Find your local trails and hikes in your area

New Jersey’s Heartland offers great outdoor fun for adults and kids of all ages through its many beautiful parks, campgrounds, and outdoor recreation areas. Here you will find the best campgrounds, hiking, fishing, biking, and horseback riding trails in New Jersey. You can also take to our many scenic rivers and lakes to enjoy boating, canoeing, kayaking, and a variety of water sports and water parks.

Whether you want to soak up the last weeks of the summer outdoors or tuck this list in your back pocket for later, take the opportunity to learn about the wonderful parks and trails throughout New Jersey’s Heartland!

Cumberland County Hikes, Trails, and Parks

• Bridgeton City Park – Known for hosting many events throughout the year, Bridgeton City Park is the perfect place to bring the family for a day of fun. The Park is home to the Cohanzick Zoo, New Jersey’s First Zoo. There is also a Splash Park that is open during the summertime.
  45 Mayor Aitken Drive, Bridgeton, NJ 08302

• Maurice River Bluffs Preserve – If you want to hike somewhere new, look no further than Maurice River Bluffs. But make sure you are up for the challenge; some of the trails have even challenged the most experienced of hikers!
  Silver Run Road, Millville, NJ 08332

• Harold N Peek Preserve – The Natural Land Trust Harold N. Peek Preserve is open daily from 9am-5pm and is great fun for kids!
  2100 South 2^nd Street, Millville, NJ 08332

• Manumuskin River Preserve – Nature preserve in Maurice River Township!
  Barth Road, Millville, NJ 08332

• Menantico Ponds Fish and Wildlife – Menantico is a 300-acre nature preserve of freshwater ponds that can be visited by canoe, foot or car. This is a good spot in the Heartland to spot some wildlife!
  Route 49 South, Millville, NJ 08332

• Splash Park – The splash pad is open on Friday’s, Saturday’s, and Sunday’s. Each adult and child must wear water shoes and the cost of admission is $3 dollars.
  25 Mayor Aitken Drive, Bridgeton, NJ 08302

• Circle D Ranch & Park – Offering RV and traditional camping, the Circle D is a great place to fish, golf, and swim.
  466 Centerton Road, Bridgeton, NJ 08302

• PSE&G Commercial Township Wetland Restoration Site – This site, an old salt hay meadow, was restored by PSE&G primarily to provide habitat for fish as well as a critical habitat for all estuarine wildlife. The site has two miles of walking trails with one leading from the town of Port Norris to Bivalve. Two boardwalks extend over the newly restored marsh with an observation platform (at the Bivalve site) and a car top boat launch near Robbinstown Road.
  Port Norris to Bivalve

• Glades Wildlife Refuge – Take a hike or paddle through this 6,765-acre expanse of diverse landscapes along the Delaware Bay. This Refuge is a world-class birding location; expect to see some Bald Eagles and Northern Harriers!
  Turkey Point Road, Newport, NJ 08345

• Egg Island Wildlife Management Area – This salt marsh is brimming with mussels and fiddler crabs along the water. There is a small area for parking at the end of the road. Various trails lead into the marsh.
  Fortescue, NJ

• Heislerville Wildlife Management Area – Open daily from dawn to dusk, there is ample parking available on site. Paved bike paths wind between a salt water impoundment and the Maurice River. At the Stow Creek Viewing Area, bald eagles have made a comeback and there is still the chance to see an eagle. In late August, young eagles leave the area as they learn to hunt and soar. As an added bonus, four privately owned marinas offer bait, tackle, refreshments, boat slips, and a boat ramp. With all of this natural beauty, there is something to be offered to visitors year-round at the Heislerville Wildlife Management Area.
  Matts Landing Rd, Heislerville, NJ

• Eldora Nature Preserve – The Eldora Nature Preserve’s three hiking trails traverse 2.8 miles through a mosaic of wild habitats including mixed hardwood swamps, vernal ponds, salt marshes, wildflower meadows and pine-oak woodlands. The nature preserve also features a boardwalk overlooking the scenic West Creek and marsh, as well as a series of Geocaches that are fun – and difficult – to find.
  2350 NJ-47, Delmont, NJ 08314

