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G. Thomas Donch Nature Preserve


G. Thomas Donch Nature Preserve
(Formerly called Franklin Lakes Nature Preserve)

Hours: The G. Thomas Donch Nature Preserve shall be open for use by the public from dawn to dusk.

Park Rules and Regulations

  • Fishing shall be permitted with a New Jersey State license.
  • Littering is prohibited.
  • Swimming and wading are prohibited.
  • Motorized vehicles, including but not limited to all-terrain vehicles, are prohibited, except on roadways or in parking lot.
  • Alcoholic beverages are prohibited.
  • Grilling is prohibited.
  • Fires are prohibited.
  • Dogs are permitted, provided that they are kept on leash.
  • No ice skating or ice fishing.

Boat Rentals at the Nature Preserve

From Mayors Wellness Campaign
Ramsey Outdoor will rent kayaks, canoes, pedal boards and stand-up paddleboards at the Franklin Lakes Nature Preserve. To rent equipment, there will be a fee. Weather permitting. To view detailed information on cost, hours, and location, visit the Ramsey Outdoor website for details or call 201-327-8141.

Boating Rules and Regulations

Boating shall be permitted at the Franklin Lakes Nature Preserve from April 1 through November 15, subject to the following regulations:
  • Only boats, canoes, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards or similar watercraft that are typically transported on top or inside vehicles and have been transported to the Nature Preserve on top or inside a vehicle may be used in the designated areas of the upper basin only. Surfboards and all other craft designed to be operated while standing are prohibited. For purposes of this section, these watercraft shall be referred to as boats.
  • These boats may only be transported into the park on top or inside of vehicles.
  • Boats transported by a trailer are prohibited.
  • Motors of any sort are prohibited.
  • Boats may only be launched from the designated boat launch, which is located adjacent to the Nature Preserve’s parking area off of High Mountain Road.
  • Swimming or entering the water from shore or from boats is prohibited.
  • Boating shall only be permitted from April 1 through November 15.
  • Boating shall only be permitted from dawn to dusk.
  • Children under the age of 16 are not permitted on boats without adult supervision.
  • Loud music from boats is prohibited.
  • Personal flotation devices must be worn by the operator of the boat and all passengers.
  • Boats shall be hand-carried from the Nature Preserve parking area to the designated boat launch.

Accessible Trail at the Franklin Lakes Nature Preserve


The handicapped accessible trail at the Franklin Lakes Nature Preserve includes an ADA compliant pathway from the parking lot, a new ADA compliant trail that follows the water’s edge, boardwalk sections across wet sections, and viewing platforms, with ADA compliant picnic tables.  The Franklin Lakes Nature Preserve is a 120 acre passive recreational facility featuring extensive hiking paths around a beautiful 75 acre lake. The recreational activities include walking, hiking, jogging, fishing, bird watching and picnicking.

The ADA compliant handicap accessible trail follows along the shore of the lake and provides viewing platforms with scenic views of the lake and surrounding mountains at the 120 acre Franklin Lakes Nature Preserve. The trail is wide enough to allow large groups and novices to travel with comfort, level enough for those confined in a wheelchair or a family with a baby stroller to enjoy without losing the serenity associated with being in the forest.
 
The trail preserves the natural environment and allows users to coexist among the plants and wildlife unique to the Nature Preserve. The trail connects to the existing 2.3 mile trail system within the Nature Preserve that links to a network of 11.2 miles of trails at the High Mountain Park Preserve in Wayne, NJ.

The project is a partnership between the Borough of Franklin Lakes and the New York - New Jersey Trail Conference and was funded primarily with County and State grants.