Pequannock Watershed
Park Overview:
The clear lakes, streams and ponds, the mountains with their dramatic rock outcroppings, the forests all combine to make the Pequannock Watershed one of the most scenic areas in New Jersey. FEE and PERMIT REQUIRED
Park Description:
Pequannock Watershed
The City of Newark's Pequannock Watershed property adjoins the southern boundary of Wawayanda State park. The area encompasses 35,000 acres and includes five major reservoirs totaling almost 2,000 acres. The clear lakes, streams and ponds, the mountains with their dramatic rock outcroppings, the forests, and the varied vegetation of the watershed all combine to make it one of the most scenic areas in New Jersey.
Trails Overview:
In addition to the Trail Conference's Jersey Highlands Trail Map, the Northern New Jersey Highlands Map #153 covers the northern portion of the watershed. Use the Web Map link on this site to view trails (and parking locations) in a north-eastern segment of the watershed.
Nine trails range from 0.7 to 4.6 miles. The Bearfort Waters/Clinton Trail (4.6 miles; yellow) is a major north-south trail that connects the main section of Wawayanda State Park with the Pequannock Watershed (see "Comment" posted below on June 23, 2010 for update). It runs parallel to and west of Clinton Road. The Echo Lake East Trail (2.1 miles; white) off Echo Lake Road follows a relatively level route along the east shore of Echo Lake. Several trails lead to a fire tower northeast of Clinton Reservoir.
Advisory: Parking/hiking in the Newark-owned watershed is by permit only and requires payment of a fee. It can be obtained in person (on weekdays) from its Echo Lake Office, on Echo Lake Rd, West Milford, or by mail at PO Box 319 Newfoundland NJ 07435 (phone 973-697-1724). Alternatively, permits are issued at 920 Broad St, Room 211, Newark, N.J. 07102 (phone 973-733-8008). Note: The Newark Watershed Conservation and Development Corporation which previously issued permits on behalf of the City was dissolved in July 2013.
- Permits are required for all parking areas identified P1 to P9, except for P7 (which is on NJDEP land).
Park Acreage:
35000.00 acresMunicipality:
West MilfordThe clear lakes, streams and ponds, the mountains with their dramatic rock outcroppings, the forests all combine to make the Pequannock Watershed one of the most scenic areas in New Jersey. FEE and PERMIT REQUIRED
Pequannock Watershed
The City of Newark's Pequannock Watershed property adjoins the southern boundary of Wawayanda State park. The area encompasses 35,000 acres and includes five major reservoirs totaling almost 2,000 acres. The clear lakes, streams and ponds, the mountains with their dramatic rock outcroppings, the forests, and the varied vegetation of the...
Park Acreage:
35000.00 acresMunicipality:
West MilfordContact Information
Web Link:
City of NewarkPhone:
(973) 697-1724Fees:
Yes, click on 'Contact Information' for further informationDogs in park:
Not availableTrip Reports
rate experienceThe reroute of the BW/C and Highlands Trail has been completed. All the HT blazing is done, some of the BW/C yellow blazes will be completed shortly. The HT crosses Clinton Rd, Pequannock Watershed at P4 and now continues straight up the hill. It turns left and co-aligns along the newly created Bearfort Waters/Clinton (yellow) trail. Since it's new, take care to follow the blazes. There is no longer a loop hike possible since the trail across the beaver dam is closed. The beavers have made this crossing nearly impossible! It's possible to hike from P4 to parking area P9 using a car shuttle. This is a beautiful hike along ridges, with, at one point, a view of Buckabear Pond and Clinton Reservoir. After the beaver dam, the rest of the hike is along the reservoir. Check the Highlands Trail webpages for further detail.
Happy hiking!
Click for further discussion, especially about Timber Rattlesnakes in the area.