The New Jersey Division of State Parks and Forestry administers over 375,000 acres of land. Facilities include 39 parks, 11 forests, 3 recreation areas, 1 golf course, 43 natural areas and 57 historic sites. For more information on the state parks and historic sites, call (800) 843-6420 or (609) 984-0370.
Allaire State Park Farmingdale NJ 07727 (732) 938-2371 Allaire State Park is best known for Allaire Village, a well-preserved early 19th-century ironmaking town with a general store, blacksmith shop, carpenter's shop, owner's house, foreman's house, church, and museum.
Barnegat Lighthouse State Park Barnegat Light NJ (609) 494-2016 The site of Barnegat Lighthouse on the northern tip of Long Beach Island in Ocean County was regarded as one of the most crucial "change of course" points for coastal vessels. A panoramic view of Island Beach, Barnegat Bay and Long Beach Island awaits visitors to the top of the lighthouse.
Bass River State Forest 762 Stage Rd. New Gretna (609)296-1114
State forest in southern New Jersey's Pine Barrens. Boating, camping, fishing, lodging, picnicking, swimming. Batona Trail, which winds 50 miles through Pine Barrens, begins here.
Batsto Village Batsto RD. #9, Hammonton NJ 08037 (609) 561-0024 This Pine Barrens village is composed of thirty-three historic buildings and structures including the Batsto Mansion, gristmill, sawmill, general store, workers' homes and post office. Batsto Village was a former bog iron and glassmaking industrial center from 1766 to 1867 and currently reflects the agricultural and commercial enterprises that existed here during the late 19th century.
Belleplain State Forest Rt. 550 Woodbine (609)861-2404 State forest in Cape May County. Boating, camping, canoeing, cross-country skiing, fishing, hunting, lodging, picnicking, snowmobiling, swimming.
Blackwells Mills Canal House
625 Canal Road, Somerset NJ (732) 873-3050 Most of the old canal system remains intact today and is a reminder of the days when the delivery of freight depended upon a team of mules or steam tugboats. Nearly 36 miles of the main canal and 22 miles of the feeder canal still exist, with many historic structures along the canal.
Brendan T. Byrne State Forest New Lisbon NJ (609)726-1191
Hikers can follow the sandy trails and roads that crisscross the forest, sometimes passing near the remains of stone or brick structures or where large depressions indicate the location of what was once a bustling town. Pure, iron-rich streams flow through acres of swampy land covered with dense stands of Atlantic white cedar. Whitesbog village is here as well as camping.
Bull's Island Recreation Area 2185 Daniel Bray Hwy. Stockton (609)397-2949
This 24 acre natural area comprises a portion of a small forested island surrounded by the Delaware River and the Delaware & Raritan Canal. A trail along the towpath of the canal reveals a lowland floodplain forest dominated by sycamore, silver maple and tulip poplar. Several rare plant species are found in this natural area. Camping 69 tent and trailer sites with fire rings, picnic tables, flush toilets and showers. Campsites open April 1 through October 31.
Cape May Point State Park Cape May Point NJ (609) 884-2159 The 157-foot high lighthouse is still an aid to navigation. Visitors who climb to the top of the lighthouse can view the constantly changing Cape May peninsula shoreline. The first known lighthouse at Cape May was built in 1823, but had to be moved. The present lighthouse was built in 1859.
Cheesequake State Park 300 Gordon Rd. Matawan (732)566-2161
Open fields, saltwater and freshwater marshes, a white cedar swamp, Pine Barrens, and a northeastern hardwood forest are the main characteristics of the park. Camping 53 tent and trailer sites with fire rings and picnic tables. Flush toilets, shower, are within walking distance.
Cooper Enviornmental Center 1170 Cattus Island Blvd. Toms River (732) 270-6960
Natural area with three miles of frontage on Barnegat Bay. Nature trails, picnicking, playground, boat tours
Cora Hartshorn Arboretum and Bird Sanctuary 324 Forest Dr. S. Short Hills (973)376-3587
The Cora Hartshorn Arboretum encompasses 16.5 acres in Millburn Township. Arboretum trails pass kettle moraines, hilly slopes and even a natural amphitheater created by the glaciers. The Arboretum today boasts one of the state's greatest concentrations of wildflowers, over 150 species, and is home to 45 species of trees, 100 species of birds, rare ferns, and 275-year-old tulip trees.
Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park 625 Canal Rd. Somerset (732)873-3050
The Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park is one of central New Jersey’s most popular recreational corridors for canoeing, jogging, hiking, bicycling, fishing and horseback riding. The canal and towpath are part of the National Recreational Trail System. The 70-mile linear park is a valuable wildlife corridor connecting fields and forests
Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area River Rd. Bushkill, PA (570)588-2451 This park preserves 40 miles of the middle Delaware River and almost 70,000 acres of land along the river's New Jersey and Pennsylvania shores. A one-day auto tour of the park can include waterfalls, rural scenery, and historic Millbrook Village. Visitors can also canoe, hike, camp, swim, picnic, bicycle, crosscountry ski, and horseback ride. Fishing and hunting are permitted in season with state licenses.
Double Trouble State Park Administered by Island Beach State Park
Seaside Park NJ 08752 (732) 793-0506 Fourteen original historic structures dating from the late 19th century through the early 20th century include a general store, a schoolhouse and cottages. The sawmill was restored in 1995, and the cranberry sorting and packing house was completed in 1996.
Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge Great Creek Rd. Oceanville (609)652-1665 Wildlife Drive and trails are open seven days a week from sunrise to sunset. See wildlife and migratory birds. Nature trails
Fort Mott State Park 454 Fort Mott Road Pennsville NJ (856) 935-3218 Fort Mott was part of a coastal defense system designed for the Delaware River in the late 1800's. The fortifications seen today at Fort Mott were erected in 1896 in anticipation of the Spanish-American War.
Frelinghuysen Arbortem 53 E. Hanover Ave. Morristown (973) 326-7600
Landscaped grounds featuring a variety of trees and plants surround the 1891 Colonial Revival summer residence of George Frelinghuysen. Visitors' Center open Monday thru Saturday, 9AM-4:30PM, Sunday, 12Noon-4:30PM. Grounds open 8:30AM-dusk.
Gateway National Recreation Area 210 New York Ave. Staten Island
NY Sandy Hook phone (732) 872-5970
National recreation area featuring fishing, picnicking, swimming. Holly forest, historic lighthouse. Former Army base Fort Hancock, including Sandy Hook Museum and History House, is at the north end of Sandy Hook
Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge 152 Pleasant Plains Rd. Basking Ridge (973) 425-1222 Wilderness wildlife refuge in North Jersey boasting trails, observation, photography blinds and a boardwalk.
Hacklebarney State Park 119 Hacklebarney Rd. Long Valley NJ (908)638-6969
The freshwater Black River briskly cuts its way through rocky Hacklebarney State Park. Even in the heat of midsummer, the temperature of Black River gorge is cool and refreshing.Hacklebarney is a favorite place for avid anglers, hikers and picnickers, yet in the 19th century the park was a mined iron ore site. The gushing river against the grey boulders and dark green hemlocks creates a majestic beauty in any season.
High Point State Park 1480 State Route 23 Sussex NJ (973) 875-4800 Built in 1930 with donations from the Kuser family of Trenton, the monument was built on the highest point in New Jersey and was erected in honor of the American servicemen who served in World War I. The view from High Point Monument, at 1,803 feet above sea level, is a spectacular panorama of rich farmland and forest, soft hills and lush valleys in three states
Hopatcong State Park Lake Hopatcong NJ (973)398-7010
Nine miles in length and covered by 2,500 acres of freshwater, Lake Hopatcong is the focal point of the park. Hopatcong State Park is at the southwest end of the lake and is a popular spot for fishing, boating, and swimming.
Island Beach State Park Seaside Park NJ (732)793-0506
Miles of sand dunes and white sandy beaches offer habitat to maritime plants and diverse wildlife that is almost the same as it was thousands of years ago. Island Beach contains outstanding examples of sand dunes, thicket community, freshwater wetlands, maritime forest and tidal marshes. The state's largest osprey colony, as well as peregrine falcons, wading birds, shorebirds, waterfowl and migrating songbirds, are found here.
