Sunfish Pond, Glacial lake in Worthington State Forest, New Jersey.
Sunfish Pond is a glacial lake in Worthington State Forest situated at 1,600 feet elevation on Kittatinny Ridge. The 44-acre body of water sits within a 258-acre hardwood forest dotted with mountain laurel stands.
The pond formed during the Wisconsin Glacier period when ice sheets carved out the basin in Kittatinny Ridge. It received designation as a National Natural Landmark in January 1970 following successful preservation campaigns.
The pond emerged as a focal point for conservation action in 1966 when local residents rallied against plans that would have transformed it into a reservoir. This effort shows how communities can shape the fate of natural places through collective determination.
The lake can be reached through various connecting trails, including the Appalachian Trail, with the shortest route being the Garvey Springs Trail. Sturdy footwear is recommended since the terrain changes elevation and some sections can be muddy or rocky.
This body of water marks the southernmost glacial tarn reached by the Appalachian Trail system. Its northwestern shore displays distinctive rock formations that many visitors overlook while walking along the water.
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