About White Lake Natural Resource Area

Name: White Lake Natural Resource Area
Item: White Lake Natural Resource Area
Author: warrencountyparks

The White Lake Natural Resource Area is a beautiful 469-acre preserve located in Hardwick Township. The park’s most notable feature, White Lake, is a deep 69-acre spring-fed water body. The lake is named after the white chalky marl bottom which is composed of freshwater mollusk shells and clay. A variety of interesting habitats surround the pristine lake, including fertile meadows, karst limestone exposures, sinkhole ponds, and stands of mature hemlock and hardwood forests. The shoreline is also home to various endangered or threatened plant species. In addition, the preserve is dotted with several cultural and historical points of interest, including a lime kiln and the stone wall remnants of an ice house/marl processing facility.

The County of Warren is proudly recognized by National Geographic for its support in sustaining and enhancing the unique geographic character of the Scenic, Wild Delaware River Geotourism Region through its commitment to aesthetics, culture, environment, heritage, and the well-being of the region’s residents. The White Lake Natural Resource Area is one of many sites throughout Warren County which has been officially designated as a National Geographic Geotourism Destination. To learn more about other official destinations in Warren County and throughout the larger Scenic, Wild Delaware River Region, please click here:

Non-Profit Affiliation

While owned by the County of Warren, the White Lake Natural Resource Area is managed in cooperation with the New Jersey Youth Corps. The NJ Youth Corps of Phillipsburg, NJ is Warren County’s only full-time service and conservation corps. Helping to maintain parkland across the county, they provide hundreds of youth the opportunity to earn their GED while providing a valuable community service. For more information, please visit: w.njycphillipsburg.com.

NJ Youth Corps welcomes you to experience the many natural and recreational opportunities available at White Lake.

For more information about NJ Youth Corps, the management of White Lake, or volunteer opportunities, please contact: whitelakeinfo@gmail.com.

Visitor Opportunities

Walking, hiking, biking, horseback riding, paddling, fishing, hunting (by permit only), and picnicking.

Enjoy miles of new trails, including the Ridge and Valley Trail, which extends beyond county parkland and connects to the Paulinskill Valley Trail.

Watch the bustling wildlife around you. Bald eagles, osprey, black bear, snakes, bobcats, and rare butterflies have often been spotted here.

Set out on your kayak or canoe and enjoy the crystal clear waters of the lake or go fishing for brown or rainbow trout, bass, sunfish, and even landlocked salmon.

And don’t forget to stop by next-door to learn how the Hardwick Historical Society is working with the County of Warren to rehabilitate the Historic Vass Farmstead.

Please Remember

Stay on the marked trails and do not disturb marked sensitive habitats.
Remove and carry out any trash.
Camping, fires, and alcohol are prohibited.
Hunting is only allowed by special permit.
Removal of plants, animals, wood, stone, or other natural materials is prohibited.
Electric trolling motors are allowed, but gasoline powered boats are prohibited
Motorized vehicles, such as ATVs, are prohibited.

Trail Map / Brochure

30-Minute Trails and Kayaking

These 30-minute trails and kayaking are brought to you through a partnership with the Warren County Health Department and Shaping NJ Healthy Communities.

Hunting at White Lake Natural Resource Area

The County of Warren allows hunting in this Natural Resource Area by permit only. Permits are free and may be obtained at the Warren County Sheriff’s Office, located in the Warren County Courthouse at 413 Second Street, Belvidere, New Jersey 07823. For any questions regarding hunting permits, the Sheriff’s Office can be reached at (908) 475-6309.

In areas where the County allows hunting, all State of New Jersey hunting laws and regulations are in effect. In addition, all permitted hunters must abide by the County’s Rules and Regulations, including the County’s Hunting Policy.

Non-hunting visitors are allowed on park lands which are open to hunting and must be treated courteously. Non-hunting visitors are encouraged to wear blaze orange or confine visits to Sundays.

Hunting at the White Lake Natural Resource Area is limited to deer hunting and bow hunting only. Baiting deer is not allowed in this area and hunting within 150 feet of any marked trail is prohibited.

Volunteers Needed

Individual & Group Opportunities For All Ages:

Trail Building & Clearing
Invasive Species Removal
Construction & Maintenance
Cleanup & Recycling
Special Events and more!

Warren County, NJ Parks

Warren County, New Jersey

White Lake Natural Resource Area

White Lake Natural Resource Area

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