New Jersey gets a bad reputation for being a densely populated and overdeveloped state, but if you put in a little effort, you’ll find natural wonders hiding right in your own backyard. Head to the Delaware Water Gap to find a stunning lake that is one of New Jersey’s most breathtaking places.
The Delaware Water Gap is certainly a treasure, and throughout the entire recreation area, natural wonders can be found wherever you look.
K. Magaraci
One of the most beautiful places within the enormous forest is Sunfish Pond. It’s a National Natural Landmark and is considered one of New Jersey’s natural wonders. What makes this pond so special?
Flickr / Billtacular
This glacial lake was carved out in the last ice age, and it sits 1,000 feet above the Delaware River below. It’s unique in composition and so acidic that only a few species of fish can even survive here!
Flickr / Nicholas A. Tonelli Because of the ecological importance and acidity, there’s no swimming here, and it’s particularly important to leave no trace of your visit!
Sunfish Pond is a popular picnic area for day hikers. It can be reached via the short Douglas Trail or one of the longer trails from the Dunnfield Creek parking lot. There are some logs and flat areas where you can rest your feet and enjoy your lunch with the most beautiful view.
K. Magaraci
The pond is just off the Appalachian Trail, which is designated a National Scenic Trail that runs over 2,000 miles from Georgia to Maine. Sunfish Pond is a highlight of the trail’s 74 miles in the Garden State. There’s a backcountry campground near the pond, and it’s designated for thru-hikers only.
Flickr / John Hayes
For a moderate and long day hike, climb to the top of Mount Tammany via the Red Dot trail and then make your way along the fire road to the pond. It’s about 11 miles round trip but takes you through some of the prettiest scenery in New Jersey.
K. Magaraci
If you really want to earn your lunch at Sunfish, or you love a challenge, summit Mount Tammany via the Red Dot trail then hike down the Blue Dot trail. When you get to Dunnfield Creek, head north, rather than back to your car.
K. Magaraci This is also about 11 miles round-trip, but there’s a whole lot of up-and-down. There are stream crossings, which can be tough when the water is high. It’s truly one of the best hiking experiences in New Jersey, but it’s an all-day excursion.
You can find trail maps and updates on the National Park Service website for the Delaware Water Gap. Whether you choose an easy trail to get to the pond or a grueling all-day hike, you’ll be rewarded with a remarkably beautiful view.
K. Magaraci
Flickr / Billtacular
Flickr / Nicholas A. Tonelli
Because of the ecological importance and acidity, there’s no swimming here, and it’s particularly important to leave no trace of your visit!
Flickr / John Hayes
This is also about 11 miles round-trip, but there’s a whole lot of up-and-down. There are stream crossings, which can be tough when the water is high. It’s truly one of the best hiking experiences in New Jersey, but it’s an all-day excursion.
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Address: Sunfish Pond, Hardwick Township, NJ 07832, USA
