Top 20 Lakes around Newark
Lakes around Newark offer diverse natural landscapes and recreational opportunities. The region features a mix of urban parks with significant water bodies and larger natural preserves. These areas provide spaces for outdoor activities and connection with nature. The geography includes wetlands, marshlands, and managed waterways contributing to the local ecosystem.
Best lakes around Newark
- The most popular lakes is San Francisco Bay Trail, a trail that is a flat and picturesque paved path around the wetlands. It is a great place for a run because it is traffic free and has great views.
- Another must-see spot is Ravenswood Open Space Preserve, an other natural area. This 376-acre wetland is a great spot for birdwatching and family fun, featuring a flat trail for walking and biking along the marsh levee.
- Visitors also love Alviso Marina County Park, a facilities area located along Alviso Slough. This 20.6-acre park offers opportunities for hiking, biking, bird watching, and kayaking, with scenic views of the surrounding mountains and wildlife.
- Newark is known for its trails, natural preserves, and managed waterways. The region offers a variety of lakes and associated natural features to explore.
- The lakes around Newark are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 60 upvotes and 10 photos shared.
Last updated: June 24, 2026
San Francisco Bay Trail
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Tip by
Duck Pond 🦆 Palo Alto wetlands
Highlight • Lake
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
Alviso Marina County Park
Highlight • Rest Area
Tip by
Ravenswood Open Space Preserve
Highlight • Natural
Tip by
Charleston Slough
Highlight • Natural
Tip by
Sign up for free to discover even more lakes around Newark.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Tips from the Community
The San Francisco Bay Trail is a flat, paved trail that runs along the border of the bay. It is a great place for a run because it is traffic free and has great views.
0
0
Ravenswood Preserve, a 376-acre wetland in the San Francisco Bay, is a great spot for birdwatching and family fun. Open from half an hour before sunrise to half an hour after sunset, it features a flat trail for walking and biking along the marsh levee. Migrating birds like sandpipers, avocets, and herons frequent the area, while the marshland are home to endangered species like the Ridgway's rail.
0
0
Alviso Marina County Park, located along Alviso Slough, serves as the gateway to the Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge. This 20.6-acre park offers opertunities for hiking, biking, bird watching, and kayaking, with scenic views of the surrounding mountains and wildlife. Visitors can explore the park's boardwalks, picnic areas, and boat launch, which has access to San Francisco Bay. The park is part of the San Francisco Bay Area Water Trail and is ADA-compliant, ensuring accessibility for all visitors.
0
0
The Bay Trail is a flat and picturesque paved path around the wetlands of Shoreline Lake Park. The trail can be crowded on weekends, and there is not a lot of shade. Shoreline Lake Park was once a landfill but has been transformed into a 750-acre recreational space. Bikers can use nearly eight miles of scenic trails through sloughs and marshlands. Benches are scattered throughout for visitors to take a break. Check out the restored Rengstorff House, a nice example of Victorian Italianate architecture that offers free tours.
1
0
Explore the reclaimed beauty of Charleston Slough, a former Leslie salt pond transforming into a marsh on the western shore of San Francisco Bay. Once altered for saltwater evaporation, the slough underwent significant restoration by the City of Mountain View in 1996, undoing the damage caused by Leslie Salt. Now, it stands as a more environmentally-friendly salt marsh.
0
0
As the name suggests, this pond is home to various types of ducks for you to admire. There's a nice trail that encircles the pond, with a lagoon bordering its northern edge.
0
0
This little pond is exactly what the name implies — a fun place for kids to admire the resident ducks. It's also nice waypoint along your run, though, and a good place to watch for other waterfowl and wildlife, too.
0
0
Charleston Slough is a marsh on the western shore of San Francisco Bay. It is a popular birding spot with a pleasant trail system.
0
0
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most prominent lakes directly within Newark, New Jersey?
The most prominent lakes directly within Newark, New Jersey, are Weequahic Lake in Weequahic Park and the lakes located within Branch Brook Park. These offer a blend of history, recreation, and natural beauty.
What activities can I do at Weequahic Lake?
Weequahic Lake is popular for fishing, with species like largemouth bass and bluegill sunfish. Canoeing and kayaking are also possible, with a launch dock available. The surrounding Weequahic Park features a 2.2-mile rubberized walking path, playgrounds, sports courts, and picnic areas.
What is Branch Brook Park known for besides its lakes?
Branch Brook Park is famous for its extensive collection of cherry blossom trees, attracting thousands of visitors during the annual Cherry Blossom Festival in April. The park also features historic bridges and offers views of the Roman Catholic Cathedral of the Sacred Heart.
Are there walking paths around the lakes near Newark?
Yes, Weequahic Park features a unique 2.2-mile rubberized walking path encircling Weequahic Lake. Additionally, the Orange Reservoir, a notable lake near Newark, has a paved 1.75-mile pathway looping around it, ideal for walking or jogging.
Are there family-friendly activities available at the lakes?
Yes, Weequahic Park offers playgrounds, sports fields, and picnic areas, making it suitable for families. Branch Brook Park is also great for walking and relaxing, and historically offered boating. The Orange Reservoir's paved pathway is canine-friendly, allowing for family walks with pets.
What kind of wildlife can be observed at these lakes?
At Weequahic Lake, anglers can find various fish species including largemouth bass, bluegill sunfish, white perch, and common carp. The lakes and surrounding parks generally offer opportunities for birdwatching and observing local waterfowl.
What is the historical significance of Branch Brook Park's lakes?
Branch Brook Park, the nation's first county park, historically converted a marshy 'Old Blue Jay Swamp' into its landscaped lakes in 1898. Its design and cherry blossom collection contribute to its rich historical and cultural significance.
Are there any nearby running trails around Newark's lakes?
Yes, the region around Newark offers various running trails. For example, you can find options like the Chochenyo, Red Hill and Meadowlark Loop or the Alameda Creek Trail. You can explore more running trails in the area by visiting the Running Trails around Newark guide.
Can I go hiking near the lakes in Newark?
Absolutely. There are easy hiking options available, such as the Lakeshore Park loop or the Bayview Trail. For more detailed information on easy hikes, refer to the Easy hikes around Newark guide.
Are there cycling routes near Newark's lakes?
Yes, cyclists can find routes like the Bayview Trail Observation Deck – Alameda Creek Trail to the Bay loop. For a comprehensive list of cycling routes, check out the Cycling around Newark guide.
Is there a lake near Newark that connects to a larger natural area?
Yes, the Orange Reservoir, easily accessible from Newark, provides access to the expansive 2,000-acre South Mountain Reservation, offering a larger natural oasis for exploration.
What makes Weequahic Park unique in terms of its design?
Weequahic Park was designed by the renowned Olmsted Brothers firm, known for their landscape architecture. Its design includes a unique 2.2-mile rubberized walking path around Weequahic Lake, considered the longest resilient-surfaced track in the world.
Most popular attractions around Newark
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Still not found your perfect lake around Newark? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.
