National Parks in New Jersey
Did you know New Jersey has a dozen sites that are affiliated or managed by the National Parks Service? For a state that’s relatively small on the map and often gets a bad rep, we certainly have a lot to offer!
This year, we are facing some unprecedented times. While many of us would be planning summer vacations in various parts of the country or across the world, this year, we are electing to stay close to home. If you live in New Jersey or close by, the good news is, we have so many options to create a nice “staycation.”
Like I’m sure many of you can relate, I was pretty bummed that we can’t plan a grand adventure for the summer. Cody and I love taking road trips and exploring new places. There are a ton of sites that are on our travel list. Yet as I began to accept the reality of this summer, I realized there were plenty of sites close to home that we haven’t seen yet.
So, as I did more research on things to do in New Jersey this summer, I found a treasure trove of sites that are part of our National Park Service. And one of our goals is to visit more National Parks! How did we skim over those close to home?!
If you’re looking for some day trips to satisfy your adventurous spirit, check out these five New Jersey National Parks to visit this summer.
New Jersey National Parks to Visit this Summer
Please be aware that due to COVID-19 precautions, each park may have restrictions or precautions. Please visit individual park websites (linked below) prior to visiting to make sure you have the latest information. As of the writing of this post, all parks are open with certain restrictions in place.
Morristown National Historic Park
If you’re looking for both history and nature, this is the place to visit. Morristown is the site of the 1779-80 winter encampment of General George Washington’s Continental Army. This was a pivotal moment in American history, so this is a really neat spot to truly be grateful for our freedom. In addition to the historic landscapes and objects, there are 27-miles of hiking trails to explore. As of the time of posting, all park grounds and trails are open, but buildings and restrooms remain closed.
Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park
As the name implies, this park is home to the Great Falls of the Passaic River, a National Natural Landmark. These Falls were the inspiration for Alexander Hamilton’s ambitious idea for the first planned industrial city in the United States in 1792. Visitors can enjoy self-guided outdoor tours and activities to take in the beauty and history of the park. As of the time of posting, the park grounds remain open but the welcome center, restrooms and museum remain closed.
Thomas Edison National Historic Park
Nestled in West Orange is the laboratory and estate of America’s foremost inventor, Thomas Edison. The park houses the largest collection of Edison’s historical artifacts, archives and natural history collections. The Park consists of the Laboratory Complex and nearby Glenmont Estate, Edison’s mansion. As of the time of posting, the Laboratory Complex Grounds, including parking lots, Blacksmith shop, Pattern shop and Black Maria and cellphone courtyard tour remain open Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Glenmont grounds and mansion and all public buildings remain closed.
Gateway National Recreation Area
Gateway is the 4th most visited National Park Service unit and it actually spans 27,000 acres across Monmouth County, NJ and Jamaica Bay and Staten Island, NY. Sandy Hook Unit in New Jersey boasts Sandy Hook Lighthouse, the oldest continuously operating lighthouse in the U.S. since 1764, as well as 4,688 acres of land, bay and ocean waters for activities such as beach recreation, biking, hiking, birding, camping, boating, kayaking and picnicking. As of the time of posting, beach areas, trails, certain picnic areas, certain restrooms are open, but camping and other public buildings remain closed.
Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
The Delaware Water Gap, while technically headquartered in Bushkill, PA, spans nearly 70,000 acres across Pennsylvania and New Jersey. There are mountains, forests, lakes, streams, ponds and waterfalls to explore and some incredible wildlife, like black bears, bald eagles and falcons, as well as diverse flora. On the NJ side, you can experience history, hiking, biking, kayaking, fishing, scenic drives and more. Also located within the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area are 28-miles of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail, the 2,174 mile trail extending the Appalachian Mountains from Springer Mountain, Georgia to Mt. Katahdin in Baxter State Park in Maine. As of the time of posting, the Delaware Water Gap remains open, with several public facilities, including restrooms, remaining closed.
Planning your New Jersey National Parks Visit
Once you decide which park or parks you want to visit this summer, it’s time to plan your trip! There are a few things to keep in mind when planning your visit.
Check on the National Park Service website to make sure you have the latest information about each individual park. This will include what parts of the park are open or closed, park hours, parking situations, entrance fees and any other park-specific details.
Of course, you should also plan ahead in terms of personal safety. Wear appropriate clothing depending on your activity and pack water and food as necessary. Be kind to our national parks and make sure you bring out what you take in (i.e. trash) and be mindful of wildlife while you are exploring.
Lastly, follow state and federal guidelines related to health and safety. New Jersey still requires face coverings when physical distancing is not possible. Even if you don’t need a face mask the entire trip, it would be wise to pack one just in case. Since many recreational activities are still closed throughout New Jersey, more folks are exploring parks. If possible, pick non-peak hours to visit so that crowd volume is lower.
Final Thoughts
This summer is not what many of us expected, but planning around the unexpected can have it’s perks. For instance, exploring places close to home that we often ignore because we tend to plan more exotic adventures. And, of course, staying closer to home can also save a ton of money.
As far as recreational activities are concerned, national parks offer a little something for everyone. From learning about American history to exploring local flora and fauna, there are so many opportunities to have fun close to home.
Instead of being sad you can’t take that vacation or gluing yourself to the couch for another binge-session, find a park that sparks your curiosity and plan your trip! .
What New Jersey National Park are you most excited for this year? Let me know in the comments below.
Love the Delaware Water Gap – beautiful views and trails!