Long Pond Ironworks: A Visitor's Guide

Tucked into the New Jersey Highlands along the Wanaque River, Long Pond Ironworks State Park preserves the ruins of an iron-making village that helped forge the young United States. Founded in 1766 by German ironmaster Peter Hasenclever, the works produced iron for the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War and continued in some form until 1882. Today the site is a quiet stretch of stone furnaces, waterwheel pits, and weathered workers' houses — a walk-through history lesson just minutes from West Milford center.

What you'll see

• The furnace ruins — stone stacks from the Colonial-era and later 19th-century furnaces stand side by side above the river.
• Waterwheel pits — the giant timber wheels that powered the bellows and hammers once turned here; you can still trace the raceways.
• The historic village — the old company store, ice house, and workers' homes line Greenwood Lake Turnpike.
• The visitor center & museum — run by the Friends of Long Pond Ironworks, open seasonally on weekends with exhibits, artifacts, and guided tours.

Hiking & the outdoors

Long Pond connects into the broader Ringwood / Norvin Green trail system. Easy loops leave from the parking area past the ruins and along the river; ambitious hikers can pick up the Highlands Trail for longer out-and-backs. Bring water — there's no concession on site.

How to get there

Hours & admission

The park grounds are open daily, sunrise to sunset, and there is no admission fee. The museum and visitor center keep seasonal weekend hours — typically Saturdays and Sundays from spring through fall. Always confirm before making a special trip; hours shift with the season and volunteer availability.

Tips for your visit

• Wear sturdy shoes — the paths around the ruins are uneven stone and root.
• Best light for photos is late afternoon, when the low sun rakes across the furnace stone.
• Combine the visit with lunch in West Milford or a stop at Greenwood Lake, ten minutes further north.
• Leash your dog and pack out everything you bring in — this is a preserved historic site.

Further reading

• Friends of Long Pond Ironworks — the nonprofit that stewards the site and runs the museum.
• NJ State Parks: Long Pond Ironworks — official park information.