Maurice River Bluffs Nature Preserve is what I call a Jersey Gem. It's a special, magical place that highlights the history and beauty of the Garden State. The land could have been developed for riverfront condos but, thankfully, it was purchased and preserved by The Nature Conservancy. In addition to hiking trails, this Millville preserve offers a unique variety of ruins and industrial remains.

The most significant ruins are those of the Old Stone Farmhouse, seen here.

These ruins are located along the preserve's mile-long Blue Trail. The building was fully intact until a 1990s fire but you can still enjoy the beautiful remains. Though they're being reclaimed by nature, you'll still get a sense of what once was.

Here's the view from the inside!

Note the fireplace. There were once fireplaces in nearly every room.

There are also significant sand mine, loading dock, and railroad remnants.

The site was once a sand mining hub! The silos would also store chicken feed, which was distributed across the country. The remains of loading docks and railroad tracks are a reminder of the area's industrial history. These are all located along the 1.7-mile Yellow Trail.

In the sand along the river, artifacts including arrowheads and pottery have been found.

Searching through the sand is a fun, family-friendly activity.

Aside from the local history, the park is unique for several reasons.

You'll find beautiful waterfront picnic areas, for starters. There's also a boat launch for kayakers.

Even more notable, this nature preserve has elevated bluffs.

Not typical to the South Jersey landscape, you'll find hills and bluffs along the river with an elevation of up to 50 feet. This makes for some wonderful hikes.

Speaking of trails, there are terrific options for hikers of all skill levels!

Most are beginner-friendly. There are stone stairways and bridges, making for diverse scenery. You can also find a mountain biking trail!

Another wonderful way to enjoy this nature preserve is by bird and wildlife watching!

You'll find nesting eagles and osprey along with a wide variety of birds, mammals, and marine life. There are designated bird watching areas to help you find some of the best views!

The 535-acre park is open daily from dawn until dusk, is dog-friendly (just keep them leashed), and operates by leave no trace principles. Take out all trash and leave the park just as you found it...if not better. If you'd like to learn more about this unique, fascinating New Jersey park and preserve, check out the informative video below, from the New Jersey Nature Conservancy.