Round Valley Reservoir

Round Valley Reservoir is a reservoir in New Jersey that spreads across a large water surface and reaches more than 165 feet (50 meters) deep, making it the deepest lake in the state. The area is surrounded by forested terrain with hills and hiking trails that lead to remote camping spots along the shore.

The New Jersey Water Authority built the reservoir in the 1960s by constructing dams that submerged a farming community. The water from the site was later used to supply surrounding areas.

People use the area for swimming, diving, and fishing, and the surrounding trails attract those who want to camp or hike in forested hills. The name comes from the rounded shape of the valley that now lies underwater, enclosed by a ridge that forms a natural barrier.

The area offers wilderness campsites that can be reached by foot or boat and provide basic facilities such as fire rings and water sources. Access works best during good weather, as some trails can become slippery after rain.

The water holds lake trout that reproduce naturally here and form the southernmost habitat for this species in the United States. Divers sometimes report remnants of the submerged settlement still lying on the bottom.