Location: West Milford
Top Things to do in West Milford
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10 Things to Do in West Milford That You Shouldn't Miss
West Milford is a township in Passaic County, New Jersey, United States. As of the 2010 United States Census, the township's population was 25,850, reflecting a decline of 560 (-2.1%) from the 26,410 counted in the 2000 Census, which had in turn increased by 980 (+3.9%) from the 25,430 counted in the 1990 Census.
Restaurants in West Milford
1. Long Pond Ironworks State Park
Overall Ratings
4 based on 25 reviews
Reviewed By robcurtross - New York City, New York
This 145 acre park contains the remains of three large iron works machinery, very impressive in their size and complexity.
There is also a visitors center and a small museum open on restricted hours spring, summer and fall.
The site is very very beautiful with the river, many trees and a number of vistas.
Even in the winter the easy trails and occasional wild life make for a pleasant and restful experience as it did today.
2. Skylands New Jersey Botanical Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 135 reviews
Reviewed By ddaborn - West Orange, New Jersey
Skylands New Jersey Botanical Gardens is a wonderful place to visit in spring, summer, and fall. The sprawling grounds contain formal gardens of annuals and perennials, an area of gardens integrated with the natural environment, interesting stone buildings (including Skyland Manor with its own garden and lily pond), and quirky statuary scattered throughout. One can take photos galore, take a pleasant stroll, or have a picnic. It is well worth the $5 state park parking fee. There are restrooms on the grounds as well as a vending machine for drinks, but no food, so pack some snacks. Located in Ringwood, it is a few minutes drive from Ringwood Manor (another great stop; you can combine the two during your day trip).
3. Ramapo Mountain State Forest
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 29 reviews
Reviewed By robcurtross - New York City, New York
Thanks to Daniel Chazin for scoping out a very nice, scenic hike that took us about two hours with plenty of contemplation time.
This relatively short loop hike passes through the sites of two former Boy Scout camps – Camp Tamarack and Camp Todd. Each of these camps was situated on a lake, and the hike runs along the shore of both Lake Tamarack and Todd Lake. A number of relics from Camp Tamarack, which closed in the early 1990s, are visible along the way. Although the hike begins and ends in Ramapo Mountain State Forest, both lakes are located on property owned by Bergen County.
From the parking area, cross Skyline Drive. You will see a triple orange blaze on a telephone pole, marking the start of the Schuber Trail, as well as a triple white blaze, which marks the start of the Todd Trail. The Todd Trail will be your return route, but for now, follow the orange blazes of the Schuber Trail, which turn right onto the gravel road that leads into the former Camp Tamarack, then immediately turn left and proceed downhill on a winding footpath.
At the base of the descent, the trail skirts the ruins of the former camp rifle range. Just ahead, with the ruins of the former archery range visible on the left, a triple-purple-blaze on the right marks the start of the Tamarack Trail, which was blazed in the fall of 2016 by volunteers of the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference. Turn right onto the Tamarack Trail, which follows a level footpath and soon reaches the shore of Lake Tamarack. A rock ledge on the left affords a view over the lake, with a triangular building (the former camp chapel) visible across the lake on the left and the concrete-and-steel foundations of the former waterfront docks on the right.
The trail continues along the lakeshore, soon passing the concrete-and-stone foundations of the former camp waterfront buildings, with more views over the lake. After passing a balanced boulder, you’ll come to a third viewpoint over the lake. The trail now moves away from the lake, joining a woods road. Be alert for a turn where the Tamarack Trail bears left, leaving the road, and continues on a footpath.
A short distance beyond, the Tamarack Trail ends at a junction with the Yellow Trail (blazed with yellow diamonds) near the shore of Todd Lake. Turn right onto the Yellow Trail, which soon goes by a stone wall on a rock ledge at water level, with a view over the lake, and continues to parallel the lake. Near the lake’s south end, the Yellow Trail turns right and soon ends at a woods road, the route of the white-blazed Todd Trail.
