The Highlands Natural Pool - Ringwood, NJ - a natural pool in New Jersey

The Highlands Natural Pool can be found in the Wyanokie Highlands next to the Norvin Green State Forest. A haven for those seeking recreation, nature and refuse was founded by Nature Friends in 1921. This haven was named Camp Midvale. The pool was developed in the hillside by the group of volunteers. An endowment to preserve the land was provided by May and Walter Weis during 1974 turning Camp Midvale into Weis Ecology Center (WEC). This facility became a New Jersey Audubon Society center, during 1994 the pool closed.

The Highlands Pool was reopened during 1996 and the pool was donated to the community during 1998. The pool is free from chemicals since it is fed by a pond and the retaining walls are stone. There is an area for children to play at the facilities as well. The hours of the pools operation vary depending on the season.

The pool has an early season during which it is open from 11am until 7pm on the weekends from the 23rd of May until the 21st of June. The summer schedule opens the pool up seven days a week starting the 29th of June. On weekends until the 7th of September the pool opens at 10am and closes at 8pm. During the week the pool does not open until 11am and closes at 8pm each night. The late season schedule for the Highlands Natural Pool is from the 12th of September until the 27th of September. During this time the pool goes back to being open on weekends only from 10am until 7pm.

There is an annual gala held at the pool for which ticket purchase is required in advance. The pool closes at five in the afternoon on this day. Annual memberships are used to run the Highlands Natural Pool. Three swims can be had with a provisional membership before full membership is required. The cost of pool fees are $5 each adult and $2 for a child on the first visit. The second and third visits are $10 each adult and $2 each child.

The Highlands Natural Pool has a changing area although there are no showers available. The pool has a shallow area which slowing increase to four feet in depth, the deep end goes from five feet to ten feet deep. The pool has a fenced in section that is shallow for those that do not swim and children. All children still in diapers must wear waterproof diapers. A swimming test has to be passed by those in the deep area of the pool. Children must be under adult supervision at all times; there is a designated smoking area at the pool.

The Highland Natural Pool does not allow radios, alcohol or pets at the pool or on the grounds of Weis Ecology Center. The picnic grove is located outside the pool, there are tables available on a first come, first serve basic. The pool does not permit open fires. Those with questions should contact the facility directly.