Long Pond Ironworks State Park - Hewitt, NJ
Long Pond Ironworks State Park – Dog-Friendly Hiking in Hewitt, New Jersey
Discover the blend of history and outdoor adventure at Long Pond Ironworks State Park, a dog-friendly destination nestled in Hewitt, New Jersey. This expansive area is renowned for its scenic, pet-friendly trails, rich local history, and tranquil lake views, making it an excellent choice for both dog owners and outdoor enthusiasts. Dogs are welcome on the park’s shaded, well-marked hiking trails, which vary from easy loops around the lake to more moderate, rocky ascents featuring ruins and waterfalls. While dogs must remain on-leash, you’ll find plenty of space for exploration, nature spotting, and enjoying the peaceful atmosphere that northern NJ is known for.
The park offers convenient amenities such as parking lots, portable bathrooms, and downloadable trail maps to help you navigate. You and your furry companion can enjoy forested paths with lots of shade and waterViews, while families will appreciate the picnic areas, museum, and easy lake access. Bring bug spray and sturdy shoes, as some areas can get muddy or rocky after rain! With its dog-friendly hiking, beautiful vistas, and historical charm, Long Pond Ironworks stands out as a must-visit dog park in Passaic County for a day outdoors.
FAQ
- What are the park’s leash requirements? Dogs must be kept on-leash throughout the park.
- Are there benches or seating areas for owners? Yes, there are seating and picnic areas available.
- Are restrooms available for owners? There are portable bathrooms at the parking lots.
- Is there shade or shelter available? Most trails are shaded; however, there are no covered shelters.
- Where is the best place to park? Parking is available in the lots near trailheads and bathrooms.
- Are there walking or hiking trails connected to the park? Yes, there are multiple pet-friendly hiking trails of varied difficulty levels.
- Is the park muddy after it rains? Some trails can become muddy or have shallow water crossings.
- Are ticks or other pests common in the area? Bug spray is recommended, especially in summer, due to mosquitos and flies.
Reviews
It’s a must to visit the museum first so make sure its open. There are nice displays and a helpful guy to answer questions. He can also tell you the best (short) hike to see the old buildings abd water wheels and ice house
For those reviews mentioning the collapsed buildings – this is a poorly funded hence neglected historic site. But it’s so worth a visit – the people who work there are dedicated and knowledgeable!
Easy moderate hike. Beautiful scenery
Excellent trail to try out on a quiet weekend. Place is full of history with a local museum worth visiting.
Very nice State Park with breathtaking view.
There are many trails to select from here. You can download maps to follow your progress. There were two rope water crossings on the light to moderate walks so check maps and difficulty levels.
Multiple trails to choose from at this location. Again maps are available to download to track your progress and distance. Added bonus of some local history at the beginning of the highlands trail. The walks were light to moderate but did have 2 rope water crossings that might not suit all.