Boat Tannin-Stained Water and Breathe Pine Air at South Shore Marina
Why Rent On Upper Greenwood Lake
Upper Greenwood Lake straddles the New York-New Jersey border in the Highlands, its surface shared between two states and its social character shaped by the sailing clubs, paddleboard instructors, and marina operators who have made it one of the more energetic and community-minded lakes in the region. The South Shore Marina offers sailing lessons and pontoon boat rentals at accessible prices, and Jersey Paddle Boards brings stand-up paddleboarding and SUP yoga to a lake setting that rewards both active and contemplative engagement.
Sailing, Paddling, and Concert Evenings
Summer evenings at Thomas P. Morahan Waterfront Park bring live concert programming to the waterfront in a setting that makes the short drive here feel like a genuine destination decision rather than a default. The Greenwood Lake Theater’s blend of theater, film, music, and visual art adds cultural depth to what might otherwise be a purely recreational lake experience.
Bearfort Mountain and Jungle Habitat
Bearfort Mountain in Abram S. Hewitt State Forest offers trail hiking with rock scrambles, stream crossings, and ridge-top views that consistently rank among the finest in the Highlands. The overgrown site of Jungle Habitat, the defunct Warner Brothers drive-through safari, has become an unusual and genuinely interesting hiking destination with exotic plantings, marked trails, and a layer of American entertainment history that fascinates families who know the story before they arrive.
Wellness at the Lake’s Edge
Deirdre’s Day Spa and Shanti Life yoga and Pilates studio serve the lake community’s wellness needs with the kind of programming that makes extended stays feel genuinely restorative rather than merely active. A morning yoga class followed by an afternoon sail represents the full Upper Greenwood Lake experience in a single day.
A Highlands Lake With Real Community Character
A vacation home near Upper Greenwood Lake gives your family access to a lake whose recreational and cultural programming is built by and for a community that genuinely loves being here. Properties with lake views, full kitchens, and outdoor decks suited to evening entertaining are available for groups who want the full Highlands lake experience at a scale that hotels near the lake cannot provide.
- Surface area (mi)
- 0.97
- Max depth (ft)
- 20
- Elevation (ft)
- 1135.17
- Shoreline length (mi)
- 10.44
Popular activities
- Boating
- Fishing
- Hiking
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Marinas on Upper Greenwood Lake
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to dive into what Upper 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 Upper Greenwood Lake due to environmental concerns. The lake is experiencing eutrophication, which reduces dissolved oxygen levels and threatens its health, and there are also issues with chemical contaminants affecting the water quality.
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Upper Greenwood Lake is a popular destination because it offers a wide range of water sports like swimming, diving, fishing, and boating. The lake also features scenic surroundings, including rolling hills and reservoirs, and is close to attractions like Thomas P. Morahan Waterfront Park and various marinas.
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Fishing on Upper Greenwood Lake in New Jersey has some restrictions. From December 1 through the Friday preceding the third Saturday in June, black bass fishing is catch and release only. Additionally, certain waters may be closed to fishing from March 21 to April 9 for trout stocking.
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Yes, there are lifeguards on the beaches at Upper Greenwood Lake. Lifeguards are present during the designated beach hours, and swimming is only allowed when a lifeguard is on duty. This ensures safety for all beachgoers.
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Towns near Upper Greenwood Lake include Hewitt, NJ, Willow Brook, NJ, and Wawayanda, NJ. These towns are part of the local communities surrounding the lake in New Jersey. They are within a short distance, making them convenient for visits or residents looking to explore the area.
