The best walks and hikes in Long Pond Ironworks State Park
4.8
(50)
659
hikers
103
hikes
Hikes in Long Pond Ironworks State Park navigate a landscape of rugged hills, dense forests, and the shorelines of the Monksville Reservoir. The park is situated in the New Jersey Highlands and features trails that pass historical sites from a former ironworking community. The terrain includes a mix of gentle woods roads and steeper, rockier paths with notable elevation changes.
Best hiking trails in Long Pond Ironworks State Park
- The most popular hiking route is Sterling Ridge & Hasenclever Iron Trails loop — Long Pond Ironworks State Park, a 5.8 mile (9.3 km) trail that takes about 2 hours 42 minutes to complete. This moderate route combines sections of the Hasenclever Iron Trail with views from Sterling Ridge.
- Another top favourite among local hiking enthusiasts is Monksville Reservoir to Lake Sonoma loop — Long Pond Ironworks State Park, a difficult 10.9 mile (17.5 km) path. The trail follows parts of the reservoir before climbing into the surrounding hills.
- Local hiking enthusiasts also love the Monks Trail loop — Long Pond Ironworks State Park, a 2.5 mile (4.1 km) trail leading through the forest, often completed in about 1 hour 9 minutes.
- Hiking in Long Pond Ironworks State Park is defined by forested hills, reservoir views, and paths that lead past historical sites. The trail network offers a range of routes suitable for different fitness levels.
- The routes in Long Pond Ironworks State Park are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.9 stars from 40 reviews. More than 500 hikers have used komoot to explore Long Pond Ironworks State Park's varied terrain.
Last updated: September 1, 2026
5.0
(1)
7
hikers
4.59km
01:21
130m
140m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.86km
01:53
270m
220m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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3.0
(1)
6
hikers
4.08km
01:09
90m
90m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
3
hikers
11.3km
03:15
260m
260m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
1
hikers
17.5km
05:08
490m
490m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
Even if there is just a little sign at the tree, this is the spot where you cross the border between New York and New Jersey. Use the opportunity to have one foot in each state!
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Soak in the view over the highlands from this overlook at the Sterling Ridge Trail.
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At this spot the three trails Sterling Ridge Trail (from the south), Lake to Lake Trail (from east to west), and Highlands Trail (from the north) meet. You can either choose to connect to one of those trails or return the way you came from.
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Jennings Hollow Trail is a short trail inside Long Pond Ironworks State Park that usually takes a little more than one hour to hike. The trail follows Jennings Creek up to a little lake and beaver dam. Depending on the season, the trail might be muddy and be prepared to get wet shoes.
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Very shortly after the junction, where the Jennings Hollow Trail splits, you will reach a little lake and beaver dam. If you're lucky, you can even spot the animals inside the water.
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Walk a very short distance through the woods in the direction of the reservoir, and you will find a nice spot where you are almost at level with the water. The Monksville Reservoir exists since 1987 and was created by damming the Wanaque River.
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If you take the side trail from this point, you will reach a very nice viewing point of the reservoir. From here you can see the Monksville Dam as well.
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This impressive viewpoint offers you an amazing overlook on the Monksville Reservoir below you. Behind the reservoir, you can see infinite nature and the green hills of New Jersey highlands.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are dogs allowed in Long Pond Ironworks State Park?
Yes, dogs are welcome in Long Pond Ironworks State Park, but they must be kept on a leash at all times. Please be sure to clean up after your pet to help keep the park beautiful for everyone.
Where is the best place to park for hiking?
The main parking area is located near the Long Pond Ironworks Historic District, off County Road 511 (Greenwood Lake Turnpike) in Hewitt, NJ. This provides convenient access to the visitor center and several trailheads, including the Hasenclever Iron Trail.
Are there any easy, family-friendly hikes in the park?
Yes, the park offers several easier trails suitable for families. The Jennings Hollow Trail loop is a gentle 2.5-mile (4 km) walk that follows an old woods road, making it a great option for a relaxed outing in nature.
Which trails offer the best views of the Monksville Reservoir?
Several trails provide scenic overlooks of the Monksville Reservoir. For a challenging hike with rewarding views, consider the Monksville Reservoir to Lake Sonoma loop. This difficult 10.9-mile (17.5 km) route skirts the reservoir's western edge before climbing into the hills, offering expansive vistas.
How can I see the historic ironworks ruins?
Many trails pass through the Long Pond Ironworks Historic District. The Hasenclever Iron Trail is an easy 1.3-mile interpretive path with signs explaining the various furnaces, waterwheels, and buildings from the former ironworking community. For a longer hike that includes these sites, the Sterling Ridge & Hasenclever Iron Trails loop is an excellent choice.
What is the most challenging hike in the park?
For a strenuous day out, the Stonetown Circular is a well-known 10.5-mile loop that traverses the rugged terrain of Long Pond Ironworks, Norvin Green State Forest, and surrounding lands. It involves significant elevation gain and rocky sections, rewarding hikers with excellent views.
Are there many circular or loop trails available?
Yes, the park has numerous loop trails, which are great for exploring without having to backtrack. A shorter, pleasant option is the Monks Trail loop, a 2.5-mile (4.1 km) circuit through the forest. For a more moderate loop, consider the Sterling Ridge & Jennings Hollow Trails loop, which covers about 7 miles (11.3 km).
How many hiking trails are in Long Pond Ironworks State Park?
There are over 60 different hiking routes to explore within Long Pond Ironworks State Park. These range from easy interpretive walks through historic areas to difficult, long-distance treks over rugged mountain ridges.
What do other hikers think of the trails in this park?
The trails in Long Pond Ironworks State Park are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars. Hikers frequently praise the unique combination of natural scenery and the fascinating industrial ruins scattered throughout the park.
Where can I find an official trail map?
You can view and download official trail maps to plan your hike. The state provides a detailed trail map PDF as well as a park brochure with historical information.
What kind of terrain should I expect on the trails?
The terrain is quite varied. You'll find some flat, easy paths along old woods roads, particularly around the historic district. However, many trails climb into the New Jersey Highlands, featuring steep, rocky ascents and descents. Sturdy hiking shoes with good ankle support are recommended for most routes.
Most popular routes in Long Pond Ironworks State Park
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