Jenny Jump State Forest Hope NJ (908)459-4366
Panoramic vistas of the Highlands and the Kittatinny Mountains and Valley to the west, and scenic views of the Great Meadows in the east dramatically greet the visitor who climbs the narrow path leading to the top of Jenny Jump Mountain. Glaciers receded from Jenny Jump Mountain near the end of the Wisconsin Ice Age, about 21,000 years ago. The dramatic effects of this can be seen in Jenny Jump State Forest. Camping Twenty-two tent and trailer sites with fire rings and picnic tables. Showers and toilets are within walking distance. Open April 1 through October 31.
Kittatinny Valley State Park Andover NJ (973)786-6445
Glacial lakes, limestone outcroppings, and former railroad lines are features of New Jersey’s newest state park. The 117-acre Lake Aeroflex and 39-acre Gardner’s Pond are part of the headwaters of the Pequest River and are excellent for fishing and boating.
Leaming's Run Gardens 1845 Route 9 North Swainton NJ (609) 465-5871
Leaming's Run Gardens is the largest annual garden in the USA - featuring acres of beautiful flowers, ferns, lawns and ponds. Cape May County complex includes 25 themed gardens and an 18th-century farm
Long Pond Ironworks State Park Ringwood State Park 1304 Sloatsburg Rd Ringwood, NJ (973) 962-7031 Long Pond Ironworks was founded in 1766 and operated continually until 1882, making iron for a wide range of purposes. Today, the ruins of three furnaces and other unique structures remain in a beautiful setting within Long Pond Ironworks State Park near the New York border in West Milford NJ.
Liberty State Park Morris Pesin Dr. Jersey City (201) 915-3403
A great State park on the Jersey City waterfront. You can enjoy Boating, canoeing, crabbing, fishing and picnicking. Central Railroad of New Jersey Terminal Museum and Liberty Science Center are here as well as Access by ferry to Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Interpretive center has exhibits of Hudson River ecology. Liberty Natural Area preserves one of the remaining salt marsh environments in the area
Monmouth Battlefield State Park 347 Freehold-Englishtown Road, Manalapan NJ (732) 462-9616 One of the largest battles of the American Revolution took place in the fields and forests that now make up Monmouth Battlefield State Park. A reenactment of the June 1778 battle is held every year with authentically dressed troops camped out in the park and situated in the fields for fighting.
Morristown National Historical Park 30 Washington Pl. Morristown (973)539-2085 Morristown National Historical Park preserves sites in the Morristown New Jersey area occupied by General George Washington and the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War from 1779-1780. Historical sites within the park include the historic Jacob Ford Mansion and the historic Wick House & Farm. Morristown National Historical Park offers over 27 miles of hiking trails which cross through the New York Brigade area and the New Jersey Brigade areas, located in the Jockey Hollow Unit of the park. Washington's Headquarters Museum Open All Year 9 - 5. Jockey Hollow Visitor Center is also open All Year 9 - 5.
Palisades Interstate Park Alpine NJ (201)768-1360 30 miles of hiking trails, two public boat basins, a boat launching ramp, four riverfront picnic areas, a scenic riverside drive, and a cliff-top Parkway with three scenic overlooks. They also have a nature sanctuary with many historic sites and mile after mile of rugged woodlands and vistas just minutes from midtown Manhattan.
Parvin State Park 701 Almond Rd. Pittsgrove NJ (856) 358-8616
State park in southern New Jersey on the fringes of the Pine Barrens, including both pine and hardwood forests. Biking, boating, camping, fishing, hiking, swimming, picnicking.
Penn State Forest New Gretna NJ (609) 296-1114
Penn State Forest's undeveloped wilderness attracts picnickers and hikers. Lake Oswego, a result of an upstream dam that was constructed to create a reservoir for a downstream cranberry operation, is suitable for canoeing and fishing.
Princeton Battlefield State Park 500 Mercer Road, Princeton NJ (609) 921-0074 On January 3, 1777, the peaceful winter fields and woods of Princeton Battlefield were transformed into the site of what is considered to be the fiercest fight of its size during the American Revolution. During this desperate battle, American troops under General George Washington surprised and defeated a force of British Regulars.
Ramapo State Forest Ringwood State Park 1304 Sloatsburg Rd.