Gloucester County Hikes, Trails, and Parks

• Alcyon Lake Park – If you want to visit a nice neighborhood park, try Alcyon Park. A half paved/half gravel trail leads you through attractive lakeside trees, an arboretum, butterfly garden and wildflower meadow, where a variety of suburban wildlife can be found. Locals say to not miss visiting the meadow and butterfly garden in September and October when butterflies are still out and about and songbirds are most abundant.
  West Holly Avenue, Pitman, NJ 08071

• Almonesson Creek Park – A woodsy terrain trail along the creek consisting of 1.25 miles total!
  1898-1838 Cooper St, Deptford Township, NJ 08096

• Elephant Swamp Nature Trail – 5 Mile Trail in Gloucester and Salem Counties
  Monroeville Road, Monroeville, NJ 08343

• Glassboro Wildlife Management Area – Wildlife area consisting of forest swamps, fields and pathways for bird enthusiasts and hikers!
  Fries Mill Road, Clayton, NJ 08312

• Greenwich Lake Park – Greenwich Lake Park is known for being a popular fishing spot for trout. Boaters also like to go out on the lake. The launch is open daily from 8 am to 4 pm from the opening day of trout season through October. Picnic tables and grills are also on site.  
  Tomlin Station Road, Greenwich Township, NJ 08027

• James G. Atkinson Memorial Park – This family-oriented facility has lighted softball/soccer fields; lighted tennis and basketball courts; exercise trail for walking, jogging, and bicycling; two playgrounds and picnic areas.
  138 Bethel Mill Road, Sewell, NJ 08080

• Old Pine Farm Trails – A greenway on the banks of Big Timber Creek in Deptford Township.
  340 Pine Ave, Deptford, New Jersey 08096

• Malaga Lake Park – Malaga Lake Park includes a playground and picnic areas with barbecue facilities. Enjoy the hiking trail, as well as boating and kayaking on the lake. Malaga Lake Nature Trail is accessible year-round, and dogs are allowed but must be kept on a leash.
  445 Malaga Park Dr, Malaga, NJ 08328

• Timber Creek Park – This large, woodsy place has trails, pavilions and restrooms, plus a 9-acre enclosed area for dogs.
  Deptford, NJ 08096

• Piney Hollow Preservation Area – Piney Hollow Preservation Area consists of 40 acres of mixed forest and swamp in the Western reaches of the Pinelands National Reserve. The month of July brings a wonderful showing of water lilies blooming. Please be advised:  the trail can be wet.
  1394-1526 Piney Hollow Winslow Rd, Newfield, NJ 08344

• Scotland Run Park – Scotland Run is one of the largest county parks, spanning over 1000 acres. Visitors flock to the park for fishing, boating, walking and nature observation, but it is well known for its “Nature Center”. The Center offers a variety of educational programs for guests of all ages.
  980 East Academy Street, Clayton, NJ 08094

• Washington Lake Park – Washington Lake Park, covering 330 acres, is the largest municipal park in New Jersey. Open to the public are basketball courts, tennis courts, sand volley ball courts, two covered pavilions with grills that are available to reserve, a koi pond, cedar lake where you can fish, paved and natural walking trails and restroom facilities.
  626 Hurffville Crosskeys Road, Sewell, NJ 08080

• Timberlane Campground (Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA) – This privately owned, 20-acre campground offers amazing weekend outdoor getaways for the whole family.
  117 Timberlane Road, Clarksboro, NJ 08020

• Hospitality Creek Campground – This family owned and operated swim club and campground offer relaxing weekend getaways for the whole family.
  117 Coles Mill Road, Williamstown, NJ 08094

• Nehaunsey Park – Benches along the way, this dog-friendly park is sure to be a favorite!
  198 S Democrat Rd, Gibbstown, NJ 0802

• Tall Pines State Preserve – The first state park in Gloucester County, it is located on Bark Bridge Road in Deptford Township and the Sewell section of Mantua Township
  1705 Glassboro Rd, Sewell, NJ 08080

