West Milford covers more than 80 square miles of lakes, ridges, and old iron country in the New Jersey Highlands — and most of the best things to do here are free. Here are twelve favorites, from the town's pump track to waterfall hikes, farm markets, and furnace ruins older than the country itself.
A free, town-built asphalt pump track where riders of every age roll rollers and banked turns without pedaling. BMX bikes, mountain bikes, and scooters all fit; helmets required. Beginners get a gentler outer loop while stronger riders link the bigger rollers. Free parking and a nearby playground make it an easy afternoon stop.
Stone furnace ruins from the 1700s tucked along the Wanaque River, plus quiet walking paths and a visitor center run by local historians. Guided walking tours generally run the second Saturday of the month, April through November. Wear sturdy shoes — the paths are gravel and root-crossed.
The township's summer gathering spot: a guarded swimming lake with a sandy beach, playgrounds, picnic groves, a disc golf course, and free concerts at the gazebo on summer evenings. Badges or day passes apply during the swim season.
A rocky, roughly five-mile round-trip hike off Clinton Road that climbs the Bearfort Ridge to open ledges and a fire tower — on clear days you can pick out the New York City skyline. A Newark Watershed hiking permit is required for these trails, so plan ahead.
A preserved 99-acre township farm with a barn, gardens, and open fields that host seasonal festivals, craft fairs, food trucks, and family events all year. It's also a lovely place to simply walk the loop trail on a quiet morning.
Local history housed in a small 1860s church building — school records, ironworks artifacts, lake-community photos, and rotating displays put together by the township's historical society. Generally open Saturday afternoons; admission is free.
A 505-acre reservoir popular for kayaking, small-boat fishing (muskie, bass, walleye), and shoreline walks with the Monksville Dam as a backdrop. There are two boat launches; water levels can vary, so check conditions before towing a boat.
The New Jersey end of a nine-mile glacial lake straddling the state line — marinas, boat and kayak rentals, lakeside dining, and long mountain views. Summer weekends are busy; early evening is the prettiest light on the water.
The overgrown remains of a 1970s drive-through safari park, now a network of wide gravel roads and singletrack popular with hikers, mountain bikers, and dog walkers. Crumbling animal enclosures and old pavement still poke through the woods. Parking is off Airport Road; a watershed permit covers the connecting trails.
A 576-acre Passaic County preserve with a rocky loop to Butler Reservoir and a short spur to Butler Falls, which runs best in spring and after rain. About three miles of hiking; no swimming, and dogs must stay leashed.
Twenty-plus local growers, bakers, and makers set up Wednesdays from 3 to 7 pm, June through October, in the West Milford Presbyterian Church lot. SNAP shoppers get produce at a discount, and indoor winter markets are held about once a month on Saturday mornings.
Free summer concerts, fireworks, tree lightings, fundraisers, and school and church happenings fill the calendar all year. The Buzz Around Town WM keeps a running West Milford Community Calendar so you can see what's coming up this week.
Concerts, fundraisers, school nights, and church suppers change every week. Check the West Milford Community Calendar before you plan your weekend.
Hours, fees, and permit rules change with the season — check the linked official pages before you go. Spot something out of date? Let us know.