Liffy Island & Lake Hopatcong
Lake Hopatcong, New Jersey’s largest freshwater lake, began as two natural ponds. Dammed up in the 1800s, it ensured a steady water supply for the Morris Canal, the main conduit for shipping valuable anthracite coal from Pennsylvania to New York City. Several high points in the manmade lake became islands, including Liffy. The island was purchased by the Staten Island Boy Scout Council in 1922 and served as a Scout camping site until 1928, after which Liffy Island became largely uninhabited up to the present day.
Joined to the mainland by a lovely, weathered bridge, Liffy Island features wide trails, an abundance of trees, and broad vistas of sky, earth, and lake.
Liffy Island trails are mostly flat and wide.
To get there, we must first find the trail to the bridge. It begins at the Prospect Point playground on Florida Avenue in Jefferson, NJ. On the other side of the basketball courts the one-mile trail through woods begins. The walk is fairly level, the trail well maintained. Though not heavily trafficked, we do meet people along the way.
The trail starts just beyond the basketball courts.
Traveling across the bridge, we take in the water and sky views. The island itself is a peaceful, uninhabited spot with views of the lake throughout.
The Windlass
Back in our car, we drive a mere five minutes to The Windlass for a late lunch. Back in the 1880s, rail service connected New York City and Philadelphia to the lake. Visitors could enjoy an amusement park and rolling-skating rink. In 1948 the Windlass was built on the site of the rink. The restaurant faces west, where we view the sunset over water while we dine. The menu is solid if not spectacular, but it suits our needs just fine after our quiet walk.
In summer, the dock offers boat tie-ups and dining.