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.

Muckshaw Ponds
Muckshaw Ponds in 2025
Muckshaw Ponds is located in Sussex County, New Jersey
Muckshaw Ponds
Muckshaw Ponds
LocationFredon Township, New Jersey
Coordinates41°01′48″N 74°46′34″W / 41.030°N 74.776°W / 41.030; -74.776
TypeCenotes
Part ofMuckshaw Ponds Preserve
Pequest River
Basin countriesUnited States
Managing agency
Ridge and Valley Conservancy
DesignationNature Preserve
Location
Map
Interactive map of Muckshaw Ponds

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

Muckshaw Pond Preserve

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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

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  1. 1 2 "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.