This easy, nearly level, one-mile loop hike circles Lake Henry, which is frequented by several species of waterfowl, including swans, geese, cormorants and egrets. The lake is named for Henry O. Havemeyer, the dominant figure in the sugar refining business in the late nineteenth century, who had a home nearby.
The hike begins near a kiosk (with a map) in the northwest corner of the parking lot (in back of the recreational fields and grandstands). Follow a dirt road (covered with wood chips) which begins just north of the kiosk and leads towards the lake, and turn right to circle the lake in a counterclockwise direction on a wide, level dirt road. When you reach a grassy area with a sign "Drinking Water," bear left and cross a footbridge over the Ramapo River, the inlet of the lake.
The trail bears left, briefly narrows to a footpath, then again widens to a woods road and continues around the lake, well shaded by overhanging trees. Clearings on the left afford views over the lake, and several short side paths on the right lead to an interesting backwater of the Ramapo River.
After crossing a footbridge over the lake's outlet, bear left across a grassy area and continue on a dirt road. At the next fork, bear right to return to the parking lot where the hike began. Alternatively, for a slightly longer hike, you can bear left and continue a little further around the lake, passing a nice viewpoint over the lake on a short side trail to the left, then bear right at the following fork to return to the parking lot.
To view a photo collection for this hike, click here.
Publication: Submitted by Daniel Chazin on 07/15/2010 updated/verified on 05/07/2015
This easy loop hike circles Lake Henry.
This easy, nearly level, one-mile loop hike circles Lake Henry, which is frequented by several species of waterfowl, including swans, geese, cormorants and egrets. The lake is named for Henry O. Havemeyer, the dominant figure in the sugar refining business in the late nineteenth century, who had a home nearby.
The hike begins near a kiosk (with a map) in the northwest corner of the...
Whether you are going for a day hike or backpacking overnight, it is good practice to carry what we call The Hiking Essentials. These essentials will help you enjoy your outing more and will provide basic safety gear if needed. There may also be more essentials, depending on the season and your needs.
Hiking Shoes or Boots
Water - Two quarts per person is recommended in every season. Keep in mind that fluid loss is heightened in winter as well as summer. Don't put yourself in the position of having to end your hike early because you have run out of water.
Map - Know where you are and where you are going. Many of our hiking areas feature interconnecting network of trails. Use a waterproof/tear-resistant Tyvek Trail Conference map if available or enclose your map in a Ziplock plastic bag. If you have a mobile device, download Avenza’s free PDF Maps app and grab some GPS-enhanced Trail Conference maps (a backup Tyvek or paper version of the map is good to have just in case your batteries die or you don't have service). Check out some map-reading basics here.
Food - Snacks/lunch will keep you going as you burn energy walking or climbing. Nuts, seeds, and chocolate are favorites on the trail.
Sunscreen and insect repellent
Rain Gear and Extra Clothing - Rain happens. So does cold. Be prepared for changing weather. Avoid cotton--it traps water against your skin and is slow to dry. If you are wearing wet cotton and must return to your starting point, you risk getting chills that may lead to a dangerous hypothermia. Choose synthetic shirts, sweaters and/or vests and dress in layers for easy on and off.
Compass - A simple compass is all you need to orient you and your map to magnetic north.
Light - A flashlight or small, lightweight headlamp will be welcome gear if you find yourself still on the trail when darkness falls. Check the batteries before you start out and have extras in your pack.
First Aid Kit - Keep it simple, compact, and weatherproof. Know how to use the basic components.
Firestarter and Matches - In an emergency, you may need to keep yourself or someone else warm until help arrives. A firestarter (this could be as simple as leftover birthday candles that are kept inside a waterproof container) and matches (again, make sure to keep them in a waterproof container) could save a life.
Knife or Multi-tool - You may need to cut a piece of moleskin to put over a blister, repair a piece of broken equipment, or solve some other unexpected problem.
Emergency Numbers - Know the emergency numbers for the area you're going to and realize that in many locations--especially mountainous ones, your phone will not get reception.
Common Sense - Pay attention to your environment, your energy, and the condition of your companions. Has the weather turned rainy? Is daylight fading? Did you drink all your water? Did your companion fail to bring rain gear? Are you getting tired? Keep in mind that until you turn around you are (typically) only half-way to completing your hike--you must still get back to where you started from! (Exceptions are loop hikes.)
Check the weather forecast before you head out. Know the rules and regulations of the area.
Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
Be Considerate of Other Visitors
The Trail Conference is a 2015 Leave No Trace partner.
(c) Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics: www.LNT.org.
Take Route 17 to the Route 202 south exit in Mahwah. Turn left at the bottom of the ramp, continue on Route 202 for 1.7 miles, and turn right at the second traffic light into Continental Soldiers Park.
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September 25, 2021
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Those wishing to extend the hike can continue into the open field at the "Drinking Water" sign [it's about the watershed, not a spot to draw drinking water], proceed towards the well housing, cross Halifax Road into a fisherman's parking lot and dirt road, then beyond a rock barrier into another grassy field that has a wide mowed path. Along the way there are several access points to the river, and during the summer, because it's a fertile floodplain, the plants surrounding the path are so high as to provide a feeling of total isolation. When the path divides at the end of the field -- about one-third mile from the "Drinking Water" sign -- the left fork goes over a berm and narrows quickly leading to a [nameless] lake, or perhaps it's an eddy in the Ramapo River, and ends abruptly. It's a pleasant spot to linger. For those not wanting to re-trace steps back to Lake Henry, the other fork leads in one-quarter mile to a cul-de-sac at Washington Lane, following it "T's" into Halifax Road, a right turn onto Halifax goes back to the well housing on the left with Lake Henry in sight.
Map showing features of hike extension [tabs may load slowly].