Ringwood (973) 962-7031
This hilly forest is a sanctuary for wildlife. Hikers and mountain bikers enjoy miles of challenging trails. Many trails offer a view of the New York City skyline. Birdwatchers are attracted to the forest for its ponds, streams and marshes.
Rancocas State Park New Lisbon NJ (609) 726-1191
The Rancocas Creek is the idyllic setting for hiking, casual picnicking and nature observation in this lesser known park. Juried American Indian Arts Festivals. The festivals are held in May and October and are sponsored by the Powhatan Indians.For more information, call (609) 261-4747.
Ringwood State Park 1304 Sloatsburg Rd. Ringwood (973) 962-7031
The garden contains an extensive variety of plants, evergreens and deciduous trees and shrubs in specialty areas. Of particular interest are the crabapple alley, terraced gardens, perennial and annual gardens and woodland paths. The extensive vistas of the garden and veiw of Ramapo Mountains frame this 96-acre botanical showplace. Visitors can tour the gardens and surrounding woods year round. Also within the park is the RING WOOD MANOR. This beautiful country house, which was home for a succession of well-known ironmaster for nearly 200 years, sits comfortably on a low hill overlooking a landscape that looks as if it escaped from a painting. The house contains an excellent collection of paintings and period furniture, all of which are associated with the families who lived in the manor.
Round Valley Recreation Area 1220 Lebanon-Stanton Rd. Lebanon (908)236-6355
The brisk blue waters of Round Valley Reservoir attract swimmers, boaters, fishermen, picnickers and campers to its scenic shore. A reservoir swimming area was created by the construction of an earth dam across a narrow waterway on the west side of the reservoir, separating it from the main part of the reservoir. The reservoir covers over 2,000 acres and is over 180 feet deep, the deepest lake in New Jersey. It has a water capacity of 55 billion gallons. The reservoir is stocked with lake trout. Round Valley is one of the few parks that offers wilderness camping. The campsites on the eastern side of the reservoir are accessible only by hiking or boating.
Skylands Manor & State Botanical Garden
Box 1304, Ringwood NJ (973) 962-7031 Skylands Manor, with its English Jacobean architecture common in the English countryside 400 years ago, was designed by John Russell Pope for Clarence McKenzie Lewis, a stockbroker and civil engineer. Built in the 1920's, it is constructed of native stone and half-timbers and has 44 rooms. The garden is a culmination of two eras of landscape architecture under the direction of Francis Lynde Stetson, owner of Skylands from 1891 to 1922.
Spruce Run Recreation Area 1 Van Syckle's Corner Rd. Clinton NJ
(908) 638-8572 or (908) 638-8573
State park surrounding reservoir features biking, boating, camping, canoeing, fishing, hiking, hunting (waterfowl), ice boating, ice fishing, picnicking, sailing, swimming, windboarding
Stephens State Park 800 Willow Grove St. Hackettstown NJ
(908) 852-3790
The Musconetcong River, an excellent freshwater fishing spot, flows over and around boulders through Stephens State Park. An easy walking but rocky path follows the river with places for picnicking in shaded areas.
Stokes State Forest 1 Coursen Rd. Branchville (973) 948-3820
Breathtaking and panoramic view from Sunrise Mountain along the Appalachian Trail. Stokes is famous for its impressive beauty, whether it is at the top of a mountain ridge or in the cool and fragrant Tillman Ravine with its rushing stream and steep cliffs. Hikers, campers, fishermen and photographers are attracted to its wild setting.
Swartswood State Park Swartswood NJ (973) 383-5230
Swartswood Lake, a glacial lake, provides excellent opportunities for water recreation. Summer months find Swartswood Lake and Little Swartswood Lake bright with sailboats and fishing boats, while a sheltered cove in Swartswood Lake is filled with swimmers. The swimming area at Swartswood boasts safe, clean and clear water as a result of a model Watershed Management Program.
Trenton Battle Monument
348 South Warren Street, Trenton NJ (609) 737-0623 The monument marks the site of the American artillery emplacement that commanded the streets of Trenton during the battle that led to the defeat of the three Hessian Regiments by the American Army at the Battle of Trenton, December 26, 1776. The monument was designed by John H. Duncan, architect of Grant's tomb.
