If you love nature, you’re in luck – New Jersey has plenty to enjoy. I’ve created a bucket list full of fun, outdoor activities that every Garden Stater should try. There’s A LOT, so feel free to pick and choose what works best for you! There’s something for everyone, from the avid hiker to the casual kayaker, to the person who adores nature…from a distance. Find the bucket list below, in no particular order.
- Visit the Stone Harbor Bird Sanctuary.
Stone Harbor Bird Sanctuary/Facebook This incredible bird sanctuary is home to 4 scenic trails (3 of which are open year-round) and a variety of habitats. You’ll find saltwater wetlands, fresh water meadows, marshes, spring fed ponds, gardens, a maritime forest, and an abundance of beautiful birds. Guided tours are available.
- Bike the Patriots’ Path.
dados101/Wikipedia The Patriots’ Path is a 90-mile multi-use trail that traverses much of Morris County and will take bikers through the woods, along several rivers, and past historical sites like the former Washington Valley Station of the Rockaway Valley Railroad.
- Paddle the Mullica River.
Pinelands Adventures/Facebook One wonderful way to explore the Pinelands is by paddling the Mullica River. Rent a canoe or kayak from Pinelands Adventures or take part in one of their guided paddles (when available). They are currently offering a variety of virtual adventures.
- Hike along the Appalachian Trail.
tciriello/Flickr The Appalachian Trail spans 2,160 miles from Springer Mountain in Georgia to Mount Katahdin in Maine - 72 of those scenic miles are in New Jersey. The trail runs through High Point State Park, Stokes State Forest, and more. Find a stretch that works for you and check (a little sliver of) the Appalachian Trail off your bucket list.
- Go on a Salt Marsh Safari.
Salt Marsh Safari on the Skimmer/Facebook The Skimmer offers eco and wildlife tours from Cape May and Stone Harbor. Learn about local wildlife, look out for birds, and more. You can find similar eco-cruises offered by the Hackensack Riverkeeper. There are a variety of options including the Meadowlands Discover Tour and an Excursion Around The (Newark) Bay.
- See three states from the highest point in New Jersey.
Tom Hannigan/Flickr Hike or drive right up to High Point! There’s a striking monument and scenic views for miles. On a clear day, you can spot New York and Pennsylvania in the distance. This is an amazing place for photographers!
- Relax at Mount Mitchill Scenic Overlook.
Mount Mitchill Scenic Overlook/Facebook This peaceful park in Monmouth County has a beautiful 9/11 memorial, small playground, and several pathways for walking. You’ll also enjoy gorgeous views of Sandy Hook and New York City! At 266 feet, this overlook sits on the highest natural elevation on the Atlantic seaboard from Maine to the Yucatan. You can find it in Atlantic Highlands.
- Camp in the Pinelands.
Kelle Cruz/Flickr You have plenty of options, from private camping resorts like Wading Pines and Timberline Lake, and state parks including Wharton State Forest and Parvin State Park. Taking a day trip is nice but it’s so much better to spend the night. Enjoy a picnic and tell tales of the Jersey Devil in the dark!
- Go tubing on the Delaware!
Delaware River Tubing/Facebook Tubing is the perfect mix of fun and relaxing! One of our favorites ways to go tubing is on a group excursion through Delaware River Tubing & Jet Boat Tours - enjoy a private island AND a meal in the water.
- Explore Historic Smithville Park & Smith’s Woods!
Photo Credit: County of Burlington This picturesque Burlington County Park has it all - a butterfly garden, boat launches, fishing, a floating walkway, trails, picnic areas, a playground, AND a mansion/museum.
- Drive up to a waterfall!
Nicolas A. Tonelli/Flickr Hiking is great but it’s not for everyone. Luckily, there are several New Jersey waterfalls that are easily accessible from a parking lot including Buttermilk Falls in Layton and the Great Falls in Paterson.
- Hunt for Cape May Diamonds and watch the sun set.
Jim Lukach/Flickr Sunset Beach is a dreamy Cape May destination with beautiful sunsets, a unique concrete shipwreck, and quartz pebbles known as Cape May Diamonds. I have one in a necklace!
Honestly, this list could be MUCH longer. There are about a million (give or take…) outdoor adventures awaiting in the Garden State. There are gardens to see, wildlife centers, and so much more. You can discover 14 More Natural Wonders In New Jersey here.
Stone Harbor Bird Sanctuary/Facebook
This incredible bird sanctuary is home to 4 scenic trails (3 of which are open year-round) and a variety of habitats. You’ll find saltwater wetlands, fresh water meadows, marshes, spring fed ponds, gardens, a maritime forest, and an abundance of beautiful birds. Guided tours are available.
dados101/Wikipedia
The Patriots’ Path is a 90-mile multi-use trail that traverses much of Morris County and will take bikers through the woods, along several rivers, and past historical sites like the former Washington Valley Station of the Rockaway Valley Railroad.
Pinelands Adventures/Facebook
One wonderful way to explore the Pinelands is by paddling the Mullica River. Rent a canoe or kayak from Pinelands Adventures or take part in one of their guided paddles (when available). They are currently offering a variety of virtual adventures.
tciriello/Flickr
The Appalachian Trail spans 2,160 miles from Springer Mountain in Georgia to Mount Katahdin in Maine - 72 of those scenic miles are in New Jersey. The trail runs through High Point State Park, Stokes State Forest, and more. Find a stretch that works for you and check (a little sliver of) the Appalachian Trail off your bucket list.
Salt Marsh Safari on the Skimmer/Facebook
The Skimmer offers eco and wildlife tours from Cape May and Stone Harbor. Learn about local wildlife, look out for birds, and more. You can find similar eco-cruises offered by the Hackensack Riverkeeper. There are a variety of options including the Meadowlands Discover Tour and an Excursion Around The (Newark) Bay.
Tom Hannigan/Flickr
Hike or drive right up to High Point! There’s a striking monument and scenic views for miles. On a clear day, you can spot New York and Pennsylvania in the distance. This is an amazing place for photographers!
Mount Mitchill Scenic Overlook/Facebook
This peaceful park in Monmouth County has a beautiful 9/11 memorial, small playground, and several pathways for walking. You’ll also enjoy gorgeous views of Sandy Hook and New York City! At 266 feet, this overlook sits on the highest natural elevation on the Atlantic seaboard from Maine to the Yucatan. You can find it in Atlantic Highlands.
Kelle Cruz/Flickr
You have plenty of options, from private camping resorts like Wading Pines and Timberline Lake, and state parks including Wharton State Forest and Parvin State Park. Taking a day trip is nice but it’s so much better to spend the night. Enjoy a picnic and tell tales of the Jersey Devil in the dark!
Delaware River Tubing/Facebook
Tubing is the perfect mix of fun and relaxing! One of our favorites ways to go tubing is on a group excursion through Delaware River Tubing & Jet Boat Tours - enjoy a private island AND a meal in the water.
Photo Credit: County of Burlington
This picturesque Burlington County Park has it all - a butterfly garden, boat launches, fishing, a floating walkway, trails, picnic areas, a playground, AND a mansion/museum.
Nicolas A. Tonelli/Flickr
Hiking is great but it’s not for everyone. Luckily, there are several New Jersey waterfalls that are easily accessible from a parking lot including Buttermilk Falls in Layton and the Great Falls in Paterson.
Jim Lukach/Flickr
Sunset Beach is a dreamy Cape May destination with beautiful sunsets, a unique concrete shipwreck, and quartz pebbles known as Cape May Diamonds. I have one in a necklace!
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