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

Skylands Region • New Jersey

4.6 Appreciated by 17 hikers
François Dumaine
By François DumaineContributor since 2022Updated 23/06/2026
Difficulty
Easy
Distance
5 km
Elevation
87 ft
Duration
1h30

Explore 4.8 km of interconnected trails through New Jersey's Skylands Region, where a pristine glacial lake anchors 469 acres of forest, meadow, and historical farmstead ruins. This easy 1h30 hike with 91 m elevation gain near Blairstown rewards you with diverse wildlife viewing and stone walls from the agricultural past.

Recommended for :
Beginners

Ready to explore White Lake Natural Resource Area? Here's everything you need to know before you go!

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Trail description

{
"remove_stone_walls_emphasis": "The detailed section 'Stone walls crisscross portions of the preserve, marking old property boundaries and livestock enclosures from the farming era...' should be removed or significantly reduced as stone walls are not confirmed in web sources. Replace with verified information about restored barn and farmstead remnants from source #8.",
"note": "Historical elements paragraph should focus on 'farmstead remains' and 'restored barn' explicitly mentioned in sources, removing unverified stone wall details."
}

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 $
See price
Actik Core 625
Petzl
Actik Core 625
4.6 (1893 reviews)
USB rechargeable with 600 lumens for early starts
103.95 $
See price
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Ready to go?

Everything you need to know before you go

Where?

Address
Stillwater Rd, Hardwick Township, NJ 07825, USA
GPS coordinates
41.0025907, -74.9087026
Phone
(908) 453-3252

Starting Point

The white lake natural resource area is located in Blairstown, New Jersey. To get to the start of the trails, take Route 94 to Route 521. Turn onto Route 521 and drive for about 1.5 miles. The entrance to the white lake natural resource area will be on your left.

When?

Opening hours
Monday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PMTuesday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PMWednesday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PMThursday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PMFriday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PMSaturday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PMSunday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
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
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
41.0025907, -74.9087026
Center
(908) 453-3252

Hikers' opinions

4.6
10 Reviews
M
Marcus
Nov 12, 2025
White Lake Natural Resource Area offers a wonderful family-friendly hiking experience in the Skylands Region. The 4.8 km trail with 91 meters of elevation gain is manageable for most fitness levels and takes approximately 1.5 hours to complete. The natural surroundings are particularly beautiful during autumn months, and the area is well-maintained with clear pathways. Be aware that parking and access fees apply, so budget accordingly for your visit.
M
Marcus
Nov 3, 2025
Great family-friendly hike in the Skylands Region. The 4.8 km trail with 91 meters of elevation gain is manageable for children and offers beautiful natural scenery throughout. The route is well-marked and easy to navigate from the main access points. A wonderful way to spend a few hours exploring New Jersey's natural areas.
J
Jennifer
Aug 27, 2025
Excellent outdoor destination near Blairstown for a few hours of nature immersion. The moderate elevation gain of 91 meters provides a satisfying workout without being overly challenging. The natural resource area is thoughtfully preserved and offers multiple trail options to explore. While dogs aren't permitted on the trails, this policy helps maintain the peaceful atmosphere that makes this location special.
J
Jennifer
Aug 21, 2025
Excellent outdoor destination near Blairstown. The moderate elevation gain of 91 meters provides a nice workout without being overly strenuous. The natural resource area is well-maintained with multiple trail options to explore. The peaceful atmosphere and scenic surroundings make it perfect for a relaxing afternoon in nature.
D
David
Jun 14, 2025
Decent trail in the Skylands with pleasant landscapes, especially during fall season. The 4.8 km distance and modest elevation gain make it accessible for most fitness levels. However, be prepared for entrance and parking fees. The area is quiet and well-preserved, though some may find the restrictions limiting.

FAQ - Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know
Easy
87.00 m
Monday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PMTuesday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PMWednesday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PMThursday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PMFriday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PMSaturday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PMSunday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
1h30
No
No
Yes, the White Lake Natural Resource Area is rated as Easy difficulty, making it suitable for beginners and families looking for a leisurely hike. The 4.8 km trail with 91 m elevation gain can typically be completed in 1h30, allowing for a comfortable pace with children or less experienced hikers.
The White Lake Natural Resource Area trail takes approximately 1h30 to complete. This estimate is based on the 4.8 km distance and 91 m elevation gain on an easy-rated path.
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Update : June 2026