Planning Your Visit

In 2013, the Highlands Natural Pool will be open on weekends from May 25th through September 29th, and then daily from June 24th through Labor Day.

Operating Hours:

Early-Season Schedule
Open week-ends only, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Saturday May 25th through Sunday June 16th

Summer Season Schedule
Open week-ends, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Saturday, June 22nd through Labor Day, September 2nd

Open week-days, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Monday, June 24th through Friday, August 30th

Late-Season Schedule
Open week-ends only, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Saturday September 7th through Sunday September 29th.

PLEASE NOTE:

• On occasion, groups - typically children - are scheduled to visit the Pool; call us if you want to know when groups are scheduled.
• On the day of our annual Gala (advance tickets required), the Pool will be closing early, at 5 p.m.

Daily Fees and Membership

The Highlands Natural Pool is funded primarily by Annual Memberships.

To visit for the day, provisional Memberships are available which allow you to enjoy several all-day visits before you would have to join as a full member. Please note that these fees are charged at each visit.

For 2013, the Pool charges nominal Provisional Membership fees as follows:

• $10 per adult, ages 18 and above
• $5 per young adult, ages 13 through 17
• $3 per child, ages 12 and below.

For information on becoming an annual member, visit the Membership Page for a detailed explanation of the various membership options and rates.

If you have any other questions not answered here, call the Pool at 973-835-4299.

Group Visits

Groups are welcome to visit the Highlands Pool and enjoy our facilities, but ANY visit by bus or any group of 20 OR MORE must be approved in advance. For more information, visit our group information page.

General Rules & Regulations; Grounds Rules

For the safety and enjoyment of all members and guests, the Highlands Natural Pool has general Rules and Regulations that govern the swimming pool and sitting area, as well as Grounds Rules for our Picnic Grove and the rest of the Pool property. Please read these prior to you visit.

At the Manager's discretion, the Highlands Pool reserves the right to: close at an earlier time than listed above, such as if visibility is diminished or due to inclement weather (though light rain, or limited-duration heavy rain, without thunder, typically does not cause closure); close the gate to additional visitors if the Pool has reached capacity; require any individual to leave, who is not adhering to the Pool's Rules & Regulations and/or State Health Regulations as posted (entry is automatically denied to anyone who is deemed to be under the influence); make any other decision for the proper and safe operation of the facility and enjoyment of members and guests.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I come for the day without being a member?
Yes, you can become a provisional member and visit the pool up to 3 times before you are required to pay annual membership fees. Provisional memberships are available at the pool entrance during normal operating hours.

Does the pool have a changing room?
Yes, the pool has changing facilities, but no showers.

How deep is the pool?
We have shallow area with a gentle incline that increases to 4 feet - the deep section slopes from 5 feet up to 10 feet.

Is there a children's swim section?
Yes, there is a fenced, shallow section for children and non-swimmers. Infants and toddlers in diapers MUST wear “swim diapers” (waterproof). In addition, all children wishing to swim in the deep section of the pool must pass a swimming test.

Is smoking allowed?
Smoking is permitted in the designated area only.

Can I buy food at the pool?
Yes, the pool snack stand offers hot and cold snacks and drinks.

Are there picnic facilities?
Yes, just outside the pool there is a picnic grove with a number of tables available, first come, first served (you can reserve in advance). There is a table-use fee (provisional membership rates apply); this fee includes swimming for the day and use of the restroom facilities.

No open fires are allowed, but you can use the stationary grills we provide, or bring a grill of your own. No chemical starter or treated (self-starting) briquettes are allowed!

We have a carry-in / carry-out policy: you must take all garbage and recycling home with you. Visitors must familiarize themselves with the Grounds Rules that govern the use of the picnic facilities (see "General Rules & Regulations; Grounds Rules", above).

What are the requirements to qualify for Senior Membership?
Senior memberships are available for those persons age 65 and older. A child who is a minor can't be added onto a Senior Family Membership. If a senior wants to include a child, then a regular Family Membership is required.

Who can be included in a Family Membership?
Family Memberships are for members of your immediate family, including parents and children. If you have a child over age 18 who is living at home and going to school full time, then an extra fee of $50 will be added to your Family Membership. Children who are 21 years or older, living at home and not full-time students cannot be included in your Family Membership.

Can we have our family reunion or child's birthday party at the pool?
Yes, but any type of group visit needs to be planned for and approved by the pool staff in advance. For information on scheduling a group visit, call the Pool at 973-835-4299.

Are babysitters available?
No. All children must be supervised by an adult.

Are There Any Other restrictions?
Pets, alcohol, and radios are not allowed in the Pool Area or on the Weis Ecology Center grounds.

Are maps of the hiking trails available?
Yes, Trail maps can be obtained at the pool snack stand or the Weis visitors center gift shop. Some suggested hikes are listed on our "Things to Do" page.

Other Questions?
Call the pool for more information or for answers to your specific questions: 973-835-4299.

Note: Prices subject to change without notice.