In addition to swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing (!) there are lots of great activities at the Highlands Natural Pool and in the immediate area:

Have a Picnic!

There are a number of picnic tables set under a grove of trees along the Blue Mine brook near the pool. No open fires are allowed, but you can bring a grill or use the stationary grills available in the picnic area. The pool snack stand offers hot and cold food and drinks if you don't want to bring your own.

Our policy is that you take your garbage with you when you leave, so please plan accordingly.

Play Ball!

Adjacent to the pool and picnic grove is a beach sand volleyball court, and softball field with backstop. In addition, ping pong tables and a number of board games are available for use during your visit.

Go for a Hike!

The pool is located next to the Norvin Green State Forest which offers 4,210 acres of sanctuary for birds and other wildlife. Part of the Wyanokie Wilderness Area, the forest contains an extensive trail system built and maintained by the NY-NJ Trail Conference. Norvin Green State Forest offers you a variety of hiking options and destinations. Several of the trails climb hills of up to 1,300 feet in elevation providing you with scenic vistas overlooking the New York City skyline, Wanaque reservoir, and Ramapo mountains. Other trails lead you to waterfalls, abandoned farm dwellings, and two historic iron mines that can be explored.

Here are a number of recommended hikes:

• 2.5-mile loop takes you past the Roomey and Blue mines.
• 3-mile loop starts by passing the abandoned iron mines and ends by going over Wyanokie High Point.
• 4.2-mile hike through Norvin Green SF to the summit of Assiniwikam Mountain.
• 5.5-mile loop that passes the iron mines and goes up over Carris Hill and along the ridgeline to Wyanokie High Point.
• 6.5-mile loop through the center of Norvin Green SF and up over the ridges with great views.
• 4.1-mile loop traverses Buck Mountain (hike starts on Glenwild Avenue).
• 1.7-mile hike to Torne Mountain. (hike starts on Glenwild Avenue).

A simplified trail map can be obtained for free at the Pool gate. We do recommend the high quality North Jersey trail map set from the NY-NJ Trail Conference which is available for purchase at the Weis visitor center.

Planned Crafts & Activities for Children

Throughout the season, we schedule various activities to entertain children and heighten their awareness and appreciation of nature. In the past we have planted a small vegetable and herb garden, made fairies and animal creatures out of clay for the garden, made musical instruments, kites, wind chimes, tissue paper butterflies, garden gnomes, seashell birdbaths, hand puppets, etc. With certain crafts there is a small fee for supplies.

We also have a four- to five-day nature activities program with games, crafts, stories & other fun things to do, for ages 5 and up.

Join Our YogaMoves Class

Back by popular demand! Join us for a gentle stretch class uniquely designed for men and women of all ages and fitness levels. Stretch & strengthen your body in a relaxed, friendly, non-competitive environment -- in a beautiful outdoor setting by the pool. $10 introductory class; $13 for individual classes thereafter or $100 for a block of ten classes. For more information, please contact the pool or ask at the snack stand. All proceeds benefit the pool.

Take Swimming Lessons and Other Courses

Detailed information is available here.

Visit the Weis Ecology Center

Across the field from the Highlands Pool is the New Jersey Audubon Society's Weis Ecology Center, that offers you a unique opportunity to learn about the Northern New Jersey Highlands Region.

    Visitors to Weis can relax in the butterfly garden or follow well-marked trails to diverse locations on their property. For a camping adventure there are roomy campsites and quaint cabins available for rental at reasonable prices (advance registration required).

    The Center itself is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday, offering restroom facilities, a gift and bookshop, nature exhibits, and a wealth of information resources. Visit the Weis Ecology Center website for a calendar of upcoming activities and more information.