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We haven't been to Long Pine Pond since there aren't trails to it, and I am not sure about access on that one. I was curious so I did a quick google of it, and a couple sources made it seem like the lake is crystal clear so that sounds pretty nice. I found a scout site that mentioned making arrangements for swimming, but perhaps they mean for a whole troop of scouts.
I think it would be fine to go check it out and if for whatever reason there is no access, just head over to Crater Lake. The road to Crater Lake is of course open this time of year so that would be an option. It's quite scenic, some pics are in this hike description.There is a parking lot and bathrooms.
Hemlock Pond is probably too far, yes, though I believe the trails to it from Blue Mountain Lakes are easy woods roads. Joseph on this site recently went to Blue Mountain Lakes and has a post: http://njhiking.ning.com/profiles/blogs/an-attempt-at-buttermilk-falls
My other suggestions are a bit further north. In Stokes, there is Stony Lake that has a picnic/beach area. And in High Point there is Lake Marcia (some photos in this hike description) Both require no hiking to get there. Also in that park is Steeny Kill Lake, which we haven't personally been to, but the trail map shows boat access, and the Steeny Kill trail along it.
Hope that helps a bit,
Dawn
P.S. Hank the Lab is very handsome!
Thanks for the links and the suggestions. I think we'll stick to either Blue Mountain or Crater (whichever is less crowded)-we'll save Hemlock for when our daughter is older and we get one of these:
As for the lakes at Stokes, we'll skip those as swimming is only allowed in the lifeguard area which dogs are not allowed at :( The State of New Jersey is not very dog friendly when it comes to parks-I do get it, we are a very densely packed state, our wild areas are fragile, and if everyone was running wild with their dogs in the parks it would likely be chaos. However, some of the most fun we had on our trip to Acadia last summer was hiking to Sargent Mountain Pond, a tiny body of water tucked between two peaks. We had a great time swimming with Hank and relaxing on the rocks afterwards. It probably sounds silly, but it's a simple pleasure that's not so easily done here in the Garden State. Regardless, it sounds like the DWG is the place to go!
You might want to check out the "Doggin' Jersey" book. I hiked with the author several years ago and he is all about finding every available water hole for his dog to swim in. My dog is not much of a swimmer but likes to get wet to cool off while hiking. (And what you described doesn't sound silly at all - I totally get it!)
http://web.mac.com/crudbay/KatiesBlog/Doggin_Jersey.html
In case anyone is interested - Stony Lake at Stokes closed for the month of June per the signs posted while I was there last weekend.
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