New Jersey State Parks & Forests
By Lisa Fant
Discover New Jersey’s diverse landscape across over 450,000 acres of state parks, forests, and national wildlife refuges. The Garden State provides a rich variety of year-round outdoor experiences, from scenic hiking trails and city views to coastal recreational areas and historical sites. Explore the great outdoors and find a wealth of activities in New Jersey’s state parks, forests, and recreation areas.
Allaire State Park—Farmingdale
History and nature intertwine at Allaire State Park, best known for its historic 19th-century iron-making town, Allaire Village. The Historic Village at Allaire was once a self-sufficient community where iron produced at the village was shipped to New York City by wagon and steamship. The Manasquan River, which winds through the park, ensures excellent opportunities for fishing, with annual trout stocking catering to the interests of freshwater anglers.
Visit one of the oldest operating narrow-gauge railway exhibits in the country and ride the Pine Creek Railroad. Hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders enjoy the park’s many trails, and views of the Manasquan River are popular for picnicking amidst the charm of this living museum.
Liberty State Park—Jersey City
Discover the seamless blend of nature and city life at Liberty State Park, boasting stunning views of the Manhattan skyline. The park showcases the coexistence of urban and natural landscapes, framed by the Manhattan skyline, Statue of Liberty, and Ellis Island.
Serving as a green oasis in the heart of metropolitan northern New Jersey, Liberty State Park is the gateway to the region’s rich natural, cultural, and historical resources. Sites and activities include a visitors center, interpretive center, boating/canoeing on the Hudson River and New York Bay, trailer launch, picnic area, playground, food concession, fishing and crabbing, marina and trails for hiking, biking, nature and fitness trails.
Situated on the shores of the Hudson River, Liberty State Park uniquely offers ferry service to Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty, making it a must-visit destination.
Ramapo Mountain State Forest—Oakland
For a woodland escape, Ramapo Mountain State Forest is a hidden treasure. With winding trails, serene lakes, and an abundance of wildlife, the park offers a quiet retreat for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle. Miles of challenging trails attract hikers and mountain bikers, with many paths offering panoramic views of the New York City skyline. Birdwatchers are drawn to the area’s ponds, streams, and marshes, creating an ideal habitat for various bird and wildlife species.
Adjacent to the forest is the Ramapo Mountain Reservation, an integral part of the Bergen County Park System. Park attractions and activities include hiking trails, fishing, hunting, canoeing, a cannonball trail footbridge, and winter activities like ice fishing and cross-country skiing.
At the heart of the area lies 120-acre Ramapo Lake, surrounded by numerous rock outcroppings and ledges offering magnificent views for sightseers and a thrilling challenge for rock-climbing enthusiasts.
Rancocas State Park—Westampton
Rancocas State Park is a quaint and idyllic setting for hiking, leisurely picnicking, nature observation, and much more. With 14 official trails spanning over 13 miles, the trails are concentrated in two areas: near the Rancocas Nature Center and in the forested uplands between the north and south branches of Rancocas Creek. Explore on your own or follow the park’s guided interpretive trail. Part of the park is leased to the Powhatan Indians, and a replica of their 1600s village stands on-site. The park’s annual Powhatan Indian event is a lively festival featuring music, performances, and crafts.
The Rancocas Nature Center, a local favorite operated by the Audobon Society, charms visitors with nature trails, guided walks, and year-round programs for all ages. A network of trails winds through upland and lowland hardwood forests, guiding hikers along the North Branch of the Rancocas Creek and a vast freshwater tidal marsh. The diverse landscape supports a variety of bird and animal species, popular amongst the center’s birdwatching groups and photography club.
Washington Crossing State Park-Titusville
Experience the historic crossing of the Delaware River by General George Washington on Christmas Night in 1776 at Washington Crossing State Park. Preserved for its historical significance, the park is renowned not only for its connection to General Washington but also for its trails and wildlife habitat. The stream and ravine attract a diverse array of migrating birds, making it an ideal spot for bird observation throughout the year. The park boasts a variety of plants with mixed hardwoods, red cedar forests, Eastern white pine, Japanese larch, Norway spruce, and red pine. Spring and summer bring an abundance of wildflowers, while notable wildlife includes whitetail deer, foxes, raccoons, owls, hawks, and Eastern bluebirds.
Additionally, the park offers various amenities, including a museum and visitor center, open-air theater, Swan Historical Foundation’s collection showcasing artifacts American Revolution, Johnson Ferry House, a nature center, trails, camping facilities, fishing spots, several picnic areas, and a playground. During winter, the park transforms into a cross-country skiing and snowshoeing destination, with trails suitable for hiking, nature walks, horseback riding, and mountain biking.