Twin Lights
Lighthouse Road, Highlands NJ (732) 872-1886 The current brownstone structure was built in 1862 and served as the primary seacoast light marking the entrance to New York Harbor. The towers are not identical twins; the south tower is square and the north is octagonal. This 1862 structure replaced an earlier twin tower lighthouse.
Voorhees State Park 251 Route 513 Glen Gardner (908) 638-6969
Wooded state park features biking, camping, cross-country skiing, fishing, hiking, hunting, mountain biking, picnicking and sledding.
Two overlooks provide scenic views of Round Valley Reservoir and Spruce Run Reservoir. In 1965, the New Jersey Astronomical Association built an observatory on land leased from the state. The 26-inch Newtonian reflector telescope is one of the largest privately owned telescopes in New Jersey. The public is invited to explore the night sky at skywatching programs that are offered year round by the NJAA. For further information, call (908) 638-8500.
Washington Crossing State Park 355 Washington Crossing-Pennington Road, Titusville NJ (609) 737-9303 After crossing the icy waters of the Delaware River on December 25, 1776, General George Washington and the Continental Army landed at Johnson's Ferry, at the site now knows as Washington Crossing State Park.
Washington Rock State Park Greebrook Township (201) 915-3401 One of the oldest state parks in New Jersey. Prominent point in Watchung Mountains from which George Washington observed British troop movements during the Revolution. Picnic tables and grills.Panoramic view across northeastern New Jersey to New York.
Watchung Reservation Trailside Nature and Science Center 452 New Providence Rd. Mountainside (908) 789-3670
2,000-acre reservation in midst of New Jersey suburbs includes nature trails and bridle paths. Trailside Nature and Science Center has nature exhibits, including live reptile area.
Waterloo Village
Waterloo Road, Stanhope NJ (973) 347-0900 This early 19th-century restored village contains a working mill complex with gristmills and sawmills, a general store, blacksmith shop and several historic houses. The village is located on the banks of the Morris Canal and is well known for its historic buildings and diverse cultural programs.
Wawayanda State Park 885 Warwick Tpk. Hewitt (973) 853-4462
Forested hills surround Lake Wawayanda creating a restful backdrop for canoeists, boaters and fisherman, while steep mountains challenge casual as well as serious hikers. A twenty-mile stretch of the Appalachian Trail runs through the park, while the top of Wawayanda Mountain offers sensational views. More than forty miles of trails are marked in the park.
Wetlands Institute 1075 Stone Harbor Blvd. Stone Harbor
(609) 368-1211 Come discover why The Wetlands Institute of Stone Harbor, NJ is "The Natural Place to Have Fun!" At the Wetlands Institute, they promote the conservation and preservation of coastal ecosystems by providing a fun and educational experience for the entire family. They offer many attractions to visitors.
Wharton State Forest 4110 Nesco Rd. Hammonton NJ (609) 561-0024 Wharton State Forest is the largest single tract of land within the New Jersey State Park System. It is also the site of Batsto Village, a former bog iron and glassmaking industrial center from 1766 to 1867 that currently reflects the agricultural and commercial enterprises that existed here during the late 19th century. Offers wilderness camping at Mullica River
Whitesbog Village New Lisbon NJ (609) 726-1191 Whitesbog was an active 19th- and 20th-century cranberry and blueberry producing community, founded in the 1870's by Joseph J. White. The commercial high-bush blueberry was developed here by Elizabeth White. The site is undergoing restoration and is leased to the Whitesbog Preservation Trust.
Worthington State Forest Columbia NJ (908) 841-9575
Some of the most rugged terrain and splendid views of northern New Jersey are found in Worthington State Forest. Camping, hunting and fishing are all available. In the Dunnfield Creek Natural AreaHikers can follow a steep trail through a mature hemlock and mixed hardwood ravine along Dunnfield Creek or climb to the top of Mount Tammany at 1,527 feet above sea level for a panoramic view of the Delaware Water Gap. Sunfish Pond Natural Area (258 acres) This impressive glacial lake, surrounded by a chestnut oak forest community and rare species habitat, is reached by a steep and rocky climb along the Appalachian Trail.
