Overview
West Milford is a township in northern Passaic County, New Jersey, bordering New York State. Covering roughly 80 square miles, it is the largest municipality in the county by area, yet much of it is forest, protected watershed, lakes and state parkland. That mix of small lake communities and open Highlands landscape gives West Milford NJ its rural, outdoorsy character just an hour from New York City.
History
West Milford was incorporated as a township in 1834, formed from part of Pompton Township. Its early economy was built on iron: the furnaces at Long Pond Ironworks in Hewitt supplied iron from the colonial era into the 1800s. Later, the lakes drew summer visitors and bungalow colonies, many of which became year-round neighborhoods. In the 1970s the township was home to Jungle Habitat, a drive-through wildlife park whose former grounds are now trails.
Geography, lakes & parks
The township sits on the ridges of the New Jersey Highlands. Greenwood Lake straddles the New Jersey–New York line, and smaller lakes such as Upper Greenwood Lake, Pinecliff Lake and Lindys Lake anchor their own communities. Large tracts belong to Wawayanda State Park, Abram S. Hewitt State Forest, Norvin Green State Forest and the Newark watershed, and the Appalachian Trail crosses the township's northwest corner.
Neighborhoods & communities
West Milford is made up of several unincorporated communities, including Hewitt, Oak Ridge, Newfoundland, Macopin, Apshawa and Upper Greenwood Lake. Many neighborhoods grew around a lake and still have their own lake associations, beaches and traditions.
Things to do
Hiking, paddling, fishing and fall foliage are the big draws, along with the township pump track, the West Milford Farmers Market and historic sites. See our 12 Things to Do in West Milford, NJ and the full West Milford Local Guide.
Events & community calendar
From township events and summer concerts to school nights, church suppers and fundraisers, West Milford has something happening most weekends. The West Milford Community Calendar lists upcoming West Milford events with flyers, and the homepage shares notices, stories and happenings.
Local businesses & nonprofits
West Milford NJ businesses and nonprofits are featured across The Buzz Around Town WM. Organizations can submit a flyer or request an ad placement.