Turn right, now following the white blazes. As another woods road joins from the left, the Todd Trail bears right, then almost immediately turns left and follows a footpath into the woods. It soon begins to climb, first rather steeply, then more gradually. After a level stretch, it descends to cross a seasonal stream in a shallow ravine, then ascends on a winding, rocky footpath, with several switchbacks. When it reaches Skyline Drive, the trail turns right and continues for about 200 feet to the triple white blaze marking the terminus of the Todd Trail, opposite the parking area where the hike began.
4. Echo Lake Stables
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 15 reviews
Reviewed By Tom C - Nutley, New Jersey
Boarded my buckskin Quarter Horse Shanendoah at Kat's original family run stable (Westwind) in Pomptain Plains NJ back in the early seventies. She was and is the best horse person I've ever met. She just breathes it. When she sold Westwind and built Echo Lake, you just knew that it was the correct decision. No one does it better than she does, grab your kids and trek up Rte 23 and find this jewel. I promise you that you will not be disappointed.
5. Jersey Paddle Boards
Overall Ratings
5 based on 7 reviews
Reviewed By adam r - Brooklyn, New York
Greenwood Lake is a hidden gem and is only 60 miles from NYC. We rented paddleboards and had the best time. Try to stay relatively close to shore yo let the boaters do their thing. I highly recommend trying this out. You will become one with Greenwood Lake!
6. Wawayanda State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 20 reviews
Reviewed By gloryb11
I always attend the West Milford Animal Shelter's annual Walk-A-Dog-Athon. This year's event is September 18. Take a walk in a lovely park, with or without a dog, and help homeless shelter animals. Treats for dogs and people. And fun contests, such as Best Dressed Dog and Owner. Check the shelter's website for detials.
7. Stairway to Heaven Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 28 reviews
Reviewed By Gary M
My Girlfriend and I have wanted to do this hike for a while now and finally got a chance to do it yesterday. The view from the top was amazing, and we were able to see the High Point monument in the distance. Plenty of places to sit and eat lunch when you are up top.
For starters we did the whole trail and by that I mean we parked on Rt 517 and started on the boardwalk. In my opinion you are better off just parking at the Rt 94 parking lot and heading up the mountain, your not missing much. I GPS tracked our walk from the starting point to the top of the mountain and it was roughly 4 miles one way with an elevation gain of 1007'. Not doing the boardwalk portion would easily cut almost 2 miles out which would save your legs for scrambling up the mountain. It was a beautiful view from the top, well worth the hike. Not as good as Mt. Tammany on the NJ/PA border or Breakneck Ridge in NY state but still a great hike nonetheless.
8. Ringwood State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 66 reviews
Reviewed By Fudbutter - Westchester County, New York
We visit here often. It is one of our favorite picnic places in the general area. Ringwood has several attractions, a pre revolutionary war manor (complete with a historic cemetery), a nice walk along a carriage road, a nice walk in the woods, two longer hikes (both excellent) and all sorts of excellent picnic areas, including many along the river.
There is a charge for the weekends when the park is way too populated for our taste but free and much less crowded during the week. It is also very pretty during the winter and a flat out knockout when the leaves change in the fall
Bring Deet as there are plenty of species of very hungry species insects who will swarm you as there is plenty of water on the hiking trails and the picnic area along the river.
9. Sterling Forest State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 28 reviews
Reviewed By VegasBling - Las Vegas, Nevada - USA
Spent a little time at the Visitors' Center. It has a lot of historical and interesting geological facts about the area. There are clean, ample bathrooms for use. The small gift shop enables visitors to purchase apparel, mugs, stickers, kid activities, books, etc.
There is also a back porch with a stunning view of the lake.
The Visitors Center is a nice segway to entering the actual state park, which is beautiful.
10. Solve It Escape Rooms
Overall Ratings
5 based on 19 reviews
Newest Attraction in Vernon, NJ!! What's an Escape Room? An escape room is the fun new trend captivating minds throughout the country. It's a live action team-based adventure game in which players become immersed in a themed room and must use the elements around them to solve a series of puzzles, unravel clues and complete a mission before time runs out. Can you SOLVE IT???
Reviewed By animldr - Newton, New Jersey
Went with a group of coworkers and had a fabulous time! I recommend to anyone looking for a group activity. I will definitely return to do the other room!
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