The wooded setting of the Highlands Natural Pool offers a clue about the hiking opportunities available in the nearby Norvin Green State Forest. The pool itself is distinctive, as a stream-fed body of water that resembles a lake. When paired with the 21 miles of hiking trails, it becomes a unique spot in northern New Jersey. There’s nothing wrong with a relaxing day at the pool, but that water seems even more refreshing after a hike on the adjacent loop trails that range from a half-mile to 5.5 miles in the Wyanokie Highlands.

The pool was carved out of the Camp Midvale property in 1935 and subdivided as a non-profit operation in 1997.
Highlands Natural Pool/Facebook
Norvin Green State Forest is an attraction in itself, with hiking trails that go to some striking vistas.
Richard Bach/alltrails
Remember, "Natural" is part of the title. Frogs and tadpoles share the shallow end of the water with swimmers.
Highlands Natural Pool/Facebook

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The Highlands Natural Pool is well supervised. Guests under 18 must pass a swimming test to access the deep-water section.
Highlands Natural Pool/Facebook
The peaceful nature of the pool makes it worthwhile to spend the full six hours of daily operation. Picnicking is part of the fun, along with recreational activities.
Highlands Natural Pool/Facebook
Some visitors speak of the Highlands Natural Pool's "magical healing qualities," with no chlorine or chemicals.
Highlands Natural Pool/Facebookk

Several hiking options are available in the Norvin Green State Forest. For more details, see the New Jersey Park Service website. The Highlands Natural Pool is open from 12-6 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays in June, then daily through Labor Day and on weekends in September. The number of day passes is limited, so you’ll want to arrive by noon. For more information about fees and rules, see the Highlands Natural Pool website.

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Highlands natural pool, 180 Snake Den Rd, Ringwood, NJ 07456, USA