The Garden State is also the land of parks and forests. With 30 state parks and 11 state forests, covering more than 452,000 acres, these bastions of natural beauty drew nearly 16 million visitors in 2021.
“New Jersey’s state parks and forests offer something for everyone,” said John Cecil, assistant commissioner, State Parks, Forests and Historic Sites. “We have beaches, mountains, forests, lakes, rivers, streams, wetlands and more that provide opportunities to see a diversity of plants and animals, walk among towering trees or jog along the canal or river walkway.’’
Here’s a look at the state’s largest and most popular parks and forests.
Wawayanda State Park offers more than 35,600 acres of unparalleled beauty in northern New Jersey. Photo courtesy of New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection
NORTH
Largest: Wawayanda State Park
Hikers, campers, swimmers and boaters flock to Lake Wawayanda and the forested hills that surround it. From challenging mountain hikes along a 19-mile stretch of the Appalachian Trail to Bearfort Mountain and Wawayanda Swamp Natural Area, this park offers more than 35,600 acres of unparalleled beauty, with key locations for observing endangered red-shouldered hawks, barred owls and great blue herons. Group campsites, a boat rental facility and launching ramp are all available.
Address: 885 Warwick Turnpike, Hewitt, N.J. 07421
The Manhattan skyline provides a dramatic backdrop to Liberty State Park, an oasis in the heart of northern New Jersey. Photo courtesy of New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection
Most Popular: Liberty State Park
The Manhattan skyline, Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island provide a dramatic backdrop to Liberty State Park, an oasis in the heart of northern New Jersey. Drawing more than 3.4 million visitors annually, the park is home to the historic Central Railroad of New Jersey Terminal (CRRNJ), a 2-mile promenade that links two picnic and playground areas, and a nature center — all with stunning views of the Hudson River. The Liberty Landing Marina, restaurants and the Empty Sky 9/11 Memorial are situated at the northern end of the park. The western portion is home to Liberty Science Center.
Address: 1 Audrey Zapp Drive, Jersey City, N.J. 07305
D&R Canal State Park travels along a historic canal through charming towns and connects to trail networks across several counties. Photo courtesy of D&R Canal State Park
CENTRAL
Largest: Delaware and Raritan (D&R) Canal State Park
This 70-plus-mile linear park, covering 7,131 acres, travels along a historic canal through charming towns and connects to trail networks across several counties. Visitors can hike, bike and kayak along the D&R. A rich wildlife corridor, with fields and forests, the park encompasses wooden bridges, 19th century bridge tender houses, cobblestone spillways and hand-built, stone-arched culverts. Stop along the way in historic Frenchtown, Stockton and Lambertville in Hunterdon County, or the quaint villages of Kingston and Griggstown. Canoe rentals are available at Griggstown and Princeton.
Address: 145 Mapleton Road, Princeton, N.J. 08540
Monmouth Battlefield State Park is the site of one of the longest battles of the Revolutionary War. Photo courtesy of New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection
Most Popular: Monmouth Battlefield State Park
Situated on the border of Freehold and Manalapan, this park is the site of one of the longest battles of the Revolutionary War, when Gen. George Washington restored a reputation battered by defeats in 1777. Now, the park draws about 562,000 visitors annually. The Visitor Center crowns Combs Hill, a site once commanded by the Continental Army artillery. Enter the exhibit galleries and learn how the battle was fought in fiber-optic animation on a 3D terrain model. Visitors can also bike and hike 25 miles of farm roads, paths and field edges and enjoy the picnic area and playground.
Address: 20 State Route 33, Manalapan Township, N.J. 07726
Wharton State Forest is the largest single tract in the state park system. Photo courtesy of New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection
SOUTH
Largest: Wharton State Forest
Stretching more than 124,000 acres, Wharton State Forest is the largest single tract in the state park system. It’s also the site of Batsto Village, a former bog iron and glassmaking industrial center from 1766 to 1867, where visitors can embark on self-guided tours. Wharton boasts a variety of trails for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding, along with rivers and lakes for canoeing, kayaking and fishing. Home to a wealth of birds and other wildlife, Wharton shelters the rare bog asphodel and the Pine Barrens treefrog.
Address: 31 Batsto Road, Hammonton, N.J. 08037
Island Beach State Park is a narrow barrier island stretching for 10 miles between the Atlantic Ocean and Barnegat Bay. Photo courtesy of New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection
Most Popular: Island Beach State Park
Shaped by storms and tides, this narrow barrier island stretches for 10 miles between the Atlantic Ocean and Barnegat Bay. Miles of sand dunes and beaches draw nearly 800,000 visitors annually to the park, which provides habitat to maritime plants and diverse wildlife. Freshwater wetlands, maritime forests, tidal marshes, the state’s broadest expanse of beach heather and our largest osprey colony make this a gem of the Jersey Shore.
Address: 2401 Central Ave., Seaside Park, N.J. 08752
Learn more at nj.gov/dep/parksandforests.
Nancy Parello writes frequently for NJ Advance Media/Jersey’s Best. A former statehouse reporter, she previously worked for the Associated Press and The Record.
This article originally appeared in the Fall 2022 issue of Jersey’s Best. Subscribe here for in-depth access to everything that makes the Garden State great.
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