New Jersey gets a bad reputation for being a densely populated and overdeveloped state, but if you put in a little effort, you’ll find natural wonders hiding right in your own backyard. Head to the Delaware Water Gap to find a stunning lake that is one of New Jersey’s most breathtaking places. Sunfish Pond is not only New Jersey’s most beautiful lake, it’s a fascinating geological site.

The Delaware Water Gap is certainly a treasure, and throughout the entire recreation area, natural wonders can be found wherever you look. It also contains one of the most beautiful lakes in New Jersey.
K. Magaraci
One of the most beautiful places within the enormous forest is Sunfish Pond. It's a National Natural Landmark and is considered one of New Jersey's natural wonders. What makes this pond so special?
Flickr / Billtacular
This glacial lake was carved out in the last ice age, and it sits 1,000 feet above the Delaware River below. It's unique in composition and so acidic that only a few species of fish can even survive here!
Flickr / Nicholas A. Tonelli
Because of the ecological importance and acidity, there's no swimming here, and it's particularly important to leave no trace of your visit! Fishing is allowed under some circumstances, so consult with local regulations.

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Sunfish Pond is a popular picnic area for day hikers. It can be reached via the short Douglas Trail or one of the longer trails from the Dunnfield Creek parking lot. There are some logs and flat areas where you can rest your feet and enjoy your lunch with the most beautiful view.
K. Magaraci
The pond is just off the Appalachian Trail, which is designated a National Scenic Trail that runs over 2,000 miles from Georgia to Maine. Sunfish Pond is a highlight of the trail's 74 miles in the Garden State. There's a backcountry campground near the pond, and it's designated for thru-hikers only.
Flickr / John Hayes
For a moderate and long day hike, climb to the top of Mount Tammany via the Red Dot trail and then make your way along the fire road to the pond. It's about 11 miles round trip but takes you through some of the prettiest scenery in New Jersey.
K. Magaraci
If you really want to earn your lunch at Sunfish, or you love a challenge, summit Mount Tammany via the Red Dot trail then hike down the Blue Dot trail. When you get to Dunnfield Creek, head north, rather than back to your car.
K. Magaraci
This is also about 11 miles round-trip, but there's a whole lot of up-and-down. There are stream crossings, which can be tough when the water is high. It's truly one of the best hiking experiences in New Jersey, but it's an all-day excursion.

You can find trail maps and updates on the National Park Service website for the Delaware Water Gap. Whether you choose an easy trail to get to the pond or a grueling all-day hike, you’ll be rewarded with a remarkably beautiful view. And don’t forget to take a closer look at nearby Mount Tammany.

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Sunfish Pond And Other New Jersey Natural Wonders

Raymond Goldfield | April 19, 2023

What Are The Most Beautiful Lakes In New Jersey? 

  • Atsion Lake in Wharton State Forest is a hidden getaway that won't have the crowds of popular spots like Lake Hopatcong, but is another stunningly clear lake. Unlike Sunfish Pond, this lake is perfect for water recreation of all kinds - and you'll usually find people enjoying the summer sun during the warmer months. The forest is also home to a small, charming visitor's center and museum.
  • The Blue Hole is a very different kind of lake - much like Sunfish Pond, swimming here is not recommended! That's because the Blue Hole is an incredibly deep lake, often described as bottomless. Located in the Pinelands, it's become a popular stop among the many hiking trails in the area. People love to sit and stare into the fascinating deep blue water - from a safe distance.
  • Monksville Reservoir is a man-made reservoir, not a lake, but that hasn't stopped it from being a stunning destination for those who love to go kayaking. Surrounded by tall trees, it's a great all-season destination due to how the atmosphere changes. Kayak rentals are easily available, and you'll definitely want to come back during the fall season to see the leaves change.

 

What Are The Most Unique Natural Wonders In New Jersey? 

  • Tripod Rock is one of the most famous sights in the Garden State - a massive boulder balancing carefully atop a pair of much smaller rocks. This is a glacial erratic - a piece of rock differing from the type of rock native to the area, usually carried by the melting of glacial ice.
  • Manasquan Beach is home to a natural wonder of its own - a stunning display of bioluminescent plankton that results in the water surrounding the beach glowing. This happens mostly during the warm-weather months, but it's a rare phenomena and a treat for whoever's present.

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Sunfish Pond, Hardwick Township, NJ 07832, USA