Best lakes around Upper Greenwood Lake are centered around an artificial reservoir covering approximately 385 to 416 acres at an elevation of 1,135 feet. This area offers recreational activities including boating, fishing, and swimming. The lake is surrounded by natural beauty, providing mountain views and access to nearby state forests like Abram S. Hewitt State Forest and Wawayanda State Park. The region provides opportunities for hiking, bird-watching, and enjoying the natural environment.
Last updated: June 27, 2026
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The border between New York and New Jersey runs to the middle of the 7-mile long Greenwood Lake. The area has been popular with tourists for decades, including Babe Ruth, who visited the area frequently in the 1930s and 40s. These days visitors will find many marinas and restaurants dotted along its shores, beckoning them to stop for a while.
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Sterling Lake offers beautiful views and a peaceful setting for hiking, fishing, and picnicking. The trails around the lake provide easy-to-moderate hikes through wooded areas, with occasional wildlife sightings. A perfect place to relax and enjoy nature!
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You have a great view here out over Monksville Reservoir and the surrounding hills when you are crossing the dam on Stonetown Road. There is not much chance of being able to stop on the ride over, so just enjoy the ride or go to the car park on the northern end.
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Right next to a parking area, this beautiful lake is in the heart of the park and is an ideal starting point for your adventure. From here, you can join many different trails (most are multiuse) that are perfect for exploring the area or simply circling the lake.
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Surprise Lake is a decently sized reservoir in Abraham Hewitt State Forest, but it's not nearly as big as its neighbor Greenwood Lake. Because it's a bit smaller, the lake sees fewer visitors than the larger reservoir and offers more privacy. This lake really sneaks up on you as you pop out of the trees.
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Nice views and good break point to rest or take pictures especially if Skyline Dr is taken from Oakland since the climb is not easy (9% avg). Ringwood Ave is much easier.
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This spot offers awesome views of the Wawayanda Lake. The parking lot is just around the corner.
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It's a beautiful lake, very popular with fishing enthusiasts.
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The region offers a wide array of outdoor activities. You can enjoy boating, fishing, and swimming on Upper Greenwood Lake itself. For those who prefer land-based adventures, there are numerous opportunities for hiking, bird-watching, and cycling. Nearby state forests like Abram S. Hewitt State Forest and Wawayanda State Park provide extensive trail networks for various skill levels.
Yes, several lakes and areas are great for families. Wawayanda Lake in Wawayanda State Park is an excellent starting point for family adventures, offering a beach and multiuse trails. Sterling Lake also provides a peaceful setting for hiking and picnicking with easy-to-moderate trails. The Upper Greenwood Lake Property Owners Association (UGLPOA) offers amenities like a beach and clubhouse for community activities.
For easy hiking, consider the trails around Sterling Lake, which offer gentle walks through wooded areas. Wawayanda Lake also has many multiuse trails suitable for easy exploration. You can find more options for easy hikes in the area by visiting our dedicated guide: Easy hikes around Upper Greenwood Lake.
The area boasts beautiful natural scenery. Monksville Dam offers great views over Monksville Reservoir and the surrounding hills. From Wawayanda Lake, you can enjoy awesome lake views, and the Bearfort Ridge provides picturesque mountain vistas, separating Upper Greenwood Lake from the larger Greenwood Lake.
Yes, fishing is a popular activity. Upper Greenwood Lake is regularly stocked with trout and other species, and is known for Largemouth bass, Chain pickerel, and Yellow perch. Sterling Lake is also very popular with fishing enthusiasts.
The lakes are a vibrant year-round destination. Spring and summer are ideal for water activities like boating, swimming, and fishing. The fall offers stunning foliage for hiking and scenic drives. Even winter provides opportunities for cross-country skiing and enjoying the serene, snow-covered landscapes, particularly in nearby Abram S. Hewitt State Forest.
Absolutely. The region offers diverse cycling opportunities. For mountain biking, you can explore trails ranging from easy to difficult, including routes like 'Animal Shute and Warthog Trail' and 'Wawayanda Lake loop'. Road cyclists can enjoy scenic routes such as the 'Greenwood Lake – Pinecliff Lake loop'. More details can be found in our guides: MTB Trails around Upper Greenwood Lake and Road Cycling Routes around Upper Greenwood Lake.
If you're looking for a more private experience with fewer visitors, Surprise Lake in Abraham Hewitt State Forest is a great option. It's a smaller reservoir compared to its neighbor Greenwood Lake, offering a quieter atmosphere.
The Upper Greenwood Lake Property Owners Association (UGLPOA) provides a clubhouse, an outdoor pavilion, a boat launch, and a beach for residents and visitors. Additionally, the larger Greenwood Lake, which is nearby, features many marinas and restaurants along its shores.
Greenwood Lake, straddling the New York and New Jersey border, has been a popular tourist destination for decades. It's known for its 7-mile length and offers a wide array of water sports, along with numerous marinas and restaurants that attract visitors to its shores.
Yes, the 2,000-acre Abram S. Hewitt State Forest is accessible by foot and offers hunting, cross-country skiing, and hiking, including access to the Appalachian Trail. Wawayanda State Park is another excellent option, providing additional hiking, camping, and fishing spots, centered around Wawayanda Lake.


Still not found your perfect lake around Upper Greenwood Lake? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.