The New Weis Center for Education, Arts & Recreation  |  150 Snake Den Road, Ringwood, NJ 07456  |  973-835-2160

Owned and operated by the Highlands Nature Friends, Inc., a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization

VISITING WEIS

​Directions:

  • Located at 150 Snake Den Rd, Ringwood, NJ 07456
  • Directions via Google Maps
  • ​GPS coordinates (outer parking lot):  41.0698407, -74.321792


​Hours:

The main building is open only when programs or events are in session. Please call ahead if you'd like to speak with someone or tour the main building. Our public areas are open to the general public from 9:00am to dusk; see below for private areas.


Parking: 

  • Parking near the main building is reserved for guests attending our programs and events at the Center.
  • We provide public parking on our property for Norvin Green State Forest hikers and day visitors in the outer gravel parking lot on Snake Den Rd (see map below). Starting from the New Weis Center's parking lot on Snake Den Road, hikers should follow the signs and green trail markers up Snake Den Road to access all public trails. The lot is open from 9:00am to dusk; no overnight parking is allowed.
  • The parking lot off Snake Den Rd near the Highlands Natural Pool is reserved for Pool and Weis members. NO parking allowed along Snake Den Rd.


Restrooms: 

  • Restrooms for Weis members and program attendees only are available in the main building. There is an accessible restroom on the main floor, and multiple restrooms on the lower level. 
  • We DO NOT have a public restroom for hikers or pool visitors.


​​Prohibited: 
Smoking, alcohol, illegal drugs, firearms, hunting, fireworks, amplified music and littering are NOT ALLOWED anywhere on the Center's property.​


Trash: 
The New Weis Center is a Carry-In, Carry-out property; please clean up and take your waste with you when you leave. Please DO NOT LITTER, and follow the "Leave No Trace" principles (details at LNT.org).


Public Areas: 

We are NOT part of the park system, but you are welcome to enjoy our large recreation field in accordance with our ground rules, unless it's being used for a New Weis Center program or event. Please note that pop up canopies and enclosed tents are not permitted on the field. The pavilion, fire circle and picnic tables are not for public use, but they are available for rental with advance registration.


Private Areas:

Certain areas are posted as "Not A Public Area" and are NOT open to the public, including the areas around the cabins, pavilion, picnic grove, and behind the main brick building. In addition, there may be occasions when part or all of our property will be closed to the public for a New Weis Center special program or event.

  • The pavilion, fire circle, field and picnic grove may be reserved in advance for exclusive use by Members for free or at a reduced rate, depending on your membership level. The are also available for rent by Non-members; advance registration is required.
  • Please consult the Map below, review our Facility Rentals page, or Contact Us for more information, pricing or reservations.
  • Not a member? Join NOW to support the Center AND receive free or discounted use of the facilities and other benefits.


Facility Rentals:

Our main building, pavilion, recreation field and campfire circle may be rented by the public, groups, clubs and for corporate events. We also have group tent camping areas and small cabins available for scouts, other groups, organizations (must provide a COI) and individual members; some conditions apply. Please visit our Facility Rental page for details, pictures and to make a reservation.


Camping: 

We offer tent and camping for Scouts, groups, organizations and individual members; pre-registration and payment in advance is required, and a COI may be requested for groups.


Campfires:

Campfires are only allowed in the fire circle area with advance registration and payment of the facility rental fee. To inquire about scheduling a campfire for your troop or group, pleaseContact Us. Open fires or grills (charcoal or butane) are NOT allowed anywhere else on our property.

  • Please DO NOT bring your own firewood, as this can contribute to the spread of invasive insects which can damage or destroy our local trees. Ample firewood and kindling gathered on our property is available at no charge onsite.
  • Camping and Campfire policies


Hiking:

The New Weis Center is adjacent to Norvin Green State Forest, which offers over 24 miles of rugged marked trails. Starting from the New Weis Center's parking lot on Snake Den Road, hikers should follow the signs and green trail markers up Snake Den Road to access all public trails. Please bring a trail map or consult the map posted in the Warner kiosk at the entrance to Norvin Green.


Swimming: 

Swimming is available at our neighbors and partners the Highlands Natural Pool, an Olympic size, chemical-free, mountain stream fed oasis nestled in a beautiful forest setting. Annual membership and day passes are available to ALL!


​Dogs: 

If you are walking with a dog, walk to the end of Snake Den Rd to access trails. Pick up after your dog and be sure they are on a leash at ALL times!

Please review our ground rules and

campfire & camping policies prior to visiting

The New Weis Center is privately owned and operated by

The Highlands Nature Friends, Inc., a 501(c)3 non-profit.

We are NOT part of Norvin Green State Forest, and do not accept wounded animals.​