Hiking and Swimming

 

Wawayanda State Park is definitely one of our favorite spots for hiking and swimming. The park is over 34,000 acres, with over 60 miles of marked Appalachian Trail, a large lake with sandy beach, and does offer paddle boat/canoe/small engine fishing boats for rent.  It’s by far one of our favorite spots in the area and we feel pretty dang lucky to have it nearby (it’s about 10 min. away):
http://www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/wawayanda.html

There are also great beach front swimming spot at Thomas P. Morahan Beach in Greenwood Lake (the largest lake in Orange County, 10-15min. from Warwick).
Offers beach, volleyball, lifeguards, swings, etc.
http://www.villageofgreenwoodlake.org/

Cascade Lake is a 4 acre lake open to the public here in Warwick:

And there’s always the Mountain Creek Water Park in Vernon, NJ. which kiddos (not to mention adults) absolutely LOVE:
http://www.mountaincreekwaterpark.com/

It’s a bit of a trek (25-30min. drive), but another worthy option would be Bear Mountain State Park Pool. There’s also the zoo, large open lawn and wonderful carousel here to keep one busy busy:
http://www.palisadesparksconservancy.org/

Lake Tiorati (also with beach front) in Harriman State Park (20 min. drive) is quite nice:
http://www.nysparks.com/