Pets allowed
Allowed with Restrictions
Elevation Gain
326.00 ft (99.36 m)
Trail type
Loop
Distance
5.70 mi (9.17 km)
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

Wawayanda is a popular state park with a large parking area and services.  Many people go here to swim in the lake and other water sports activities.  There is many trails throughout the state park but are not heavily traveled.  This hike loops around Wawayanda Lake.  You can hike in either direct, I chose clockwise. 

From the parking area, follow the forest road on the left marked with plastic orange and white triangle plates.  This orange trail is the loop and should stay on this the entire hike.  The trail follows the east shoreline in the forest for about 2.5 miles.  There is a tricky section at about 2 miles where the Loop trail turns sharply right with the Timber Trail (green markers) continuing straight.  If you notice you are on a trail woth green markers, you missed the turn. Backtrack to get back on the loop.

From the far end of the lake, the trail turns back and follows the west side back.  This section is not on the shoreline and you can see the lake during this entire section. It is a little less rocky on this side of the lake and you can make better time.

A nice little outing to get away from the crowds and music of the beach at the north end of the lake.

 

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Spring
Summer
Fall

Congestion

High

Parking Pass

None

Open Year-round

Yes

Pros

Nice views of the lake.

Cons

Crowded.

Trailhead Elevation

1,159.00 ft (353.26 m)

Highest point

1,279.00 ft (389.84 m)

Features

Flushing toilets
Family friendly
Near lake or river
Old-growth forest

Typically multi-day

No

Permit required

No

Location

Nearby Lodging + Camping

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