Fresh-air adventures are waiting for you in New Jersey. Whether you're into camping under the stars or hiking up a trail, you'll discover plenty of parks, recreation areas, beaches and more to explore. So, if you're for the Great Outdoors, this infographic is for you! Download and print as inspiration to get out there this summer!
Hike 50 Miles Through the Pinelands
One of the longest trails in the state, the Batona Trail (which stands for BAck TO NAture) connects Brendan T. Byrne, Wharton and Bass River State Forests. Here's your chance to explore one of New Jersey's natural treasures: the Pinelands (aka Pine Barrens), which encompasses 1.1 million acres.
Bike 47 Trails
You'll find everything from easy to challenging rides in New Jersey. Mountain Creek Bike Park in Vernon features 47 mountain bike trails, ranging from Greenhorn (easy) and Breakout (intermediate) to Outlaw (advanced) and Ripper (expert only). Or check out other destinations for biking in New Jersey.
Balloon Up, Up & Away
Is hot-air ballooning on your bucket list? New Jersey offers plenty of ways to experience this romantic and exciting adventure, which will take you to altitudes of 500-1,000 feet! But if you prefer to keep your feet firmly planted on the ground, enjoy the visual thrill of a balloon ascent at the Warren County Farmers Fair & Balloon Fest (7/31-8/6).
Reel in a Trout
The brook trout is New Jersey's state fish—and you don't have to go far to try your luck at catching one of these feisty fellows. The Musconetcong River is known for its trout, and you can access it at Stephens State Park and Allamuchy Mountain State Park. Saltwater anglers are encouraged to enter the Jersey Shore Beach n Boat Fishing Tournament now through 11/30/16. Proceeds go to the Fisheries Conservation Trust.
Navigate 72 Miles of Appalachian Trail
The Appalachian Trail (or the "A.T.") is the longest hiking-only footpath in the world, traversing 2,190 miles from Georgia to Maine. You can hike the New Jersey section through High Point State Park, Stokes State Forest and the Delaware Water Gap. Terrain ranges from flat and gentle to rocky, steep pitches.
Sleep Under the Stars
Whether you prefer roughing it or "glamping," you'll find plenty of camping trip ideas in New Jersey, with 100+ campgrounds available from the Delaware Water Gap to Cape May. Pitch a tent at a primitive campground, hook up your "home on wheels" at a RV resort or check out the accommodations (like cabins and yurts) at New Jersey's state parks.
Explore 39 State Parks & Forests
New Jersey offers a bounty of state parks and forests, with intriguing names like Cheesequake, Double Trouble and Jenny Jump, not to mention recreational areas and national parks! You'll find every type of park landscape to explore, from rocky to sandy, plus the chance to fish, hike, canoe, camp and even learn about history.
Giddy-Up & Hit the Trail
New Jersey's state animal is the horse—of course! The home of the U.S. Equestrian team, New Jersey has a long horse-loving history. You can blaze trails with your trusty steed on a guided horseback tour of the scenic Skylands Region at Legends Riding Stable or check out other stables throughout the state.
Try for Birdie at 140+ Public Golf Courses
Home of legendary private layouts like Pine Valley and Balustrol, New Jersey is a golfer's dream. Test your skills at golf courses like the award-winning Ballyowen in the Skylands Region or the down-the-Shore classic 1914 Donald Ross design, Bay Course at Seaview Golf Club. (And did you know the word "birdie" was actually coined in New Jersey?)
Or Watch for Real Birdies!
If you thrill to the flight of wild birds, join one of the fastest growing outdoor activities around: birding (aka birdwatching). You'll find plenty of spots to go birding in New Jersey, including Scherman Hoffman Wildlife Sanctuary in Bernardsville, Lorrimer Sanctuary in Franklin Lakes and Cape May Bird Observatory. See how many of the 476 bird species in NJ (counted 12/14) you can spy!
For more outdoor adventures, download a free NJ travel guide or sign up for e-news from New Jersey Travel and Tourism.