• Ceres Park Nature Preserve – The trails lead through a diverse selection of plant life to beautiful views of Emerald and Cedar Lakes. Walking, jogging, and biking trails lead to the Chestnut Branch of Mantua Creek and through adjacent county-owned lands, allowing visitors to explore beyond the boundaries of the park.
  Main Street/Alternate Route 553, Mantua Township, NJ

• Red Bank Battlefield Park – The battle of Red Bank in the American Revolutionary War was located here and this park was initially opened in the 1700s! Enjoy the Fort Mercer landmark and walkabout year round except Christmas Day and New Year’s Day!
  100 Hessian Ave, National Park, NJ 08063

• Unexpected Wildlife Refuge – This refuge is a protected natural habitat comprising 767 acres of pristine pine lands, forest, fields, bogs, streams and lakes. It provides a refuge to animals and plants indigenous to southern New Jersey.
  110 Unexpected Rd, Newfield, NJ 08344

• Willow Grove Lake Preserve – An earthen dam along the Maurice River creates Willow Grove Lake. This beautiful preserve is over 1,000 acres total.
  Newfield, NJ

• Woods of Wenonah – Most of the trails here are under 1 mile in this U-shaped wooded area that surrounds the town of Wenonah. Combine all trails and you will get a 6-mile hike in for the day!
  Wenonah, NJ

• West Deptford Scenic Trail – This well-shaded short trail is an opportunity for a remote and tranquil stroll through a beautiful area.
  Riverwinds Drive, West Deptford, NJ 08086

• Wheelabrator Wildlife Refuge and Butterfly Garden – Undeveloped land between the Delaware River and Big Timber Creek being managed and maintained by Wheelabrator Gloucester. Enjoy flat, scenic trails through grassy fields, wetlands and wooded areas.
  600 Route 130 North, Westville, NJ 08093

• Andaloro Wildlife Management Area – This undeveloped parcel of 53 acres is a woodland, grassland and shrub area on an unmarked dirt road in a suburban locale. A series of trails leads through grassland areas and wooded streamside habitats. The Big Timber Creek and one of its tributaries border the management area and birds can be seen on the open water from the wooded and elevated banks, as well as in shaded stream and wetland settings. It’s a good place to hike on summer days in the shaded trails through the woods.
  Almonesson Road, Deptford Township, NJ

• Woodbury Creek Park Trail – Located at the foot of Wood Street, this park is ideal for such activities as canoeing, fishing and hiking along the Woodbury Creek. This park also has a footbridge that connects it to Cap Paine Park.
  Wood Street, Woodbury, NJ 08096

• Stewart Park Nature Trail – Located on Cooper St. at the City line, this park provides fishing and is an ideal location for scenic walks along the lake as well as observing wildlife.
  Stewart Park, Woodbury, NJ 08096

• Tranquility Trails – This 1.8 mile lightly trafficked loop near Swedesboro features a river and allows dogs, but they must be kept on a leash.
  301-331 High Hill Rd, Woolwich Township, NJ 08085

Salem County Hikes, Trails, and Parks

• Elephant Swamp Nature Trail – 5 Mile Trail in Gloucester and Salem Counties
  Monroeville Road, Monroeville, NJ 08343

• Glades Wildlife Refuge – Take a hike or paddle through this 6,765-acre expanse of diverse landscapes along the Delaware Bay. This Refuge is a world-class birding location; expect to see some Bald Eagles and Northern Harriers!
  Turkey Point Road, Newport, NJ 08345

• Parvin State Park – Parvin is a lakefront 465-acre park that offers campsites & rental cabins, plus boating, fishing and a visitor center.
  701 Almond Road, Elmer, NJ 08318

• Riverview Beach Park – Once a bustling amusement park, Riverview Beach is now the perfect place to spend a relaxing day at the beach.
  48 North Broadway, Pennsville, NJ 08070

• Supawna Meadows National Wildlife Refuge – Protected by US Fish and Wildlife Services, Supawna is known as a key hunting destination. The refuge also is a good place to birdwatch, photograph animals, and walk through trails.
  197 Harrisonville Lighthouse Road, Pennsville, NJ 08070

• Jellystone Camping Resort – A new FunZone for the kids with a huge waterpark, great cabins, and an amazing atmosphere.
  Elmer

