911
Parking GPS
41.1093486, -74.8921734
Center
Not available

Hikers' opinions

4.7
1 Reviews
R1
Review 1
Aug 15, 2023
Update: Fires last year have changed the place for many years to come. Definitely a different & surreal experience... One of my favourite places in the Skylands Region. I've been coming here since I was a child. The 19km trails with 300m elevation gain are amazing, though expect a full 7-hour adventure. The scenery is beautiful and breathtaking. Need to be cautious along the trails, especially in the company of children or pets. There are slippery areas along the trails with very steep cliffs. The challenging terrain makes this trail unsuitable for dogs. One could easily spend an entire day here exploring the area. I highly recommend the trip despite the recent changes.

FAQ - Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know
Moderate
300.00
Monday: 12:00 – 10:00 PMTuesday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PMWednesday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PMThursday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PMFriday: 5:00 AM – 6:00 PMSaturday: ClosedSunday: Closed
5h15
No
No
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Update : June 2026