Best lakes around Towaco are found in a region characterized by its proximity to several notable bodies of water in Morris County, New Jersey. While Towaco itself does not host large lakes, the surrounding area offers diverse aquatic environments. These include large freshwater lakes, reservoirs, and smaller ponds, providing various recreational opportunities. The landscape features a mix of developed lakeside communities and natural preserves.
Last updated: June 27, 2026
Highlight • Lake
Tip by
Highlight • Lake
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
Highlight • Monument
Tip by
Highlight • Lake
Tip by
Highlight • Forest
Tip by
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
From this spot you get nice view of the water cascading over the Boonton Reservoir Dam. This is a pretty spot to ride past as you explore the area.
1
0
Tourne County Park is a family-friendly park covered with trees. The park is connected with gravel and dirt trails, and offers some facilities such as picnic tables, benches, gazebos, courts and playgrounds. It also features small lakes and viewpoints; a lovely place for riding, hiking or running.
0
0
The 700-acre Boonton Reservoir, situated between Boonton and Parsippany–Troy Hills, New Jersey, serves as a vital water source for Jersey City, alongside the nearby Splitrock Reservoir.
1
0
This is a 99-acre residential lake that was originally used as an ice factory, where the frozen water was harvested and sold. This is a popular area for swimming, fishing, and boating, and it offers a few beach areas to get in the water.
0
0
Taylortown Reservoir is a public water supply system, owned by the town of Boonton. Its beautiful surrounding nature and the Orange Trail leading along the western side of the reservoir, make it a nice spot to visit in Pyramid Mountain Natural Historic Area.
0
0
Butler Reservoir is located in the north of Apshawa Preserve and has a size of approximately 40-acres. The red trail, one of numerous trails of the preserve, leads all the way around the reservoir.
0
0
While Towaco itself doesn't have large lakes, the surrounding Morris County area offers several notable options. Cedar Lake Swimming Dock is a popular residential lake for swimming and boating. For a larger experience, Lake Hopatcong, New Jersey's largest freshwater lake, is a vibrant hub for water sports and recreation.
For swimming and boating, Cedar Lake Swimming Dock offers beach areas and is popular for these activities. Lake Hopatcong is also an excellent choice, providing extensive opportunities for swimming, boating, sailing, kayaking, and various water sports.
Yes, several lakes offer good fishing. Cedar Lake Swimming Dock is a popular spot for fishing. Lake Hopatcong is well-known for its diverse fish species, including bass, trout, pickerel, musky, and catfish. Osborn Pond is also recognized for fishing, particularly for black crappie and largemouth bass.
Hiking opportunities are available around several lakes. The Taylortown Reservoir features the Orange Trail within the Pyramid Mountain Natural Historic Area. The Red Trail leads around Butler Reservoir in Apshawa Preserve. Additionally, Tourne County Park offers gravel and dirt trails around its small lakes. For more options, you can explore various hiking routes in the area, such as the easy trails in Pyramid Mountain Natural Historic Area, by visiting the Hiking around Towaco guide.
Absolutely. Cedar Lake Swimming Dock is a residential lake with beach areas, making it suitable for families. Taylortown Reservoir is also considered family-friendly due to its natural setting. Tourne County Park is a family-friendly park with small lakes, picnic tables, playgrounds, and trails.
For scenic views, the Boonton Reservoir Dam offers a nice perspective of water cascading over the dam. Ramapo Lake provides spectacular views of the water and surrounding rock formations. Tourne County Park also features viewpoints overlooking its small lakes.
The area around Towaco offers various cycling routes that pass by or near lakes. For example, you can find routes like the 'Mountain Lakes Dock and Boats – Rockaway River loop from Boonton' which is an easy ride. More options are available in the Cycling around Towaco guide.
Yes, there are running trails in the vicinity of the lakes. You can find moderate routes such as the 'Mountain Lakes Dock and Boats – Wildflower Trail loop from Mountain Lakes' or the 'Forest Path – Birchwood Lake loop from Mountain Lakes'. For a comprehensive list of options, refer to the Running Trails around Towaco guide.
The lakes near Towaco offer diverse natural features. You can find extensive shorelines at Lake Hopatcong, natural monuments like Taylortown Reservoir within the Pyramid Mountain Natural Historic Area, and forested landscapes at Tourne County Park. Osborn Pond is known for birdwatching, and Ramapo Lake features unique rock formations.
Lake Hopatcong stands out as New Jersey's largest freshwater lake, offering 45 miles of shoreline and a wide array of year-round activities. It's a vibrant hub for boating, swimming, fishing, and water sports, surrounded by restaurants, marinas, and public beaches. The lake also hosts various events and festivals, making it a lively destination for recreation and relaxation.
While the focus is on natural recreation, the Taylortown Reservoir is located within the Pyramid Mountain Natural Historic Area, which has historical significance. Additionally, Cedar Lake Swimming Dock is on a residential lake originally used as an ice factory, offering a glimpse into local industrial history.


Still not found your perfect lake around Towaco? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.