• Fort Mott State Park – Enjoy the trails just off the river for picnics and fishing. Skiing and sledding are available during the winter months.
  454 Fort Mott Road, Pennsville, NJ 08070

• Supawna Meadows National Wildlife Refuge – Spend the day with nature enjoying fishing, hunting, hiking, educational programs, and more.
  Pennsville

• Four Seasons Family Campground – Wonderful lake-side cabins, canoeing, swimming, and so much more for the whole family to enjoy.
  Pilesgrove

• Green Branch Park – This beautiful park and walking trail in the town of Pittsgrove provides a wonderful place to spend the afternoon.
  Pittsgrove

• Belleplain State Forest – Escape to a relaxing weekend vacation in NJ with camping, hiking, horseback riding, swimming, and so much more.
  Woodbine

• Marlton Park – Sports fields, bicycle and walking trails, and great picnic areas highlight the largest park in Woodstown.
  Woodstown

• Oldmans Creek Preserve – This 39-acre property was preserved in 2009 through the combined efforts of NJDEP Green Acres Program, NJDEP Office of Natural Resources Restoration, Conservation Resources Inc., and New Jersey Conservation Foundation. The property features 3,000 feet of stream frontage along Oldman’s Creek, significant growth forest, nature and hiking trails, a 1790’s-era homestead, and a historic log cabin.
  21 Main St, Swedesboro, NJ 08085

• Alloway Creek Watershed Wetlands Restoration Site – This site features two well-maintained trails to viewing platforms, accessible from each of the two parking areas along Money Island Rd. The first trail goes west through marsh areas to a viewing platform near the Delaware River. Another short trail from near the electrical towers leads to a platform bestowing magnificent views to the south and east.
  Money Island Rd., Elsinboro, NJ

Western Atlantic County Hikes, Trails, and Parks

• Estell Manor County Park – Estell Manor Park has a variety of activities that include camping down near the river and the historic ruins of a glass factory!
  109 State Highway 50, Mays Landing, NJ 08330

• Lake Lenape Park West – Lake Lenape is another place to engage in water and land sports. A unique offering that sets it apart from a lot of the other parks is its inline skate rentals! You are sure to have a fun-packed day here.
  753 Park Road, Mays Landing, NJ 08330

• The Nature Reserve – Take a walk on the wild side of Egg Harbor Township by visiting The Nature Preserve. The preserve boasts of several trails, an arboretum, and learning center.
  Egg Harbor Township, NJ

• Country Oaks Campground – Country Oaks has everything you could want in a camping trip with something for everyone to enjoy.
  13 S Jersey Avenue, Dorothy, NJ 08317

• The Batsto Lake – This scenic and quiet lake provides the perfect backdrop for an afternoon of canoeing and fishing.
  Hammonton

• Lake Lenape – One of New Jersey’s Heartland most popular lakes, featuring swimming, canoeing, kayaking  and so much more fun for the family!
  Mays Landing

• John’s Woods Preserve – Once the bustling mansion grounds of the Richards Family, iron masters of the Weymouth Furnace, this property is now a pleasant woodland along the Great Egg Harbor River. Follow the trails along the Great Egg Harbor River which leads to the mansion grounds. Parking can be found across Route 559 at the Weymouth Furnace Atlantic County Park near the intersection with Route 322.
  Hamilton Township

• Hammonton Lake Park – In the blueberry capital of the world, this park offers a landscape that is used for recreation but also hosts a great array of birds and other animals.
  100 Sports Dr, Hammonton, NJ 08037

• Hammonton Creek Wildlife Management Area – A protected area of the Pine Barrens with more than 3,900 acres, enjoy miles of sand roads with various pines and a variety of red and white oak trees.
  Atsion Batsto Rd, Hammonton, NJ 08037

• Blackwater Pond Park – This park is located on the west side of Brewster Road between Grove Road and Summer Avenue, Minotola. This 100 acre park consists of the Yellow Trail, the Blue Trail, the White Trail, and the Bluebird Trail for your enjoyment.
  S Brewster Rd, Vineland, NJ 08360