West Milford sits in some of North Jersey’s most water-rich terrain, with over 40 lakes across its 80 square miles. Here’s a shortlist of the best lakes near West Milford for paddling, hiking, lounging, or a mix of all three, plus cannabis products from 4Twenty Somewhere to add to your bag before you head home to unwind.
1. Greenwood Lake
The go-to for a real destination day. Rent a boat, ride the lakeside bike loop that starts at Brown’s Point Park in West Milford, or grab a table at one of the dockside restaurants.
2. Monksville Reservoir
Part of Long Pond Ironworks State Park, Monksville is a kayaking, canoeing, shore-fishing, and paddleboarding favorite. Boat launches on the north end make it easy to put in for the day.
3. Wawayanda State Park (Wawayanda Lake)
Wawayanda Lake is the swim destination inside the 34,000-acre Wawayanda State Park. Lifeguarded beach, boat rentals, group campsites, and Appalachian Trail access are all available within the park.
4. Terrace Pond
An off-the-beaten-path lake that you’ll need to walk to on Bearfort Mountain within Wawayanda State Park, Terrace Pond rewards a moderate 5-6 mile hike with a glacial pond surrounded by wetlands and rock formations. Swimming is prohibited by state police, but a floating walkway and cliffside viewpoints make it a worthwhile destination.
5. Surprise Lake
A rocky, moderately challenging loop hike leads to Surprise Lake through the Bearfort Ridge trail system in Abram S. Hewitt State Forest. Views are stunning, and the crowds thin out because the trail is harder than it looks.
Cannabis Picks for a Day at the Lake
Looking for that little extra when visiting your favorite lake? Check out these cannabis pairings to find your favorite.
- Doinks’ Lime Sorbet Flavor Infused Pre-Roll: Citrus-sweet hybrid pre-roll for a laid-back evening on the deck.
- Franklin’s Wake and Bake 5pk 3.75g Pre-Rolls: Five sativa pre-rolls sized for a fun morning at home before you hit the trail.
- Garden Greens’ A5 Diamond-Infused Pre-Roll 1g: Diamond-infused hybrid pre-roll for a heavier session at the end of a long trail day.
- Garden Society’s Tart Cherry 5:1 THC:CBD Gummies 100mg – 20pk: Tart cherry gummies with a 5:1 ratio for a milder wind-down.
- Camino’s Sours Energy Tropical Burst 2:1 THC:THCV 100mg: Sativa sour gummies with a 10mg THC:5mg THCV ratio for daytime, at-home use before your trip.
- Fernway’s Pineapple Express 1g Traveler: Classic Pineapple Express in Fernway’s Traveler pen, tropical and easy.
- House’s Plain Slice 1g Disposable: A hybrid disposable for the value shopper.
Tips for a Mindful Day Outdoors
Pack layers, water, high-SPF sunscreen, and snacks. Bring a small first-aid kit, a rain jacket, a portable trash bag, and a phone battery pack in case service drops.
Remember that cannabis consumption on public land, at state parks, at lakes, and on trails is not permitted in New Jersey, so enjoy responsibly at home or on private property before or after your outing. Respect other visitors, collect your trash, and stay on marked trails.
Plan Your West Milford Lake Day With a Stop at 4Twenty Somewhere
The 40-plus lakes in and around West Milford make it one of the best regions in Northern New Jersey for outdoor days from May through October. Browse the current menu and pick up what you need before your next adventure!
