Despite being a lesser-known trek, Baldwin Lake in Mercer County is among The Best New Jersey Hiking Trails. Baldwin State Wildlife Management Area maintains this spot, found right in the heart of Pennington. The mostly flat paths offer several miles’ worth of trails, all leading to Baldwin Lake in the center.
In fact, this short hike is perfect for an easy weekend trip. Though there are many ways to travel to Baldwin Lake, three of the trails begin at the Kunkel Park trailhead. The park has a modest lot, which typically doesn’t fill up during the cooler seasons. However, there are no bathrooms or porta potties on the premises. There are local convenience stores nearby, but also keep in mind this is a short hike.
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Starting the Trail to Baldwin Lake
Once you arrive at Kunkel Park, the hike begins at an archway leading in the direction of Baldwin Lake. This is known as the Pennington Loop Nature Trail. It is important to note that you have to watch your step as you trek along this trail. Although this hike is mostly flat, there are some rocks along the way; in addition, there are many hidden roots under leaves and dirt that are tough to spot.
The trailhead you are looking for is just past Lewis Brook, and it splits three ways. As Yogi Berra once said, “When you come to a fork in the road, take it.” I say listen to him, because all three paths lead to the same place, Baldwin Lake.
The longest path is the one farthest to the right, which is the green trail. All three of these trails are gorgeous, but this one may be my favorite. As you walk toward the lake, you can hear the babbling of Stony Brook to your right. The trail winds a bit, but as long as you follow it, you’ll be led to an incline; Baldwin Lake is just over this hill.
Meanwhile, the blue trail all the way to the left is the second-longest. It leads you out to the end of Penn View Drive, but don’t go out into the road; just continue following the trail that eventually meets up with yellow and leads to the lake.
The middle trail, also known as the yellow trail, is the most direct route to the lake. It’s under a mile long, and is just about a straight shot to Baldwin Lake. The yellow trail also continues around the east side of the lake and loops toward the north side; but be mindful of the residents, as there are homes nearby. When you’re ready to head back, make sure you follow either the yellow or green trails. There is an orange trail, but that will lead you in a totally different direction.
An Alternate Route
If you prefer, you can also begin your hike to Baldwin Lake from County Road 640 Pennington. (Click here for the exact GPS info.) This, in fact, is where the orange trail leads. There’s a small lot right off the north side of the road, before the bend. This is the longest of all of the routes, running close to a mile long. It cuts east along Baldwin Creek, leading to the lake, then connects with the yellow trail. You’ll need to backtrack along the orange trail to get back to the lot.
Baldwin Lake is a popular trail for locals, but is not well known to hikers from other areas of NJ. It’s quiet, peaceful, and an easy trail for hikers of all skill levels. Happy hiking!
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All Photos: © Patrick Lombardi / Best of NJ