G. Thomas Donch Nature Preserve (formerly known as Franklin Lakes Nature Preserve)

Hidden gem that needs to be better respected by visitors. The trails are easy and marked well. The porta John needs better maintenance but it's there... parking is usually easy right at the trail entrance, There's often litter on the trail which is shameful, take it with you please... awesome spot for photos, but please don't torment the wildlife.. it's their home, respect it.

I love this trail! It’s short 1.5 I found it during Covid and used to do it almost everyday. They closed for a few years but now they’re open again. They have kayaking available.

Peaceful lake views make this a really lovely spot for an easy walk, especially around sunset when the water reflects the sky. The loop is mostly flat and beginner-friendly, but a few sections of the trail could use more upkeep, some overgrown areas and uneven spots here and there. Parking is usually easy to find, and the walk around the lake is just long enough to feel refreshing without being exhausting. It’s not a strenuous hike, more of a laid-back nature stroll, but still a nice way to get outside and unwind.

Gorgeous reservoir, and hiking trails. If you want to enjoy a couple of miles easy hike around the lake then this is a place for you.

WARNING: The main entrance has been closed since Covid due to over crowding (not that the town would admit this... but I pass through once a week and have seen this place evolve). For people looking to get out on the water with a kayak or whatever? Good luck. Hikers and Bikers? Much easier route. You can park in the back of the Church parking lot on Ewing Ave or the side street before the (blocked) entrance on High Mountain Road (on your right just past the Temple). The place is always insanely clean and beautiful. The trail around the lake is easy level wise but there is a TON of roots so watch your step in many areas. The highlight of the trail is where there are floating docks to cross the lake on the Ewing Ave side (the trails on that side are also easier - sometimes muddy though and there is a nice bridge with a stream also). There are local swans and ducks to check out... the occasional cormorant... sometimes you catch a turtle sunning on the banks of the trail. This is not always the most quiet/intimate of spots as there is a pretty steady stream of traffic on Ewing and High Mountain Road... Be a good steward, keep the place clean... plus if you are hungry the two supermarkets within 5 minutes are both outstanding (The Fresh Grocer, North Haledon and The Market Basket in Franklin Lakes)... Market Basket is more high end but it is worth every penny.

This place is very good and I caught my personal best bass. He was 1 pound and 13 inches and I caught it off the dock. I visit every single day because it is close and reachable

Perfect place for a relaxing morning walk. The trails are very clean and terrain is flat, making it an easy walk for most people. Some of the paths deeper into the preserve can get muddy after rain, so you should wear gear you do not mind getting dirty. Plenty of parking available as well. I went around 7 am on a Sunday and it was very quite. It takes ~10 minutes to get to the end of the Island bridges trail.

Awesome place to tire the kids(and yourself) out. However, not all of it is stroller friendly. Part of the trail is nothing but tree roots, part of it is gravel and rocks, and the other section is narrow bridges and uneven land. I used a jogging stroller with big wheels to help navigate the trails but even then, there were times I had to take the kids out and carry the stroller over the terrain.