For such a small state, New Jersey sure does have a lot of incredible state parks - some with a lot of room to explore! But today, I want to spotlight a park that's one of the state's smallest - yet still one of its most spectacular. This is Fort Mott State Park, located in Pennsville in the south of the state near the Delaware border. At only 124 acres, it's the kind of park you can easily explore in a day - but you'll want to check out every corner here. Built as a defense fort and active during the Spanish-American War and World War I, today it stands as a fascinating mix of natural beauty and military achievement. You can visit for yourself - and while it may be small, you might find yourself fascinated by this historic park in New Jersey!

Fort Mott State Park is home to an easy-to-navigate 1.2-mile trail named Finn's Point Loop. Named after a historic cemetery in the area, it's the best way to see the park and will take you by the park's most famous sites. Dogs are welcome and the trail is suitable for all skill levels.

The most famous of those sites, of course, is the fort that was designed here after the Civil War. Designed to resist a land attack, it is heavily fortified and much of it is still standing today. The park has secured and repaired the fort as needed, so it's safe to enter.

That gives visitors their best shot in the area to see the inner workings of a historic military facility. Many century-old machines are still on display and make for fascinating photo ops - but the best photo op at this park is yet to come.

You can't miss it - the Fort Mott Gun Fire Control Tower and Observation Stand is one of the most distinct sights in the area, and its imposing height of over a hundred feet is almost inviting you to see what's at the top.

The good news is, you can do exactly that! Check the state website for any details about hours, but the tower is open for climbers to experience the same view that our defenders did from this very tower so many years ago.

Have you visited Fort Mott State Park? What were your favorite spots at this historic park in New Jersey? Let us know in the comments section, and check out the Fort Mott State Park on the NJ Parks website for more details about the park's amenities. While you're in Pennsville, we highly recommend trying out the interestingly-named Famous Sgt. Bob Smoke BBQ & Grill - it's a Filipino barbecue spot with some unique specialties. And if you came a long way to get here, you can check into the Hampton Inn Pennsville for an affordable and comfortable night's sleep.