the highlands natural pool

About a year ago my boyfriend dragged me to this place after we ran out of Lakes to visit. Every lake we have visited or beach is always crowded at the swimming area and picnic/BBQ as well. We went to the natural pool and we had a great time, it felt like we were in a totally different country. The air, the scenery, the people working there, and also the visitors. Everyone was a lot nicer and friendlier. The only thing I have to say that I wasn't too happy about was the water, I guess I should have done more research. I went in the water and it was FREEZING, also we were swimming with tadpoles and salamanders. I had to get out, my boyfriend however is a little more adventurous and stayed in the water for hours. We had time for a hike, picnic, and some nice pictures. We are now taking my whole family here and nephew to experience something new. My mom asked for a non-crowded place for a BBQ were my 2 year old nephew would have fun running around and no worries about cars, or being in the water with older kids, as the little ones have their own swimming area.

I had read a review a couple of months ago in our local newspaper and have been wanting to visit this place since then. After today, I now want to see who wrote that story, so that I recognize the hyperbole in that writer's future articles. It is like a day in the mountains, far away from sophisticated urban centers - that is a plus! It wasn't very well kept up; the volleyball lawn was mowed, but the net had seen better days; the basketball hoop and backboard was sorry looking. There was something that attracted us to the pool, though: I couldn't resist a swim even though the lifeguards had told us that the snakes like sunning themselves on the rocks in the sun at one end of the pool. I suppose I should expect animals in this habitat, as well as tadpoles and frogs in and around the pool, but it just wasn't pleasant. It seemed a little overgrown with green, that might be trimmed back a bit. Dragonflies were everywhere around the pool - including settling on my knee several times. I just couldn't get comfortable. To make this review complete, I should include that they have a changing room, nice portable toilets, bbq facilities, snack bar and hiking in the area. I will return for the hiking, but I guess I'm just not the woodsy person I thought I was, surrounded by nature, up close and personal while sitting around the water.

Went to this place for the first time last weekend (July 5th), what a pretty place. Quiet, clean, no chlorine! You can BBQ right outside of the pool area or bring a picnic with you. My only warning is IT'S A NATURAL POOL, you may see fish/frogs in the water. It's like swimming in a lake or other body of fresh water. This is not a problem for me but it may be for others. I would recommend going.

It was nothing like what I had seen on the website. The place looked run-down. The person who checked us in, though, was very nice. It is a natural pool (like swimming in a lake). However, I didn't know there were salamanders in the water!!! Couldn't do it, had to get my money back.

Ok, we've been coming here since 1995 and have been members every year except 1 because we couldn't go that summer. It's fed from the Norvin green reservoir and teaming with wildlife around it. Cool water, you won't cool off any better. Opens Memorial Day weekend and then is open every day till 7PM after school closes. It's complete with a beginner swimmer area, you can let the youngins go and not worry about them. A main pool with plenty of room to do laps, a diving board, and all of it is covered by lifeguards. Adjacent are picnic tables and grills and giant meadow complete with volleyball net. Hiking trails all around. Everytime I meet new people they say, "how did I not know about this place?" Many people zoom up here from New York City to get a slice of what life must have been like when things were much simpler. But it's a well kept facility with snackstand, tables covered with umbrellas, sanitary bathrooms, and soon to have WiFi for those who wish to let the kids have all the fun while planning the next European vacation on the web. I brought my parents here in the 90's. They were from the WWII generation. They delighted in the spot! See you there.

I am almost hesitate to say too many good things about this magical place because I don't want to crowd it. It's a lovely way to spend a lazy day. Chlorine free water and they provide kids with a net and a small container to catch salamanders, tad poles and frogs. They have a kids pool, an adult pool and a diving pool. The place has picnic tables, chairs and umbrellas. My kids absolutely loved it!!!

I'm a little bit prejudiced because I grew up near here, and this is the pool where I learned how to swim, but having traveled all over the world, I have yet to find a better place to swim. It's clean, uncrowded, in beautiful rustic surroundings. No chlorine so your eyes won't burn, the water comes from a mountain stream so it can be a bit chilly early in the season, but there's nothing better than the fresh cool water on a hot summer day. I believe this is the largest outdoor pool in NJ, it's 100 x 200 ft, so lots of room to stretch out for lap swimmers. It's so mellow and peaceful that when I leave I feel like I've had a week's vacation. It's hard to believe you're only 1 hour from NYC because it feels like a million miles away. There is a restroom and changing room, and very limited offerings at the snack bar so the best bet is to pack a picnic, and be prepared to carry out your own trash. The tables are in a lovely shady area, and you can even bring a grill and barbeque(the folks there will tell you in what areas grilling is permitted). The season is from Memorial Day to Labor Day, check out their website for more details.

The Highlands Natural Pool is a stream-fed chemical-free pond with stone retaining walls and a safe children’s area -- a great place to swim in a natural setting during the summer. The pool is adjacent to Norvin Green State Forest which contains miles of hiking trails. The pool is a great destination for a summer day of picnicing, hiking, and swimming.