Stokes State Forest Sussex County Who wouldn’t be inspired to climb to the top of a place called Sunrise Mountain? You can either hike the steep, rocky trail to the summit or hop in the car and make the short drive. (We won’t tell.) Either way, bring your camera. Another must-see: beautiful Tillman Ravine.
Sleep Out in September
Worthington State Forest Warren County The trails in Worthington State Forest aren’t for the faint of heart; you’ll work for those after-dinner smores. But the spectacular terrain carved out by Ice Age glaciers—including Sunfish Pond, a rockbasin lake surrounded by boulders—is a treat in itself.
The Garden State boasts a vast array of parks where you can pitch a tent
I
f Covid-19 dashed your vacation plans, it’s not too late to take an alternate summer trip the 2020 way: simply, inexpensively and close to home. With warm days and cool evenings, September is the perfect month to go camping, and New Jersey has more than a dozen state parks where you can pitch a tent, make a fire and sleep under the stars.
Central Region
North Region High Point State Park Sussex County As you might guess from the name, High Point State Park offers a special reward for visitors who don’t mind hiking uphill. In this case it’s a panoramic view of three states from 1,803 feet above sea level. In addition to hiking and biking trails, the park features multiple lakes and streams for swimming, boating and angling. Swartswood State Park Sussex County New Jersey’s first state park, Swartswood was established in 1915 to ensure public access to huge Swartswood Lake. While the lake is still the park’s main attraction, with amenities for canoeing, kayaking, fishing and sailing, the park also features several miles of hiking trails. 26
Hudson County
NAHudson.com
Jenny Jump State Forest Warren County Whether it’s the Highlands and the Kittatinny Mountains and Valley to the west, the Great Meadows to the east, or the rocky outcroppings along the trails, stunning views are guaranteed when you visit Jenny Jump State Forest, located on its namesake mountain range.
Allaire State Park Monmouth County A network of trails on a floodplain has made Allaire State Park a mecca for hikers and cyclists, and the winding Manasquan River is perfect for fishing and canoeing. Its antique steam trains probably won’t be running, but make sure to check out Allaire Village, a 19th-century iron-making town. Cheesequake State Park Middlesex County You like beaches? How about forests— or open fields? Saltwater? Freshwater? Cheesequake State Park, a unique convergence of New Jersey ecosystems, has it all. Depending on when you go, you might sneak in a swim in Hooks Creek Lake (only while lifeguards are on duty).
