Wawayanda Mountain

Wawayanda Mountain is a summit in Sussex County, New Jersey, rising to 1,470 feet and marked by steep cliffs, dense deciduous forests, and rocky formations. The slopes show a mix of thick woodland and exposed rock faces that change as you move through different elevations.

The mountain area hosted extensive iron ore mining during the 18th and 19th centuries, which supported New Jersey's industrial growth. Remnants of this mining activity shaped the landscape and left marks that visitors can still observe today.

The name Wawayanda comes from a Native American language and refers to the winding waters in the surrounding area. This connection between the place name and the landscape below remains visible to visitors exploring the region.

The Appalachian Trail crosses the summit with multiple well-maintained paths available throughout Wawayanda State Park. Wear sturdy footwear and come prepared for wet conditions, especially after rainfall, as the ground stays damp.

The area receives more than 54 inches of rainfall annually, making it the wettest location in New Jersey. This extreme precipitation pattern occurs because air masses rise over the summit and release moisture as they cool.

Location: New Jersey

GPS coordinates: 41.19760,-74.45710

Latest update: December 14, 2025 11:40