If you're craving outdoor adventure, the Garden State is one big, giant playground just waiting to be explored! From incredible parks and preserves, to must-visit attractions, there's no shortage of adventure in New Jersey. Need proof? Here are 18 of the very best outdoor adventures in New Jersey:
1. Lakota Wolf Preserve, Columbia
This incredible non-profit houses wolves in a natural environment and provides them with the care they need while allowing visitors to enjoy scheduled educational and photography tours. Bobcats and foxes can also be found at Lakota Wolf Preserve.
2. Black Knight Bowbenders, Jackson
This private archery club offers open shooting that makes for a fun change of pace from your typical recreational activities. This family-friendly attraction is a unique experience!
3. Lorrimer Nature Sanctuary, Franklin Lakes
Operated by the New Jersey Audobon Society, the Lorrimer Nature Sanctuary, offers walking trails and bird watching, along with interactive exhibits and a cool visitor center. Classes are available for children and adults, including nature study workshops. This animal sanctuary is one of the best places for animal lovers.
4. The Wetlands Institute, Stone Harbor
The Wetlands Institute at Stone Harbor offers fantastic opportunities for connecting with nature, hiking, and observing wildlife. The Stone Harbor Bird Sanctuary has several trails available for your enjoyment, and The Wetlands Institute will delight visitors with their gorgeous gardens, and incredible interactive events.
5. Delaware River Tubing, Milford
The perfect way to spend a summer day, your trip includes an amazing adventure, spectacular scenery and a mouthwatering meal. Delaware River Tubing offers fun for everyone and even won the Governor's Tourism Award in 2011.
6. Hoboken Cove Community Boathouse, Hoboken
Enjoy free tubing and paddle boarding trips in the Hudson River seasonally, courtesy of the Hoboken Community Cove Boathouse! Trips last around 20-25 minutes and children are welcome with a guardian. Longer excursions are available to those over 18 and participants, and are selected via lottery. Oh, and while you're here, definitely stop by one of Hoboken's many pizzerias, as this New Jersey town is known as one of the best places to get a pizza the state!
7. Pinelands Adventures, Shamong
The Pinelands are paradise for nature lovers year-round. While you'll have no trouble finding something to do, Pinelands Adventures simplifies the process and practically guarantees a good time. Choose from a wide variety of informative, fun-filled outings including kayaking on the Mullica river, ghost town tours and a Jersey Devil hunt. Canoeing lessons are also offered.
8. Great Falls, Paterson
No hiking is necessary to enjoy the historic Great Falls. Now a National Park, the area is well maintained and offers foot bridges for exceptional views. These falls are some of the largest by volume in the Northeast, and truly shine in the fall.
9. Buttermilk Falls, Layton
Located in Stokes State Forest, Buttermilk Falls are the largest in the state, and easily accessible for hikers. The park features a viewing area and stairway to the top. Though you won't need to hike here, hiking opportunities in the area are abundant.
10. Pochuck Boardwalk, Glenwood
A single mile stretch of the Appalachian trail, this scenic hike is very manageable and offers amazing views. You'll need to make the trip twice (out and back) for a total of two miles, but the spectacular scenery and beautiful bridge crossing make the journey well worth it. Pinwheel Vista offers some of the best panoramas in the state; you can see for miles and miles.
11. Bike Bass River, Tuckerton
Bass River State Forest and the surrounding area offer numerous biking trails. For an easy trek, try the 11.1-mile paved route beginning at Lake Absegami. You'll take Stage Road to Route 653, turn onto Route 542, then Routes 9 and 654 back to the lake. You'll pass a Wading River and wetlands along the way.
12. Presby Memorial Iris Gardens, Montclair
Presby Memorial Iris Gardens has over 1,500 different Iris varieties to view along with trees, shrubs, and a bee sanctuary. This hidden gem is absolutely brilliant all year long, but especially sublime in the spring.
13. Rutgers Gardens, North Brunswick
Another fantastic free attraction, at Rutgers Gardens, you'll find a wide variety of outdoor areas to explore, including one of the largest collections of American Hollies in the United States, a Rhododendron and Azalea Garden, and a Bamboo Forest.
14. Grounds For Sculpture, Hamilton
This whimsical sculpture park is an absolutely magical way to spend the day. Located in Hamilton, Grounds For Sculpture is a lot more than an art museum. With almost 300 sculptures and art pieces spread across 42 acres, it’s a visual feast for the eyes. More than 700 artists have shown their work here, so you know there will be a diverse array of pieces. There are both permanent and temporary exhibits, and indoor/outdoor options. Plus, the grounds themselves are absolutely beautiful.
15. Asbury Park Pedal Boats, Asbury Park
The swans are back on Wesley Lake, this time in the form of pedal boats. Enjoy a scenic 30-minute ride with Asbury Park and Ocean Grove views; each boat can accommodate up to two adults and one child, or one adult and two children. This hidden gem is totally worth a visit.
16. Tree To Tree Adventure Park
Tree To Tree Adventure Park is located in Cape May Court House, on the grounds of Cape May County Park. The park first opened during the summer of 2016 and has become a highly rated place for zip-lining in New Jersey. Adventurers from all over flock here for the thrill, the challenge, and the wonderful views.Take in nature from a new perspective, enjoy the woodlands from the treetops. You'll reach heights of up to 40 feet in the air!
17. Auburn Road Vineyard & Winery, Pilesgrove
This top-rated winery offers tastings and tours, and makes for a memorable day trip for the 21-and-over crowd. The tours are also a fantastic value, offering guests a complementary Antipasti and souvenir wine glass. The two-hour tours include the vineyard, winery, and barrel room, are limited to groups of 10 and under, and are hosted by the owners -- it all feels very exclusive, in the best way possible. While you're here, you can also enjoy the Enoteca Wine Bar which offers fantastic wood-fired pizza.
18. Beach day!
A quintessential outdoor activity in New Jersey, there's a beach here for everyone. Choose from secluded beaches like High Bar Harbor on LBI, free beaches like Keansburg and Wildwood, or beaches with boardwalks like Ocean City, Atlantic City and Point Pleasant.
Which of these outdoor adventures in New Jersey are you most excited to try? What other fun outdoor activities in New Jersey would you add to this list? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!
And for more incredible adventures in The Garden State, we have a year of epic road trips that will surely satisfy your wanderlust!
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