Spring is such an amazing time, especially for those of us who love the great outdoors. It's wonderful to see the world spring back to life after a long, cold winter, and there's nowhere clearer to see that than on a spring wildflower hike in New Jersey. It feels like everywhere we look, we can see wildflowers poking their way out of the ground. There are many great places to see nature work its magic - including some right in your backyard - but if you're looking for a surefire way to see the flowers in action, head to one of New Jersey's many state parks. We're partial to a 5.7-mile hike at Ringwood State Park in North Jersey, not far from the New York border. That's where you'll find Five Ponds Loop, a simple-to-navigate rated moderately challenging trail that gives you some of the state's best views of the first wildflowers of the season, and remains gorgeous well into the summer.
At 5.7 miles in a rural state park, Five Ponds Loop might seem intimidating - but it's a wonderful and relaxing hike suited for those with some hiking experience.
As the name indicates, you'll be passing by several small and beautiful bodies of water. Dogs are welcome, as long as they're on a leash.
You'll see some unique rock formations along the way, but spring and summer are the peak time to visit...
Because of the wildflower views! This is one of the most diverse parks in the state, so you can expect to see plenty of flora.
The waterfront is an amazing spot to see flowers, especially small ones that grow in marsh-like conditions.
Bigger flowers can be seen around the park, and you might see different ones growing if you return in summer.
This is considered a moderate route, with some uneven terrain but no heavy climbing. The views are definitely worth it - another trip in fall is a remarkable experience.
Have you hiked Five Ponds Loop in Ringwood State Park? Tell us about your trek on this spring wildflower hike in New Jersey in the comments section! You can find out more about Ringwood State Park on the official state website, and make sure you don't miss out on Shepherd Lake - one of the state's best-hidden bodies of water. If you're planning more hikes like this one, make sure to sign up for AllTrails + - this subscription service is an amazing way to stay connected with downloadable trail maps and step-by-step directions on some of the state's more remote trails.
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