Rockaway River State Wildlife Management Area - Lake Hopatcong, NJ
Dog-Friendly Trails and Adventure at Rockaway River State Wildlife Management Area
If you’re searching for scenic dog-friendly hiking in Lake Hopatcong, New Jersey, the Rockaway River State Wildlife Management Area is an excellent choice. Known for its expansive trail system, this pet-friendly park invites both you and your furry companion to explore miles of history-rich paths. Remnants of abandoned mines and farmsteads line the extensive trails, offering a unique backdrop for your adventure. Wildlife sightings, tranquil views, and bridges over gentle creeks add to the natural charm of this spot.
Dogs are welcome but must remain leashed throughout your visit. The trails range from well-marked and easy to rugged and muddy, especially during rainy seasons, so proper footwear is recommended for owners, and you should always bring your own supplies like water and waste bags. This WMA is ideal for peaceful walks, quiet hikes, and calm escapes with your pet. Whether you’re looking for solitude, historic sights, or an outing with the family, this is one of the best options for dog walks and hiking in the Lake Hopatcong area.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the park’s leash requirements? Dogs must be leashed at all times while in the park.
- Are there walking or hiking trails connected to the park? Yes, there are extensive trails throughout the WMA, including both easy and challenging routes.
- Is the park open year-round? Yes, the park is open throughout the year, though winter conditions can affect trail accessibility.
- Is there a swimming area or pond for dogs? There are ponds and creek crossings, but no designated dog swim areas. Dogs may encounter natural water features along the trails.
- Is the park muddy after it rains? Yes, some trails can become muddy and even resemble streams after rainfall, so waterproof boots are recommended.
- Are ticks or other pests common in the area? Ticks and pests can be present, especially in warmer months; bring insect repellent and check your dog after your visit.
- Are there other dog parks or trails nearby? The area features various trails, including those near Saffin Pond, and is surrounded by other nature sites in the region.
Reviews
Really enjoyed time here, put in about eight miles. Teal trail is VERY poorly marked, and has a few downed trees at some points. Both the yellow and teal trails had very muddy parts. Highly recommend having map + orienting skills if hitting the parts furthest from Saffin Pond.
Great system of trails, well marked and maintained. Lots of different eco systems too.
This is a great place to go fishing or take the kids to site see. It is usually pretty quiet, for the most part. There are rarely other families or people there which help with the tranquillity and serenity to wonderful highs. I like to take walks alone or with my family for the almost unachiveable peaceful joys still found here. I recommend this place to anyone in search of solitude, including (but not limited to) people in recovery, like my sponsees, ect.
Loved it. And the trails near the pond across the way was even better! Trails where all marked just fine. Paths where clear and easy. Little mud but not to bad. Great views. Dogs need to be leashed and cleaned up after. Several bridge views and wildlife around.
This WMA is my favorite to explore as it possesses seemingly endless trails and is rich in history. Many of the main trials were historically used for now long abandoned farmsteads and iron mines, who’s evidence can still easily be seen right off main trails, and remain well traveled by hunters and PSE&G crews as access roads to the Roseland-Bushkill Powerlines that cross through the the WMA. The long abandoned farms can be identified by low stone walls, abandoned vehicles, stone foundations, and chimneys. The mines are somewhat well mapped out on state maps but many more pits and rock pipes can be found than maps would suggest, with large areas posted with warning signs about abandoned mines just off the trails. In general the trails are extremely stony, and many can run like streams for much of the growing season. All the crossing points over Beaver Creek are shallow fords, except for the timber bridge along Waldon Road. However, this bridge is abandoned and recently collapsed.
I prefer to to hike these trials in the winter when snow and ice get packed onto the trial and smooth out the terrain. Bring waterproof boots and bug spray if you go exploring in the warner months. Don’t expect the trails to be well marked, many have no markings at all or exceedingly faint making or flagging.
Highly recommend using a GPS tracker of some kind so if you do explore you can navigate back out easier.