Collins Pond
Collins Pond (13 acres) is a man-made lake in Sparta Township, Sussex County. It is in the Sparta Mountain Wildlife Management Area. The pond would count as one of the prettiest in the state, except that there are high-voltage power lines spanning most of the length. They have been included in the following pictures, because to leave them out would be misleading. The pond is shallow, and is often weed-covered by the middle of summer. The following photos were taken in May.
To access Collins Pond, park at the Edison Memorial on Edison Road. Walk south along the road for fifty yards, then take an old woods road (called Ridge Road on some maps) up over a rise. At a clearing in the woods, take the trail to the right. It goes down the hill to the pond. Launch near the dam.
Getting There
Part of the pleasure of visiting Collins Pond is the walk in from the parking lot. Some pictures are below.
Bonus Pictures - Ogden Mine Lake
The Ogden Mine Lake is also in the Sparta Mountain Wildlife Management Area. It is approximately a mile north of the parking lot. No kayaking is allowed, but the lake is pretty and very wild, so worth a visit, if one is in the area. There is a nice view spot at the top of some cliffs on the north side of the lake.
Warning
Collins Pond is in the Sparta Mountain Wildlife Management Area. The trails in the area are mostly unmarked, and are not well documented on many maps. The NY/NJ Trail Conference map of the area (i.e. Morris County map set) seems to be the best. The woods roads and trails are not not well maintained. There are many abandoned mines in the area. Do not bushwhack! The area is frequently open for hunting. Check before you visit.
References
May / 2025