New Jersey Parks and New Jersey Farms

New Jersey Natural Attractions

Getting some fresh air is a breeze in South Jersey? Like many of the great natural attractions in New Jersey, and South Jersey in particular, it’s simply a matter of knowing it’s there. Chances are you have a New Jersey Park, New Jersey State Forest or even a “Jersey Fresh” farm just down the road from you. If you’re visiting from out of state, do not leave without visiting one of these natural sanctuaries.

Those who have never been to New Jersey parks probably imagine them as being places to have a picnic, maybe fly a kite, or even do a little fishing. But the parks of New Jersey have so much more to offer. Let’s take a look at some of the more popular local New Jersey parks, with a focus on the South Jersey region…

The Camden County Park System

The Camden County Park System includes a group of New Jersey parks, all with the kind of recreation you’re seeking. From water sports to hiking to outdoor entertainment, there is always something here for everyone.

Wiggins Park

This park includes a 50-slip marina, a promenade along the river, and often has outdoor concerts and other entertainment. (Adjacent to the Adventure Aquarium and the Battleship New Jersey.)

Cooper River Park

You’re sure to find some fun in a New Jersey park that’s 364 square acres! See an outdoor festival or concert or take in the Intercollegiate Rowing Championships. You can even enjoy movie screenings right under the stars! (Just down the road is Berlin Park – a 151-acre New Jersey park, which offers an Environmental Studies Center and great views of the Great Egg Harbor River.)

Washington Crossing State Park

This New Jersey park offers the beauty of nature combined with a powerful history lesson. Stroll along the banks of the Delaware and look for wild animals as you learn about the Revolutionary War. Visit this New Jersey park on Christmas Day and watch the reenactment of Washington crossing the Delaware. (Also check out Princeton Battlefield State Park – just a few miles away.)

New Jersey Farms: Jersey Fresh – the farms of South Jersey

It’s no secret that the farms of South Jersey produce some of the sweetest fruits and vegetables around – not to mention the beautiful flowers. In fact, as spring turns into summer, the harvest is immense – from the famous garden-fresh New Jersey tomatoes to the fields of brilliant green corn that fill the air with that sweet aroma – it’s definitely something special.

You can experience it all by simply hitting the road and visiting South Jersey for a day “down on the farm” – and not just in spring and summer. New Jersey pumpkin farming is important in the South Jersey region. Most New Jersey pumpkin farms will let you and your family go right out into the field on a hayride – and then pick your pumpkin! There are hay and corn mazes too! Some farms in the South Jersey area will even let you go and pick the perfect New Jersey tomatoes. It’s really just a matter of finding out if the farm you want to visit is a “hands-on” farm – and luckily, most in South Jersey are.

Some of the farms in South Jersey are listed below. Please visit www.state.nj.us/jerseyfresh for more information or send us an email at info@visitsouthjersey.com to learn more.

Want to get into the outdoors even more? Check out these South Jersey natural attractions…

New Jersey Nature Centers and Nature Trails

Supawna Meadows National Wildlife Refuge: A 2,000+ acre area of protected meadowland in Pennsville, perfect for birding or other wildlife viewing.

New Jersey Coastal Heritage Trail: A 300-mile auto trail, which stretches from Perth Amboy to Deepwater, allows you to view coastal and marine life up close. Begin at the Welcome Center at Fort Mott where you can obtain maps and information.

Rancocas Nature Center: Located in Mount Holly, this is one of the New Jersey Audubon Society’s New Jersey nature centers. Programs for everyone from toddlers to seniors cover everything from butterflies and bird-watching to botany, composting and conservation.
           
Palmyra Cove Nature Park: A 350-acre New Jersey park, complete with an environmental education center and activities for children and adults. Palmyra Cove features picturesque views from vistas high above. This is one of the top New Jersey parks for viewing migratory birds!

Woodford Cedar Run – New Jersey Wildlife Refuge in Medford, NJ

New Jersey Pine Barrens

Also known as the New Jersey Pinelands

The New Jersey Pine Barrens are a lot more than just some woods you pass on the way to the beach. There is a lot to experience within this vast natural wonder, but exploring the Pine Barrens without a plan and a map would not be recommended. (Certainly not with the Jersey Devil lurking!)

From canoe trips and festivals to nature hikes and even paintball, the New Jersey Pinelands offer a breadth of outdoor fun, even in winter – the New Jersey Pinelands are perfect for snowshoeing, winter hiking, and cross-country skiing! Just some of the places you can visit within the New Jersey Pine Barrens include:

• Woodford Cedar Run – New Jersey Wildlife Refuge in Medford

• Bass River – New Jersey State Forest
• The Batona Trail: A 50-mile stretch encompassing segments of both the River New Jersey State Forest and the Brendan T. Byrne New Jersey State Forest, the Batona Trail is established as primarily a hiking trail. Hiking, backpacking, nature observation and cross country skiing are permitted along the corridor of the trail. Horseback riding and biking are permitted in other areas of the New Jersey State Forests. Additional designated areas offer fishing, canoeing and camping access.

Click here for more information on the New Jersey Pine Barrens.

There are also several New Jersey State Forests in South Jersey – all perfect for hiking, biking, or simply taking a nap in the countryside. Some even offer camping facilities.

Wharton State Forest: If you’re serious about your New Jersey hiking adventure, check out the nearly 110,000-acres of forests and fields, which include over 40 miles of New Jersey hiking trails and four rivers for canoeing.

Bass River State Forest: Located in New Gretna, NJ, this 37,000-acre New Jersey hiking park that features the picturesque Absegami Lake (Also great for horseback riding and mountain biking).

Brendan T. Bryne State Forest: 32,000 acres in New Lisbon with miles of roads and hiking trails.

Penn State Forest in Chatsworth, a 3,000-acre forest, is perfect for New Jersey hiking novices and experts. (Check out their trails for biking and horseback riding too.)