Mountain Lakes Preserve

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Mountain Lakes Preserve is a beautiful natural area located in the state of New Jersey.


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Summary

It spans across 75 acres and offers visitors a chance to explore a diverse range of landscapes and ecosystems. There are many good reasons to visit Mountain Lakes Preserve. Some of the most popular activities include hiking, bird watching, and nature photography. The preserve is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including deer, foxes, and various birds.

There are several points of interest to see within the preserve, including the glacial erratics, which are large boulders that were left behind by glaciers thousands of years ago. The preserve also features several streams and ponds, as well as beautiful forests and meadows. Additionally, the preserve is home to several historic buildings, including a log cabin that was built in the 1930s.

There are many interesting facts about Mountain Lakes Preserve. For example, the preserve was originally owned by the Mountain Lakes Club, which was a private social club. In the 1970s, the club donated the land to the Morris County Park Commission, which has since managed the preserve. Additionally, the preserve is home to several rare and endangered plant species.

The best time of year to visit Mountain Lakes Preserve is in the spring or fall when the weather is mild and the foliage is at its most vibrant. Visitors should keep in mind that the preserve is open from dawn until dusk and that there are several rules and regulations that must be followed while visiting, such as staying on designated trails and not disturbing wildlife. Overall, Mountain Lakes Preserve is a must-see destination for anyone who loves nature and wants to explore the natural beauty of New Jersey.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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