Happy 100th birthday to the National Park Service! To celebrate, make plans to visit the New Jersey trails, recreation areas, monuments, historical parks and more that have earned the National Park Service designation. Download this infographic and print to inspire you to explore these scenic all-American spots here in the Garden State. See how many you can explore this fall.
Appalachian National Scenic Trail: 72 Miles in New Jersey Not quite ready to tackle the 2,190-mile Appalachian Trail? Trek a more manageable chunk in New Jersey. You can access it at different spots in Sussex and Warren Counties, including Wawayanda State Park in Hewitt and High Point State Park in Sussex. Hit the trail during NJ's peak leaf-peeping season!
Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area: 1,000-Foot-Deep Gap See the famous "gap" for yourself from Red Dot Trail in NJ's Worthington State Forest in Hardwick Township. This hike isn't for the weak of heart (or knees!). The elevation change of 1,201 feet will give you a workout as you climb the mile up. But, oh, that view!
Ellis Island Whether or not you're one of the 100 million Americans who can trace your roots back to Ellis Island (part of the Statue of Liberty National Monument), a visit is a must. Access Ellis Island via ferry from Liberty State Park in Jersey City. And if you're wondering if Ellis Island is in New Jersey or New York, the answer is both! The expanded portion of the island resides mostly in New Jersey—but the entire island has been federal property since 1808.
Gateway National Recreation Area, Sandy Hook Unit Located in Monmouth County, Sandy Hook Unit is a National Park outing that's pure family fun. Bike along a five-mile trail, watch for birds, explore the Sandy Hook Lighthouse, or just take a picnic and a blanket and enjoy al fresco beach dining at its finest.
Great Egg Harbor River, National Scenic and Recreational River The "Great Egg" starts as a trickle before picking up the waters of 17 tributaries on its own to Great Egg Harbor and the Atlantic. Canoe, kayak or tube the Great Egg as you camp at Winding River Campground.
Lower Delaware, National Wild and Scenic River The Delaware River is the largest free-flowing river in the eastern U.S. A pleasant way to enjoy it (especially during fall foliage season) is to bike the Delaware & Raritan Canal State Park towpath. This scenic, flat bike trail is great for family rides!
Morristown National Historical Park Morristown was established as a National Historical Park in 1933. Here's where you learn more about General Washington's headquarters and the troop encampments during one of the most brutal winters on record. Take a hike on 24 miles of trails to enjoy prime fall foliage. (Check out this video before you go!)
New Jersey Pinelands, the Nation's First National Reserve In 1978, Congress established the Pinelands, which covers over a million acres of farms, forests and wetlands near Hammonton, as the country’s first National Reserve. One way to enjoy the unique beauty of the Pinelands (or Pine Barrens) is by camping. Wharton State Forest, the largest single tract of land within the New Jersey State Park System (Atlantic, Burlington and Camden Counties), offers a variety of campsites, from primitive to cabins.
Thomas Edison National Historical Park As you explore Edison's labs and libraries in West Orange, check out the Talking Doll of 1890 exhibit, the world's first recorded-audio product. Now you can hear newly recovered recordings of the dolls, which is a little creepy, but very cool!
Washington-Rochambeau National Historic Trail Talk about great partnerships! When General Rochambeau's French Army joined with General Washington's Continental Army, they formed an unbeatable combination. Their march extended from Rhode Island to Virginia, and one of the stops along the way was the Old Barracks in Trenton.
Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park The centerpiece of Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park is its 77-foot-high falls, the second largest waterfall, by volume, east of the Mississippi River and next to Niagara Falls. Good viewing spots include Overlook Park and Mary Ellen Kramer Park.
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