New Jersey is the most densely populated state per square mile in the United States. We're also the only state where every county is classified as urban by federal government standards. Still, there are certain parts of New Jersey that are considered rural, particularly areas of Sussex, Warren, Hunterdon, Burlington, Ocean, Atlantic, Cumberland, Cape May and Salem Counties. While these areas may be small in population, they are big on charm.
1. A bucolic Knowlton Township farm.
2. A spectacular shot of a horse farm in Colts Neck.
3. Dusk near Hope. The Delaware Water Gap is in the distance.
4. A rustic red farmhouse near Sergeantsville.
5. Beautiful Jersey wetlands in Dennisville.
6. The Appalachian Trail, running through Sussex County.
7. Rural parts of Cape May County are a haven for birdwatchers. Cape May Migratory Bird Refuge is pictured.
8. Just a small portion of New Jersey's 700,000+ acres of farmland. Photo shot in Fredon.
9. Can you believe this beautiful blue barn in Pennington is just miles from Trenton?
10. Sunflower fields at Duke Farms in Hillsborough.
11. Our rural areas include both farms and forests. Stokes State Forest is seen here.
12. Our gorgeous pinelands. Wharton State Forest near Goshen Pond.
13. A Franklin Township farmstead.
14. New Jersey's famous Pine Barrens cranberry bogs.
15. The sun disappears and darkness begins to fall over Manalapan.
16. Columbia Wildlife Management Area near Knowlton.
18. The always lovely Allaire State Park.
19. A spectacular wildlife shot at Parvin State Park.
20. Looking across the Delaware Water Gap.
21. A cotton candy sunset in Harmony Township.
22. Take a serene stroll along the river at Washington Crossing State Park.
23. One of the best parts of rural New Jersey? You can see the stars! Old Barney is seen here during a meteor shower.
24. A picturesque farm in Sandyston.
Clearly, New Jersey is more than just a tangle of highways, though out-of-staters may not believe it. While the hustle and bustle of our urban areas is great, sometimes it's nice to relax and appreciate nature. Something about these photos is just so calming. What's your favorite part of New Jersey? Submit your rural photos to the Only In New Jersey Facebook Page.
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