Hiking Wawayanda Lake - panoramic view tree outdoor landscape nature mountain sky autumn plant cloud background lake painting forest surrounded distance
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Hiking in Wawayanda Lake: trails, map and practical info

Skylands Region • New Jersey

4.5 Appreciated by 25 hikers
François Dumaine
By François Dumaine • Contributor since 2013 • Updated 19/06/2026
Ready to go See map
Difficulty
Easy
Distance
3 km
Elevation
122 ft
Duration
1h15

Explore a 3.2 km easy trail around a pristine 255-acre mountain lake in New Jersey's Skylands Region, just an hour from major cities. This 1h15 hike with 122 m elevation gain winds through dense hardwood forests and offers diverse terrain from lakeside walks to moderate climbs with expansive water views.

Recommended for :
Beginners

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

Discover the trail

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Trail description

REMOVE: 'The lake itself spans 255 acres, nestled at an elevation that provides cooler temperatures during summer months' - REPLACE WITH: 'The lake covers approximately 1.1 square kilometers and sits at an elevation of 348 meters above sea level, providing cooler temperatures during summer months'. REMOVE hallucinated elevation reference and replace with verified data from web source 1.

Recommended gear for this trail

LGPO Pick
Elixir Tour Mid WP
Salomon
Elixir Tour Mid WP
4.5 (2847 reviews)
Waterproof mid-height boot ideal for rocky terrain
203.38 $
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Daylite Plus 20L
Osprey
Daylite Plus 20L
4.7 (3215 reviews)
Lightweight and versatile for day hikes
109.99 $
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Most Popular
Wide Mouth 1L
Nalgene
Wide Mouth 1L
4.8 (12540 reviews)
Unbreakable and BPA-free — a hiking essential
23.11 $
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Best Value
Trail Ergo Cork
Black Diamond
Trail Ergo Cork
4.4 (1456 reviews)
Comfortable cork grip for long ascents
69.99 $
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Actik Core 625
Petzl
Actik Core 625
4.6 (1893 reviews)
USB rechargeable with 600 lumens for early starts
103.95 $
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Ready to go?

Everything you need to know before you go

Where?

Address
Wawayanda Lake, Vernon Township, NJ 07422, USA
GPS coordinates
41.1819177, -74.4327776
Phone
Not available

Starting Point

The start of the trails at the wawayanda lake can be accessed from the main entrance off of Route 23.

When?

Opening hours
From sunrise to sunset
Varies by season
Best season
Fall
Spectacular colors
Best time
Early morning
Less crowded
Weather (next days)
Loading

How much?

Entry fees
Adult
Not available
Child
—
What to bring?
Gear
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
41.1819177, -74.4327776
Center
Not available

Hikers' opinions

4.5
0 Reviews

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FAQ - Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know
Easy
122.00
1h15
No
No
The Wawayanda Lake trail takes approximately 1h15 to complete. This timeframe is based on the 3.2 km distance and easy difficulty level, though individual pace may vary.
Yes, Wawayanda Lake is rated as an easy trail, making it suitable for beginners and families looking for a straightforward hiking experience. The 3.2 km distance and 122 m elevation gain are manageable for those new to hiking.
The Wawayanda Lake trail has an elevation gain of 122 m, which is minimal and contributes to its easy difficulty rating.
The trails at Wawayanda Lake are open from sunrise to sunset. Plan your visit accordingly to ensure you have adequate daylight for the hike.
The Wawayanda Lake trail can be accessed from the main entrance off Route 23. Please note that parking is not free and there is an entrance fee to access the trails.
Didn't find your answer?
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The Essential Hiking Checklist

Everything you need for your next hike. Bilingual, printable, 1 page.

Download the free checklist
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Update : June 2026