Highlights: Rhododendron Tunnels, Rare White Atlantic Cedar Swamp, Natural Area
Near: Highland Lakes, NJ
Distance: 7.7 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 437 ft
Hike Time: 4.0 hours
Difficulty: Easy
Trail Condition: Well maintained trail
HikeType: Loop
Hike by: Shawn Viggiano
Fees: Entrance fees are charged per vehicle from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day. $10.00
Summary: The fall Foliage is near peak. Wawayanda SP sits on top of the Wawayanda plateau. Wawayanda is the Indian word for Winding, Winding Water. The Terrain in the park is mainly rolling with some cliffs in areas. Most of the hike goes through the Wawayanda Natural area. The forest in the area is a transition forest off southern and Northern species. The Northern species are Beach, Yellow Birch and Hemlock trees with an understory of Rhododendrons. The Rhododendrons are so thick you cant even step off the trail and they form dark tunnels. This is the reason Wawyanda is called a Jungle. Eventually you go through a large Rare White Atlantic Cedar Swamp. This is a species found along the shore region, not common in the higher elevations. Throughout the hike you will pass three lakes. Laurel pond, Lake Lookout and Wawayanda Lake. The park is also a great place for Cross Country Skiing and snowshoeing.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wi
http://www.state.nj.us/dep
Trail Guides for Wawayanda Jungle, Wawayanda SP NJ:
North Jersey Trails map
by NY/NJ Trail Conference (NY/NJ trail conference)
