Top Things to do in New Jersey
Top Hotels in New Jersey
Top 10 Forests in New Jersey, United States
Whether you are looking for sun-drenched beaches or outdoor activities in beautiful countryside, New Jersey has plenty to offer. Those who love the great outdoors should head for the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, which runs along the Delaware River for forty miles. Here you can go rock climbing, canoeing, kayaking or fishing, or simply admire the stunning waterfalls. There is a huge range of hiking trails to choose from as well as historic sites to visit. In winter, you can enjoy cross-country skiing near Blue Mountain Lakes, and birdwatchers might be lucky enough to catch sight of bald eagles. If you are looking for a change, visit one of New Jersey's eleven lighthouses that are open to public, such as the one in Cape May. For art and history enthusiasts, New Jersey State Museum in Trenton has historic artifacts and American fine art from the nineteenth century to the present day as well as a Planetarium.
Restaurants in New Jersey
1. Stokes State Forest
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 61 reviews
Reviewed By Mucro
Very clean with friendly people. We did boating, fishing, swimming and miniature golf. Trailers are clearly marked.
2. Ramapo Mountain State Forest
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 38 reviews
Reviewed By worktotravel14
Get to the parking lot very early or very late as it can become traffic jam. We went at likely the most ideal time of year when the whether was still hot, but the leaves were starting to change. The colors were just changing and vibrant and there was plenty of lush green. We took many different trails, hiking up Lookout, enjoying the forest, then circling the lake and finally heading up to the Stone Tower. The stone tower was the biggest disappointment, only because the areas been trashed by those who visit the park casually. Will go back, maybe in the snows.
3. Worthington State Forest
4. Norvin Green State Forest
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 15 reviews
Reviewed By jennifereY5846ZB - Bloomingdale, United States
Norvin Green is a gorgeous State Forest in Bloomingdale, New Jersey. You can enter the trails from Ringwood or Bloomingdale off of Otterhole Road. The trails are not easy, plan on wearing proper shoes and bring water with you. We live on the edge of the forest and people get lost so be prepared with a GPS. It is well worth the effort.
5. Jenny Jump State Forest
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 13 reviews
Reviewed By SueCatherine
We stayed at site 29. It was convenient to the bathrooms without being right across. The toilets are compost so you don't want to be too close. The bathrooms were rustic but clean. Extremely friendly staff; they obviously cared and wanted people to enjoy the park. One of the employees found some ancient arrowheads at a campsite and showed them to us. We hiked Summit, Swamp, and Ghost Lake trails. Note: the park map says that Ghost Lake is "easy" but we found it more challenging than Summit. Trails have rocky sections and a lot of altitude variation, and poles are helpful. The distances noted on the trails are deceiving because they are point-to-point, not loops, so you've got some hiking to to do that is not accounted for on the maps. The campsite firepits are quite deep, which is helpful if the wind is up; however, the flames aren't necessarily very close to the grates, which makes cooking/grilling a bit more time-consuming. Each camping site is very clean and they go over it with a fine-toothed comb to keep waste down. No trash cans on-site; you'll have to keep your trash in your vehicle before you leave. It's carry in, carry out (you don't want the bears to get at your food and garbage). There is a Route 80 hum during the day in some spots, but it's silent and pitch-black at night. It's amazing to find such wilderness within a literal stone's throw of 80. Lovely views of the Gap. New Jersey is truly the Garden State. PS Don't tell anyone. You can park and day hike for free but camping costs a fee. Covid comment: we saw discarded blue masks on the Ghost Lake trail. Come on, people. If you're going to follow the rules, follow the rules. Don't litter. Whatever your views on masks, don't leave it on the trail. Gross.
6. Franklin Lakes Nature Preserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 32 reviews
Reviewed By DianneKellyNJ - North Haledon, United States
We have been here many times and we are so lucky to have a place like this so close to home. Beautiful trails with floating bridges over the water . The only downside is that some of the trails can be water logged or very muddy after a lot of rain. There are also kayaks available for rent in the warm weather months from Ramsey Outdoor that is onsite.
7. 80 Acres Park
8. Wharton State Forest
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 68 reviews
This outdoor recreational area has rivers for canoeing and fishing, 500 miles of unpaved roads for mountain biking and horseback riding, and scenic trails for hiking and viewing wildlife.
Reviewed By ITRT
We stopped at the Visitors Center prior to touring nearby Batsto Village. This is where you should stop if you are looking for information on canoeing, hiking trails, mountain biking and camping. Take the time to visit the displays in the museum to learn about the nearby Batsto Village’s history. Exhibits show the growth of the village and surrounding natural resources. I learned the quilt on display dates back to 1865. The library has a collection of books relative to south Jersey history iron making, glass production and Pine Barrens known got its sandy and nutrient-lacking soil. There is a gift shop for those looking for souvenirs. Pick up a brochure here prior to visiting the village. Those who choose to camp in the area may pick up registration forms. Clean restrooms are available too. The center is open daily from 9 am to 4 pm daily.
9. Pine Barrens' Wharton State Forest
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 8 reviews
This unique environmental treasure covers approximately one million acres of undeveloped land in southern New Jersey, which has been designated as a biosphere reserve by the United Nations and a "Last Great Place" by the Nature Conservancy.
10. Bass River State Forest
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 35 reviews
Reviewed By JerseyOutlaw
Great all year round!! Be aware of tick season and prepare accordingly but don’t let that stop you!! Wonderful South Jersey nature to be seen.
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