Located at the Orange Reservoir adjacent to the Turtle Back Zoo is The Waterfront Recreation area with Essex County Paddle Boat rentals. There are standard paddle boats and swan shaped paddle boats. The rentals are for half hour intervals and are on a first come basis.

When we arrived at the boat rental window we paid for our rental boat and then went to get life jackets. Once we all had our life jackets fastened, we were directed to the boat we would use.

The lake is not very large but large enough for the boats to have space to move around. The lake was peaceful and beautiful when we visited with a pretty sprinkler at the side.

All boaters must wear life jackets. Children must be at least 2 years old to ride a paddle boat. All boaters 12 years old or younger MUST be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older.We saw the Turtle Back Zoo Train pass by the lake periodically. There is a nice area with chairs by the lake and a pretty walking path that circles the lake.

Posted: June 6, 2025