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Mountain Lakes is the Morris County borough built around its water. Planned as a lake community in the 1910s and incorporated in 1924, the town of about three square miles is wrapped around Mountain Lake and Crystal Lake, with Sunset and Birchwood lakes tucked into the woods above them, and its trail system climbs straight into the 545-acre Tourne County Park next door. Here is our guide to the best things to do in Mountain Lakes, NJ, from lakeside walks and a free audio history tour to where to eat after.
Hike from the lakes into the Tourne
The borough’s trail network is the best reason to visit. It connects to Tourne County Park and the adjoining Richard M. Wilcox Park, where the paths pass the upper lakes (Crystal, Sunset and Birchwood), Rattlesnake Valley, Elephant Rock and a balancing boulder, an old spring house and the stone chimney of an abandoned cabin. Climb to the Tourne’s summit for the payoff: on a clear day you can see the New York City skyline. The borough lists trailhead kiosks at Birchwood Lake and on the Boulevard, and the county park’s main entrance is on McCaffrey Lane.
For a shorter walk, Halsey Frederick Park, reached from Powerville Road across from the Mountain Lakes High School parking lot, circles the town’s sports fields through woods, wetlands and vernal pools and past a white oak the borough estimates at 250 to 300 years old. Maple Way Woodlands, about 50 acres of woods off Maple Way, Yorke Road and the corner of Crescent and Center drives, is known for its flock of wild turkeys. Mid to late October is prime time, when the hardwoods over the lakes turn. Our fall foliage guide covers peak timing across the county.
Take the free audio walking tour
Mountain Lakes is one of the best preserved planned communities in New Jersey, and its stucco and shingle “Hapgood houses,” named for developer Herbert J. Hapgood, still line the curving roads. The Historic Preservation Committee’s free audio walking tour lets you hear the story stop by stop on your phone. Start on Elm Road across from the train station, pull up the tour map, and tap each marker as you go. The 12 stops include the Midvale stores and boat dock, the Mountain Lakes Club, St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, the old Boulevard trolley route, the Little Theater and Hapgood’s original sales office.
See the lakes, and know the beach rules
The lakes are the heart of town, and walking the roads around Mountain Lake is a classic fall loop. Plan on views rather than a swim, though: the borough’s recreation department keeps Birchwood Beach and Island Beach open to residents only. If you want a lake you can actually swim or paddle as a visitor, see our guide to the best lakes in Morris County.
Fall Fest at Birchwood Lake on October 18
This year’s Mountain Lakes Fall Fest was postponed to Sunday, October 18, at Birchwood Lake. Expect family-friendly fall games, crafts, face painting and a nature scavenger hunt, plus a new inflatable maze and tables from local community groups. Check the borough’s page for the start time before you head over.
Where to eat in Mountain Lakes
Hapgood’s sits in the Midvale storefronts at 44 Midvale Road, one of the stops on the walking tour, and serves American comfort food for breakfast, lunch and dinner. It is the natural place to end the tour.
Barka on Route 46 is the town’s sit-down dinner spot, with Mediterranean seafood, steaks and a happy hour that draws a date-night crowd.
For dessert, The Corner Creamery is the town’s ice cream stop. We covered its free junior cone day this spring.
Getting there
Mountain Lakes sits between Boonton, Denville and Parsippany, just off Route 46 and Interstate 287. NJ Transit’s Montclair-Boonton Line stops at the borough’s historic train station, which is also where the walking tour begins. Make a day of it with the falls and Main Street shops next door in Boonton, or plan a longer outing from our list of the best hiking trails in Morris County.
Mountain Lakes, NJ questions
Can visitors swim at the Mountain Lakes beaches?
No. Birchwood Beach and Island Beach are open to Mountain Lakes residents only.
Where do you park to hike the Tourne from Mountain Lakes?
The borough’s trail map lists kiosks at Birchwood Lake and on the Boulevard, and Tourne County Park’s main entrance is on McCaffrey Lane.
Is the Mountain Lakes walking tour free?
Yes. The audio tour is free and runs on your phone, starting on Elm Road across from the train station.
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