Lake Hopatcong

wks · Feb 14, 2021

Another favorite place to visit for me is Lake Hopatcong.
Short distance from the NJ Transit train station.
My photos from 2016.

I remember visiting here as a kid on summer camp trips from NYC in the 1970s.

Still looks the same in 2016.

I remember there was an amusement park just north of the beach.

Amusement park is long gone but there are condominiums there now.
Not the pine barrens but many hiking opportunities here to enjoy.

imkms · Feb 15, 2021

I lived across the street from the lake until I was 7 years old, and moved from there in 1958. The area was a lot more remote with almost no development back then (only 8 houses scattered about on my side of the lake!). I visited there 10 years ago and was shocked/disappointed how it has been so overly developed.

wks · Feb 15, 2021

You probably remember the amusement park in the area.
Must bring back happy memories.

Town area is more developed but the lake area is still enjoyable to visit and walk.
I plan to revisit in May to do more hiking. And take more photos.
The internet has some good reviews of various trails at and near the lake.

On the link to my YouTube channel I did a few videos.
On my playlists click NJ Transit.
Change to date added (oldest)
Should be in the first four videos.

Also shows my trip to nearby Netcong.

imkms · Feb 15, 2021

wks said:
You probably remember the amusement park in the area.
Must bring back happy memories.

Town area is more developed but the lake area is still enjoyable to visit and walk.
I plan to revisit in May to do more hiking. And take more photos.
The internet has some good reviews of various trails at and near the lake.

On the link to my YouTube channel I did a few videos.
On my playlists click NJ Transit.
Change to date added (oldest)
Should be in the first four videos.

Also shows my trip to nearby Netcong.

I do remember the amusement park, a lot of games of chance as I recall.

wks · May 14, 2021

I am heading to Lake Hopatcong right now.

Nice scene in nearby Boonton New Jersey.

I hiked on this picturesque road to Mountain Lakes.

Access road crosses NJ Transit track just east of Mountain Lakes station.

Looking back towards Boonton.

Attractive Mountain Lakes station is now a restaurant.

Model train store near the station.

Welcome to your home for Lionel Trains

m.train-station.com

For those interested in vintage model trains.

The Station at Mountain Lakes

www.thestationatmountainlakes.net

For those interested in dining out in a picturesque setting.

Sue Gremlin · May 14, 2021

Wow. That's a blast from the past. Bertrand's Island was the name of the park. My great aunt had a house right on the lake on Silver Spring Road. I would give my left arm for that house now. It was very small and adorable and SO COOL.
I begged my grandmother to take me on the rollercoaster at Bertrand's Island until she finally let me. I was about 6 and it was not at ALL what I expected. There might have been vomiting involved. It wasn't good.

wks · May 15, 2021

I took some pictures of the east side of the lake.
I did pass Silver Spring Drive and saw Bertrand Island before heading back.
Amusement park is long gone.
Now condominiums are there.

Just north of the train station in Lake Hopatcong New Jersey.

Got there late so there were less photo opportunities.

Hard to get good photos with private homes next to the lake.

Still the sun shines through as it gets late.

Restored station building above the tracks.

Historical info about the Lakes region inside the station building.
I have some new videos on my YouTube channel.
I will go back to the lake soon for more views.

wks · May 19, 2021

Sue Gremlin said:
Wow. That's a blast from the past. Bertrand's Island was the name of the park. My great aunt had a house right on the lake on Silver Spring Road. I would give my left arm for that house now. It was very small and adorable and SO COOL.
I begged my grandmother to take me on the rollercoaster at Bertrand's Island until she finally let me. I was about 6 and it was not at ALL what I expected.

Someone did a computer simulation of that ride.

This one shows the actual rollercoaster in 1981.

Another shows footage from 1958.

Advertising the lake region.

Wonderful memories.

Great place to visit.

Sue Gremlin · May 22, 2021

These are amazing, thanks so much for posting them. They really bring it all back. Things I remember most besides the rollercoaster: The boat ride and the beer garden. My grandmother was a fun gal.

wks · May 27, 2021

You were fortunate to have a wonderful relative showcase a beautiful lake with its amenities.
Even though the amusement park is long gone you have those wonderful memories.
Perhaps one day you can revisit the lake and enjoy its gorgeous scenery.
I did today with another trip to paradise.