An undisturbed and isolated forest with challenging climbs and rewarding views.
Rocky outcrops and upland swamps characterize Abram S. Hewitt State Forest. A section of the glacially carved Bearfort Ridge reaches into the forest, offering hikers a challenging climb with a rewarding view, eastward along Greenwood Lake. The forest is isolated and untouched, accessible only on foot. Marshes and wetlands are scattered throughout the forest with several brooks and streams crisscrossing the lower areas. Hemlock and oak are the dominant species of this relatively undisturbed forest. A 6-mile-long section of the Appalachian Trail (link is external) meanders through this pristine forest.
Appalachian Trail
A 6-mile-long section of the Appalachian Trail follows the varied terrain of the park. This trail's designated use is restricted to hiking only for its entire length from Maine to Georgia. White blazes mark this narrow and sometimes very rocky trail.
Hiking
A section of Bearfort Ridge reaches into Abram Hewitt State Forest, offering hikers a challenging climb with a rewarding view.
Hunting
State Park Service areas open to hunting.
Parts of Abram S. Hewitt State Forest are open for hunting. Deer, grouse, squirrel, turkey, rabbit, raccoon and woodchuck may be hunted with bow and arrow, shotgun and black powder firearms in their appropriate seasons. For information about hunting, refer to the New Jersey Fish and Wildlife Digest (link is external).
A NJ State Park Service Special Use Permit is required for various types of short-duration, organized activities and/or events within a state park, forest and/or historic site. Examples of organized activities and/or special events include, but are not limited to press events, commercial photography and/or filming, corporate events, fundraisers, festivals, demonstrations, walkathons and races, concerts, Televised events and/or commercial use of or on State Park Service lands and/or waters.
To learn more about Special use Permits click here.
Facilities for People with Disabilities
We encourage people with disabilities who require special considerations to contact the park at the phone number listed in the general information on the home page of the park. The staff will assist with arrangements. Text telephone (TTY) users, call the NJ Relay & CapTel Service at 711 or 1-800-852-7897 for English or 1-866-658-7714 for Spanish.
All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs)
Recreational use of ATVs is not permitted on NJ State Park Service property. This includes state parks, forests, recreation areas, golf courses, marinas, natural areas, historic sites, and preserves. Thank you for your help in protecting New Jersey’s natural and historic resources. [N.J.A.C. 7:2-3.4(d)]
Smoking
State law prohibits the smoking of tobacco and use of electronic smoking (vaping) devices in all state parks, forests, historic sites, recreation areas, golf courses and marinas. [N.J.P.L.2005, c.383 (C.26:3D-56)]
Alcohol
Alcoholic beverages are not permitted in state parks, forests, recreation areas, golf courses, marinas, natural areas, historic sites, and preserves. [ N.J.A.C. 7:2-2.6 ]
Keep Your Forest Clean and Green
Protect plants and animals and care for your parks [forest] by taking your trash with you. Whatever you carry into the park [forest], plan on carrying it out too. It’s like crowdsourcing trash management! Bring a bag or two for trash, recycling and cleaning up after your pet. There are no trash receptacles in this park. Thank you!
Swimming
No swimming.
Pets
Pets must always be on a leash no longer than six feet in length and under the control of the owner. Please clean up after your pets.
Tick Protection
Use insect repellent, wear light-colored clothing, tuck pants into socks, stay on trails, check yourself when you get home, shower and wash clothes immediately.
Be Bear Aware
Black bears are found throughout New Jersey. Do not approach or attract bears by making food available. Feeding bears is dangerous and illegal. Never run from a bear! To report an aggressive bear, call 1-877-WARN-DEP (1-877-927-6337) immediately. Please report any damage or nuisance behavior to the park office. Visit the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife at www.njfishandwildlife.com for additional information on bear safety.
No Fires
Fires are not permitted.
Phone Number
973-853-4462
Mailing Address
c/o Wawayanda State Park
885 Warwick Turnpike
Hewitt, NJ 07421
Email Address
wawayandacamping@dep.nj.gov
Gate Open daily from sunrise to sunset
Entrance Fee None
GPS Coordinates
41.1857045, -74.331375