New Jersey, the “Garden State”, offers many outdoor activities for walkers, hikers and water sport enthusiasts.
Although it’s one of the most densely populated states in the US, New Jersey boasts plenty of wide-open spaces to explore the great outdoors with lakes, forests, waterfalls and mountains all waiting to be enjoyed.
Here we look at the state’s best beaches, parks, gardens and camping areas.
Main image: Long Branch Beach (The New Jersey Division of Travel and Tourism)
Beaches, rivers and water sports
Along the state’s 130 miles of Atlantic coastline there are more than 60 designated beaches, all with a wide diversity of offerings and experiences. Water-based activities include surfing, sailing, diving and fishing. Above the water, wildlife spotting opportunities are in abundance or for a more sedate experience just grab a towel, claim your spot for the day and relax.
Although beach passes need to be purchased for some of the beaches here, many are free to use, these include the beaches of The Wildwoods, Atlantic City, Highlands and Bay Front to name just a few.
There are also an incredible 4,100 fresh waterways throughout New Jersey. The Delaware River Region is a boater’s dream and here you can canoe, kayak or even take a tubing trip down the river.
Gardens
Not surprisingly the Garden State is a feast for any anthophile and is filled with gorgeous botanical retreats. The New Jersey Botanical Gardens includes 96 acres of gardens surrounded by 1,000 acres of woodlands while Deep Cut Gardens spans 54 acres with gardens and greenhouses displaying cultivated and native plants.
National Parks
Explore nature, history and outdoor adventure within New Jersey’s four National Parks.
Morristown National Historical Park was the site of General George Washington and the Continental Army’s winter encampment during the Revolutionary War. As well as discovering the history, visitors can use the 27 miles of hiking trails or enjoy the bird watching opportunities.
Sandy Hook Unit of Gateway National Recreation Area, is a large diverse urban park with 27,000 acres offering green spaces, beaches, wildlife and outdoor recreation alongside historic structures and cultural landscapes.
The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area encompasses breathtaking scenery along the Delaware River, which winds through the Appalachian Mountains. Outdoor enthusiasts are drawn here for canoeing, hiking, camping, swimming, biking and much more.
Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park consists of The Great Falls of the Passaic River (one of the largest waterfalls in the United States) plus the surrounding area. Visitors can hike around the park whilst learning about its importance within the history of the American industrial revolution.
Pinelands
New Jersey’s Pinelands National Reserve consists of 1.1m acres covering 22% of the state’s total land area. The reserve contains forests, rivers, streams, lakes, historic sites, campgrounds and wildlife making it an adventurists playground.
Camping
Choose to camp or glamp in New Jersey to get an all-round outdoors experience. At Turkey Swamp Park campers get access to boating and fishing on a 17-acre lake, eight miles of wooded trails, athletic field rentals plus a choice of four playgrounds for the kids. Ponderosa Campground in Cape May is great for families, it’s close to Avalon Beach and has amenities including free laundry facilities, two playgrounds, bike rentals, free Wi-Fi, a large saltwater pool and two basketball courts. The Great Divide Campground in Newton offers yurts and cabin trailers for those who prefer more of a glamping experience.
See more at visitnj.org