Lake Henry, Continental Soldiers Park

Mahwah,
Bergen Co.,
New Jersey

Hiking Trails:
Lake Henry Trail: Unblazed

Total Time: 0:25 hours
Estimated Distance: 1.0 mile

Level of Difficulty: Very Easy
Level of Recommendation: Recommended
Points Of Interest: Tranquil Lake and pretty scenery
Pros: Quiet area and very pretty lake with lots of interesting waterfowl
Cons: Double-track path takes away from natural setting

Google Map of Parking:

View 2013 Hiking Locations in a larger map

This is a little-known trail in Mahwah, right across from Ramapo College. Although it was a weekday, a beautiful, upper-70's day in the fall called to me for a quick lunchtime hike.

This area is right next to Ramapo Mountain Reservation, which is more well-known, but is not connected to it and is separated by the Ramapo River. There is a new trail that was created surrounding Lake Henry, and it is a pretty path with nice scenery of the lake and the mountains behind the lake. Lake Henry forms from a spur of the Ramapo River, and seems to be a natural lake with no dam. At the far end of the lake there is a short path to the main artery of the Ramapo River, which runs behind the lake. There were several interesting species of waterfowl present when I was there, including swans and several types of ducks. There are two bridges, one crossing at the inlet and one crossing at the outlet of the lake. The trail starts behind the park and tennis courts, and the path is a complete loop around the lake.

Map of the Route

Map Kiosk at the Beginning of the Trail

Foliage at the Ramapo Mountains

Ramapo Mountains and Hawk Rock Behind Lake Henry

Lake Henry with Ramapo Mountains  and Hawk Rock

Ditto

From  the Eastern Side of the Lake

Lake Henry from the Western Swan,
with all Different Waterfowl Swimming Around

Swan in the Lake

Swan and Duck Together

Bridge Over the Outlet of the Lake

Outlet of the Lake

Stunning View  from Southern  Part of the Lake

Another View from the Southern Part of the Lake