885 Warwick Turnpike, Hewitt, NJ
Phone: (973) 853-4462
www.njparksandforests.org
NJ Department of Environmental Protection
Return to Route 94 North. After 4.2 miles, just after the sign for Upper Greenwood Lake, turn Right onto Warwick Turnpike. After 3.0 miles turn Right into Wawayanda State Park. Proceed to office. Map
The park has a fine network of well-marked trails, including a stretch of the Appalachian Trail, which traverses all of the site’s varied habitats. Trail maps are available at the park office.
The Wawayanda Hemlock Ravine Natural Area, recently added to the park, includes a sadly-endangered habitat, the Eastern hemlock ravine. The hemlocks provide a micro-climate that supports rare northern birds, plants and invertebrates that are now declining in New Jersey, Connecticut and Southern New York because of an insect pest, the hemlock wooly adelgid. Although many hemlocks here are still fairly healthy, most show damage from this blight.
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| Black Bear | John Parke |
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| | Wawayanda is an excellent example of northern forest habitat more typically found in New England and Canada. It contains mixed deciduous forests, white pine and hemlock forests, and a virtually unique example of inland Atlantic white cedar forest with black spruce and tamarack. It also encompasses bogs, swamps, a large lake and streamside habitats that attract a variety of resident, transient and migrant birds. In recent years, the park has been expanded to include Terrace Pond, a glacial lake that is arguably the most scenic spot in the entire state and a “must do” hiking experience, either just once or many times. Wawayanda also is home to almost twenty miles of the Appalachian Trail, which was one of the first, and still one of the finest, achievements of the modern conservation movement.
Double Pond Trail transects a mature inland Atlantic white cedar swamp, a rare jewel found in only a few places on the planet; home to rare plants, Northern Goshawk, Barred Owl, Boreal warblers and orchids, four-toed salamanders, black bear, porcupine, mink and many other seldom-seen species. A historic iron forge is found near the trail.
Before the Wawayanda Lake freezes it is host to Common and Hooded Mergansers, Common Loon, Canvasback, Ruddy Duck, Greater and Lesser Scaup and other waterfowl species. In certain years, the park is a good place for “winter finches” such as crossbills, Pine Siskin, Common Redpoll and, rarely, Pine Grosbeak. Winter is a good time to look for the uncommon and declining Ruffed Grouse, which is still fairly common here. Please note that, except for denning females, black bears remain active in winter.
Neotropical birds return, either as migrants or to breed in the area. The park boasts nineteen breeding warblers, three vireos, seven flycatchers and many others. Birdsong is at its peak in May, and this is the best time to hear Barred Owl, either in the morning and the evening or on cloudy days. Spring wildflowers peak in mid-May, and calling frogs and toads are most noticeable.
Enjoy a hike, explore and do botany in the park via well-marked trails in Wawayanda Swamp, Bearfort Natural Area, Wawayanda Mountain and Hemlock Ravine. Experience the lake by boat; no gas-powered motors allowed. Rentals are available. This is peak time for butterflies and dragonflies, but be warned that mosquitoes can be a problem in swampy areas.
Migrant hawks are in the air and are best viewed from Terrace Pond and open areas on Wawayanda and Bearfort Mountains. As fall bird migration is in full swing, it is also the best time for some striking wildflowers, such as asters, goldenrods and other composites. Barred Owls begin calling more frequently again. Migrant and local bats feed openly as long as insects are plentiful.
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