Muckshaw Ponds

Muckshaw Ponds
Muckshaw Ponds in 2025
Muckshaw Ponds
Location	Fredon Township, New Jersey
Coordinates	41°01′48″N74°46′34″W / 41.030°N 74.776°W / 41.030; -74.776
Type	Cenotes
Part of	Muckshaw Ponds Preserve
Primary outflows	Pequest River
Basin  countries	United States
Managing agency	Ridge and Valley Conservancy
Designation	Nature Preserve
Location

Muckshaw Ponds is one of three limestone sinkhole ponds located in Fredon Township, New Jersey. During the Revolutionary War, the area was said to be the hideout of Lieutenant James Moody, a British Loyalist. ^{[1] [2]} Legend says that Moody and his gang hid precious gems and jewels in nearby caves, but were captured before they could retrieve them.

A historical placard that tells his tale is located at the Dennis Library in nearby Newton. ^[1]

Muckshaw Pond Preserve

Muckshaw Pond Preserve is 534 acres (1 sq mi) nature reserve owned and managed by the Ridge and Valley Conservancy in Fredon Township that includes the ponds. ^[3] The preserve features a series of trails that display the diverse ecological area around the three interconnected ponds. Trails are open from dawn to dusk. ^[4]

References

1. "The Loyalist". The Township Journal. September 21, 2017. Retrieved March 13, 2025.
2. "Fredon, New Jersey Revolutionary War Sites | Fredon New Jersey Historic Sites". www.revolutionarywarnewjersey.com. Retrieved March 13, 2025.
3. "Muckshaw Ponds Preserve". Ridge and Valley Conservancy. Retrieved March 13, 2025.
4. "Muckshaw Ponds Preserve". The Nature Conservancy. Archived from the original on September 5, 2013. Retrieved March 13, 2025.