Wharton Brook State Park Wharton Brook Loop is an easy hike that covers 0.9 miles with an elevation gain of 36 feet, thoughthe park offers several short footpaths totaling less than a mile in distance. The hiking trail provides a perimeter loop around the northern section of park with walking adjacent to the pond, making this aloop trail. The trail offers a relaxing walk around a lake and within a forest, with numerous bird species visible on the lake. East of the lake lies the Wharton Brook Natural Area Preserve, a rare pitch pine barrens habitat with nearly a mile of walking trails. Beyond hiking, the park is one of the state’s 11 designated Trout Parks and is frequently stocked from Open Day to Memorial Day, and visitors can also enjoy swimming and picnicking onwooded, sandy knolls.