Best Parks in New Jersey’s Heartland
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 throughout New Jersey’s Heartland!
Cumberland County:
Bridgeton City Park
45 Mayor Aitken Drive, Bridgeton
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.
Maurice River Bluffs Preserve
Silver Run Road, Millville
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!
Menantico Ponds Fish and Wildlife
Route 49 South, Millville
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!
Gloucester County:
Alcyon Lake Park
West Holly Avenue, Pitman
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.
Greenwich Lake Park
Tomlin Station Road, Greenwich Township
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.
James G. Atkinson Memorial Park
138 Bethel Mill Road, Sewell
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.
Scotland Run Park
980 East Academy Street, Clayton
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.
Washington Lake Park
626 Hurffville Crosskeys Road, Sewell
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.
Salem County:
Fort Mott State Park
454 Fort Mott Road, Pennsville
Fort Mott was part of a coastal defense system designed for the Delaware River in the late 1800s. The fortifications seen today at Fort Mott were erected in 1896 in anticipation of the Spanish-American War. Today, visitors can wander through the old batteries following interpretive signs with detailed descriptions of the fort. Just beyond the fortifications is the Delaware River. The shoreline offers good spots for walking and picnicking. The NJ Coastal Heritage Trail Welcome Center accommodates displays defining Fort Mott’s place in history and the environment.
Glades Wildlife Refuge
Turkey Point Road, Newport
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!
Parvin State Park
701 Almond Road, Elmer
Parvin is a lakefront 465-acre park that offers campsites & rental cabins, plus boating, fishing and a visitor center.
Riverview Beach Park
48 North Broadway, Pennsville
Once a bustling amusement park, Riverview Beach is now the perfect place to spend a relaxing day at the beach.
Supawna Meadows National Wildlife Refuge
197 Harrisonville Lighthouse Road, Pennsville
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.
Western Atlantic County:
Estell Manor Park
109 State Highway 50, Mays Landing
Estell Manor is the perfect spot for sports enthusiasts. The park has a volleyball court, soccer field, softball field, and biking paths. You don’t even need to bring your own equipment; the park has a rental station at their Nature Center! In the winter, the walking paths turn into cross-country skiing paths!
Lake Lenape Park West
753 Park Road, Mays Landing
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.
The Nature Reserve
318 Zion Road, Egg Harbor Township
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.
