Round Valley Reservo
Address:
35 Haytown Road
Lebanon, NJ 08833
About Round Valley Reservo
With a maximum depth of 180 feet, it is also the deepest lake in New Jersey and covers an area of about 3,500 square kilometers. The reservoir fills a valley formed by the ring-shaped Cushetunk Mountain, which was once an active volcano. The Round Valley Reservoir, named after the valley where the reservoir is located, is known for its thriving fish population and scenic views of the Hudson River.
The Round Valley Reservoir was founded in 1960 by the New Jersey Water Board and due to the natural concave shape of the valley, 55 billion gallons of water are poured into the reservoir every year. Only two dams and a dike are needed to completely enclose the valley, which has a maximum depth of 180 feet and an area of 3,500 square kilometers.
Today, the Round Valley borders New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland and New Hampshire.
The Round Valley reservoir is inhabited by nineteen species of fish and offers some of the best fishing in the state. The reservoir is filled with rainbow and brown trout every year, but there are also perches, perches, catfish and perches in the lake. On warm summer days, you can find anglers hoping for records, and Round Valley will host the largest trout catch in New Jersey in more than 30 years.
Fishermen can fly - fish on the shore, in the lake and at the surface, and even in some more remote areas.
Canoes, kayaks and sailboats are also welcome, but motor boats are limited to engines of no more than 10 horsepower to maintain the purity of the reservoir.
With a maximum depth of 180 feet, there is plenty of space to explore, and the exceptional views of the lake make it ideal for divers to study a variety of fish and plants. That makes Round Valley Reservoir, with an average water depth of 1,000 feet, one of the most popular fishing destinations in New Jersey.
Round Valley also has a designated bathing area, which is separate from the main storage area. The public swimming pool is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day and features concession stands, picnic tables, a picnic area and a playground.
The lake is surrounded by 5,000 hectares of forest and birdwatchers can watch hawks, ospreys, loons and herons hunting in the water of the lake. Bald eagles have also been spotted at nearby Cushetunk Mountain, so nature lovers should not be disappointed when visiting Round Valley.
The nearby Cushetunk Mountain Nature Preserve offers a variety of hiking, hiking and snowshoeing trails. The Round Valley recreation area offers a range of outdoor activities, some of which are best suited for birdwatchers and families. Visitors can also exchange their hiking boots for ski boots, the round valley turns into a winter wonderland for skiing and tobogganing.
If you want to camp, Round Valley is the place for you, it is one of the few parks in the state that offers wilderness camping. Each location is equipped with a fire pit and along the paths there are water pumps and outbuildings.
With a wide range of activities for all ages, the reason for the popularity of Round Valley is as clear as the water. Round Valley Dam is the perfect place to escape from everyday life and experience the beauty of nature in all seasons.