Swartswood State Park
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Swartswood State Park, established in 1914, was the first State Park established by the state of New Jersey. In the center of the park lies the Little Swartswood and Swartswood Lake. Both lakes have been the focus of water quality improvement efforts by the state and efforts include invasive aquatic weed control and watershed protection. The park is open all year round with many recreational activities available. Swimming is permitted as well as sailboating during the spring to summer months. The park is operated and maintained by the New Jersey Division of Parks and Forestry.
[edit] Location
The park is located in Swartswood, in Stillwater Township
[edit] Trails
- Duck Pond Multi-Use Trail
The Duck Pond Trail is a 0.6 mile paved path provides a level surface for walking, biking, roller blading, skate boarding and is accessible for persons with disabilities. The trail meanders through a forested area along Duck Pond. Wayside exhibits found along the trail provide information on the unique natural features found in the area. A bird blind has been constructed to allow visitors to view birdlife in the area with little disturbance to their habitat.
- Spring Lake Trail
The Spring Lake Trail is a 2.8 mile trail which begins at the end of the paved Duck Pond Trail. The trail is marked by white markers along the hilly terrain. This trail is considered to be a moderate level hike.
- Bear Claw Trail
The Bear Claw Trail is a 0.8 mile trail marked in yellow and begins at the Duck Pond parking area. It is an easy to moderate hike on an earthen, hilly path. The trail ends where it meets the paved Duck Pond Trail allowing you to combine the two trails for a full loop back to the parking area.
- Grist Mill Trail
The Grist Mill Trail is a 1.5 mile loop trail found at the most southern end of Swartswood Lake by the dam. The steep rocky terrain makes this a moderate to difficult hike.
- All trail descriptions and difficulty rating were by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection which oversees the state park system.
