Hopatcong Lake is the largest freshwater lake in New Jersey, located in Sussex County. The lake covers approximately 2,500 acres and has over 40 miles of shoreline. The lake was created in the 1920s by the Morris and Essex Railroad Company by damming the Musconetcong River. The purpose of the dam was to provide water for the steam locomotives that ran on the railroad.
Hopatcong Lake is known for its beautiful scenery and outdoor recreational opportunities. It is a popular destination for boating, fishing, swimming, and water sports. The lake is also surrounded by several state parks, including Hopatcong State Park, which offers hiking trails, picnic areas, and scenic overlooks.
The lake is home to a variety of fish species, including bass, perch, catfish, and sunfish. It is also home to a variety of bird species, including bald eagles, ospreys, and herons.
Interesting facts about Hopatcong Lake include that it was once a popular resort destination for wealthy New Yorkers in the early 1900s. The lake was also used as a testing ground for the first successful underwater telephone in 1915. Additionally, the lake was featured in the 2010 film "The Bounty Hunter," starring Jennifer Aniston and Gerard Butler.
