Swim, Breathe Cool Air, and Play at Morahan Waterfront Park
Why Rent On Greenwood Lake
Greenwood Lake straddles the New York-New Jersey border in Orange County, its six-to-nine-mile surface backed by tree-lined hills and the stone and log houses that give the shoreline a European character unusual for a lake this close to New York City. The Appalachian Trail crosses within comfortable hiking distance, Sterling Forest State Park covers thousands of acres to the north and east, and the lake’s swimming beaches, parasailing, and paddleboarding operations give every family member a clear reason to be there. A lakefront vacation rental here functions as a base for one of the most densely programmed lake environments in the state.
Swimming, Paddleboarding, and Appalachian Trail Access
Indian Park Beach and the Greenwood Lake Public Beach both offer swimming, summer concerts, and the easy social atmosphere of a community lake that has been welcoming families for generations. The Appalachian Trail segments near the lake, including the ridge walk through Abram S. Hewitt State Forest above the northern shore, provide hiking with genuine views over the water and into the Highlands on both sides of the state line.
Sterling Forest and the Iron Works History
Sterling Forest State Park’s 21,000 acres include hiking trails, the historic Sterling Lake Iron Works, and a natural landscape that was once one of the most industrially active iron-producing regions in colonial America. The Sterling Lake furnace ruins and the broader Sterling Forest landscape reward the kind of walking that combines natural beauty with tangible historical evidence.
LEGOLAND, the Renaissance Faire, and Warwick Valley
LEGOLAND New York Resort in Goshen is a short drive from the lake and provides a full-day theme park experience for families with children between two and twelve who will want to visit more than once if given the opportunity. The Renaissance Faire in Tuxedo runs through summer weekends with jousting, period food, and a genuine festive scale. The Warwick Drive-In Theater adds a distinctly American evening option just west of the lake.
A Highlands Lake Rental With Extraordinary Reach
A vacation rental near Greenwood Lake gives your family a lakeside home base within striking distance of New York City while delivering the natural immersion and community character of a lake that has its own clear identity. Properties with lake views, full kitchens, and outdoor decks are available for groups who want the Highlands lake experience paired with easy access to one of the most activity-rich lake corridors in the Northeast.
- Surface area (mi)
- 4.85
- Max depth (ft)
- 57.09
- Elevation (ft)
- 682.41
- Shoreline length (mi)
- 68.54
Popular activities
- Boating
- Kayaking
- Canoeing
- Fishing
- Hiking
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Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to dive into what Greenwood Lake has to offer? Let’s tackle some of the burning questions you might have as you plan your visit!
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No, it is not safe to swim in Greenwood Lake when there are harmful algal blooms (HABs) present. The New Jersey DEP advises avoiding swimming and water contact due to high levels of cyanobacteria, which can be harmful to health.
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Greenwood Lake is a popular destination because it offers a variety of water activities like swimming, kayaking, canoeing, and boating. The lake, which spans nine miles across the New York-New Jersey border, also features parks, theaters, and other attractions such as the Thomas P. Morahan Waterfront Park and the Greenwood Lake Theater.
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Yes, you need a village fishing permit in addition to a New York State fishing license to fish in Greenwood Lake. The village permit must be obtained from the Clerk of the Village of Greenwood Lake and is valid only for the day it is issued. This is a requirement specific to the Village of Greenwood Lake.
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The Thomas P. Morahan Waterfront Park beach at Greenwood Lake is best for families. It has a sandy beach area, a lifeguard-supervised swimming area, a children’s play area, and a volleyball court. Restrooms and picnic areas are also available.
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Towns near Greenwood Lake include West Milford, New Jersey, and Suffern, New York. These towns are adjacent to the lake, with West Milford located in New Jersey and Suffern in New York. The lake also borders other nearby towns like Ringwood, New Jersey, and Monsey, New York.
