New Jersey is not only home to some of the best diners, it is also home to acres of forestland, education centers, recreation areas and historic sites. With all these things, you are guaranteed to have a good time indulging in a myriad of outdoor activities. New Jersey parks are packed with exciting landscapes that make it possible for you to enjoy your favorite hobbies like mountain climbing and hiking trails. Biking wildlife, lake fishing and camping facilities also add to the state park’s wholesome feel. Listed below are five must-visit New Jersey state parks for you and your family:
Liberty State Park
Liberty State Park is one of the most-recognized parks in north-east New Jersey. The park offers magnificent views of the Manhattan skyline, Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty, making it one of the most treasured recreational parks in the state of New Jersey. Besides the scenic views, Liberty State Park offers a lot of other things to do and see such as: the Liberty Science Center, the “Empty Sky” 9/11 Memorial, a Ferry Service to and from the Statue of Liberty, as well as picnicking, biking and hiking areas.
Monmouth Battlefield State Park
This amazing park is the site of one of the largest battles that took place during the American Revolution. Every year, authentically dressed troops camp out in the park and situate themselves in the fields as they reenact the famous 1778 battle. The parks’ hedgerows and hilly farmland landscape makes it the best suitable place to enjoy hiking and adrenaline-pumping horseback riding. It also features a restored Revolutionary War farmhouse, picnic areas and a visitor’s center that is open to all.
Barnegat Lighthouse State Park
This lovely state park features a paved area with a lot of barbeque grilles and picnic tables where visitors can sit and enjoy a quiet picnic. The park is especially famous among bird-watchers and photographers since it is home to a wide range of birds especially during fall and spring migrations. Birds such as least terns, piping plovers and black skimmers can be observed flying around the trees. For photographers and bird watchers alike, these make for a worthy park experience. There is also a self-guided but short loop trail that gives you an opportunity to explore and discover what one of the last remaining maritime forests on Long Beach Island has to offer.
Allaire State Park
This park features antique steam trains on the Pine Creek Railroad, a historic iron-making town called the Allaire Village and the great Manasquan River that runs through the park attracting fishermen and canoeists. The river’s floodplain offers habitat for close to 200 species of trees, plants and wildflowers, as well as providing habitat for different types of wildlife and birds. Horseback riders, mountain bikers and hikers are especially fond of the park as it offers many trails for them to enjoy their favorite activities.
Jenny Jump State Forest
While you climb to the top of the Jenny Jump Mountain, you are greeted with scenic views of the Kitting Mountains and Valley to the west, as well as great shots of the Great Meadows to the east. There is roughly eleven miles of hiking trails that offers amazing views of the Mountain Lake making the park one of the most visited parks in the state.
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