Shepherd Lake, Ringwood, NJ

Lake Profile:
Shepherd Lake
Ringwood State Park 1304 Sloatsburg Road
info 973-962-7031
Charge at the gate is 5-10 dollars but free in the offseason.
No engines only electric motor (good so there will be no loud racing boats creating wakes)

Sept 6th, 2009
The maiden voyage of my new canoe. As I loaded it up on the subaru I noticed how virgin the plastic was. No scratches or dings, not sure how long that will look that way but I knew while unloading it would bring a different picture. I chose Shepherd Pond as my first trip for a few reasons. My wife was going in the front seat and my sister-in-law came along to try out that center seat. It's a 14 ft canoe not really suitable for 3 person paddling because it's not that roomy but plenty of capacity for weight. Needless to say it handled like a barge. Actually it handles better under heavy weight than light.

This lake is settled in a recreational area where families gather for picnics and barbecues so it's pretty noisy. The water was not as crowded as I imagined, just a few kayakers and boater's (rented).

The North end is covered with lilly pads and we came across some great mountain rocks laying along the banks. The best part of the lake is furthest from the beach area where the noise is muffled and the big blue herons hang out. The fishing here is supposed to be good for largemouth although I didn't catch anything that day. Like Most of NJ mountain lake this is bear country so beware! Would I paddle this lake again? Yes but not the place to go in the middle of summer where all hell break loose. Thunder Mountain is up the same mountain and that's where you can shoot clays so when you hear some shotgun blasts while on the water there is your explanation.

Directions: You can punch in the address on your GPS and it will get you as far as the entrance at the bottom of the mountain. Once traveling north on Sloatsburg make a right on Morris Rd. Ride up and you will come to two Large statues of eagles bracing the entrance of the skylands botanical garden that is where you make a left on Shepherd Pond Rd which will lead you to the entrance on the lake. Put in is at the right after the gate. So bring the family and a portable BBQ some meat for the grill and drop your boat in. Fun for everyone.