Things to Do in Swartswood State Park
Swartswood State Park is a state park in New Jersey, characterized by its tranquil, rural setting and natural glacial lakes. The park's landscape features the 519-acre Swartswood Lake and the smaller Little Swartswood Lake, both remnants of glacial activity, alongside forested areas and the 444-acre Swartswood Natural Area. This diverse terrain provides opportunities for several sports like hiking, touring cycling, jogging, gravel biking, and more. The park's remote location offers an environment suitable for various outdoor pursuits.
Things to Do…
57
Routes
4.3
(7)
Average rating
251
People visited
13
hikers
10.9km
03:44
370m
370m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
4
hikers
5.91km
01:32
40m
40m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
2
hikers
1.73km
00:29
50m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
3.52km
00:56
30m
40m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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11
riders
71.0km
05:33
450m
450m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.0
(1)
4
riders
Easy gravel ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
7
riders
54.2km
04:12
360m
360m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
7
riders
58.8km
03:33
390m
390m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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3.0
(1)
11
riders
32.7km
03:04
160m
160m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
6
riders
19.8km
01:44
100m
100m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
6
riders
74.8km
06:31
480m
480m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
6
riders
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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9
runners
5.54km
00:40
60m
60m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
6
runners
8.53km
00:54
60m
60m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4
runners
11.7km
01:19
60m
60m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
6
runners
5.09km
00:37
80m
80m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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10
riders
75.3km
03:26
580m
580m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
5
riders
88.3km
04:54
1,130m
1,130m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
4
riders
18.8km
00:49
170m
170m
Moderate road ride. Great for any fitness level. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
4
riders
19.1km
00:49
170m
170m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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Frequently asked questions
What outdoor activities are available in Swartswood State Park?
Swartswood State Park offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, touring cycling, jogging, and gravel biking. The park features diverse terrain, from lakefront paths to forested trails. There are 6 routes available on komoot, with an average rating of 4.53 stars from over 900 visitors.
What are the best hiking trails in Swartswood State Park?
Swartswood State Park has ten hiking trails with varying difficulty levels. The Duck Pond Multi-use Trail is a 0.6-mile (1 km) paved path suitable for easy walks, while the Grist Mill Trail offers a nearly 2-mile (3.2 km) challenging route with steep, rocky terrain and lake views. For more options, explore Hiking in Swartswood State Park.
Are there easy or family-friendly hiking trails in Swartswood State Park?
Yes, the Duck Pond Multi-use Trail is a 0.6-mile (1 km) paved path that is accessible for persons with disabilities and suitable for easy walks and jogging. This trail also features wayside exhibits about local natural features. For more options, refer to Family-friendly hikes in Swartswood State Park and Easy hikes in Swartswood State Park.
What cycling opportunities are available in Swartswood State Park?
The park's network of trails and rural roads supports various cycling activities, including touring cycling, gravel biking, and road cycling. The paved Duck Pond Multi-use Trail is suitable for casual rides. Guides like Traffic-free bike rides in Swartswood State Park and Gravel biking in Swartswood State Park provide more details.
Are there running trails in Swartswood State Park?
Yes, Swartswood State Park offers trails suitable for jogging and running. The 0.6-mile (1 km) paved Duck Pond Multi-use Trail provides a level surface for runners. Additional options can be found in the Running Trails in Swartswood State Park guide.
What are the main natural features of Swartswood State Park?
The park's central features are Swartswood Lake, a 519-acre natural glacial lake, and the smaller Little Swartswood Lake. These lakes are remnants of Wisconsin glaciation. The Swartswood Natural Area, spanning 444 acres, preserves rare sinkhole ponds and unique pond shore vegetation communities.
Can visitors see wildlife in Swartswood State Park?
Swartswood State Park is known for its healthy bald eagle population, with frequent sightings of these birds. Other birds of prey and waterfowl are also common. Designated bird blinds along the hiking trails offer opportunities for birdwatching.
What komoot guides are available for Swartswood State Park?
Komoot offers several guides for Swartswood State Park, covering various activities. These include Hiking in Swartswood State Park, Family-friendly hikes, Gravel biking, and Running Trails.
What is the official website for Swartswood State Park?
The official website for Swartswood State Park, providing detailed information and updates, is nj.gov/dep/parksandforests/parks/swartswood.html. This site offers resources for planning a visit.
How can I contact Swartswood State Park directly?
For direct inquiries, Swartswood State Park can be reached by phone at 973-383-5230. This number connects visitors to park staff for specific questions or assistance.
Are there any specific regulations for boating on Swartswood Lake?
Swartswood Lake, the park's centerpiece, permits only electric motors on boats. This regulation helps maintain the tranquil environment and protect the lake's ecology. Visitors can enjoy activities like sailing, canoeing, and kayaking.
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