The Best Kept Summer Secret in New Jersey Is This Glacial Lake in High Point State Park

New Jersey is a beautiful place in summer, but even its most enjoyable summer retreats tend to get slammed during tourist season. Those Jersey Shore crowds are nothing to underestimate, so if you really want to beat the heat and the crowds, this is the perfect time to head to the best lake in New Jersey found off the beaten path. Lake Marcia is actually located in one of the state's most famous state parks, High Point State Park, but the peaceful lake and surrounding area feel like a world away from the towering monument it's known for.

Lake Marcia is a relatively small lake, about twenty acres, but that makes it the perfect spot if you'd like a little retreat that doesn't feel like the whole world is competing with you. This spring-fed glacial lake is best accessed by the White Cedar Swamp Trail, a 2.6-mile easy hike that takes you past many of High Point State Park's best spots. Once you're on the banks of this Garden State hidden gem, it's easy to spend the whole day fishing, boating, or beating the heat at this lake that always feels like a peaceful retreat — even during New Jersey's busiest season.

What Makes This Spot So Special

Located at one of the highest elevations in High Point State Park, Lake Marcia is a peaceful little oasis in the park that many people never make their way to. The lake is relatively shallow, so it's more popular for boating than swimming, but there is a lifeguard during the summer months, and you'll have no problem cooling off here. If you're an avid angler, the lake is regularly stocked with largemouth bass, bluegill, pickerel, and yellow perch.

What It's Like to Visit

To make your way to Lake Marcia, you'll be doing some hiking around the park. Fortunately, the whole area is one of New Jersey's most beautiful state parks. The White Cedar Swamp Trail is an easy 2.6-mile trail with a boardwalk path that offers some amazing views of the park, and the park has a lot of peaceful spots in it that also help when you're looking to beat the crowds.

Of course, there's something to say for going where the crowds are, too! The towering mini-Washington Monument in High Point State Park is one of New Jersey's most impressive vistas, and Lake Marcia offers amazing views of the park if you're in the right spot.

What to Know Before You Go

High Point State Park is typically open from 8 AM to sunset, with seasonal hours for the park's office and other facilities. During the summer months, the park charges an admission fee of $5 for NJ residents and $10 for out-of-state visitors. While the lifeguard is away during the off-season, Lake Marcia is open for fishing year-round and is also an amazing place to watch the fall leaves change.

Have you explored High Point State Park and relaxed on the banks of Lake Marcia before? If not, tell a friend about this article and explore the best lake in New Jersey for summer recreation for yourself! You can find out more about the park and its amenities on the High Point State Park website, and while you're in the area, make sure to explore nearby Sussex — one of the best remote towns in New Jersey!

Looking for more spots in New Jersey that the tourists haven't discovered? Only in Your State has a list of the best hidden gems in the Garden State for your summer adventures!