The Garden State is known for more than that just our sandy beaches and fresh produce. New Jersey delivers a great diversity of outdoor experiences. There are more than 750,000 acres of State Forests, Parks, Natural Areas and Wildlife Management Areas that offer a wealth of outdoor recreation opportunities. These locations include camping, hiking, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, hunting and even rock-hunting.
At the beginning of the year, you can still start gearing up for your spring and summer trips. If you are up early on New Year's Day, take part in the First Day Hikes, sponsored by the New Jersey State Park Service and Friends. As part of America's State Parks First Day Hikes initiative, New Jersey hosts numerous hikes, walks and interpretive tours, as well as bike rides and more at various locations throughout the state. It's a great way to get outside, exercise, enjoy nature, learn some local history and welcome the New Year with friends and family.
Your second stop, the Garden State Outdoor Sports Show takes place at the New Jersey Convention Expo Center in Edison in early January. Some of the exhibitors have included The Fisherman, Grandt Rods, Hunting Legends and Targeteers Archery. Experts Mike Laconelli, Pete Gluszek and Butch Meilinger have made appearances, and Mark "Uncle Millie" Mills hosted a Wild Game Hot Sauce Challenge and cooking demo. This show gives you an opportunity to look at the latest equipment and find some of New Jersey's best outdoor locations.
Up next is the New Jersey RV Camping Show, also in Edison at the New Jersey Convention Expo Center in mid-January. The show débuts new RVs and features seminars where you can learn about the joys of travel in a recreational vehicle. This annual event also showcases exhibitors in the most exciting outdoor industries: ice fishing, ATV riding, boating, power sports and more.
Packing up the whole family for a road trip can be as simple as 1-2-3. Picking up the rear is the Progressive Atlantic City Boat Show at the Atlantic City Convention Center in early February. This annual event features hands-on fun, with seminars, demos and tips on fly fishing, kayaking and other paddle sports, boat and motor maintenance, boating skills and navigation, and much more. This boat show is sure to be a big hit for the whole family.
Discover even more things to do outdoors in New Jersey, from camping to outdoor adventures.
