We all know the best things in life are free, but do you know all the ways you can spend your time—not your money—in Jersey?
The Garden State has a plethora of mood-boosting, vitamin D-supplying activities. From trails to parks, gardens to rivers, nature’s bounty is at hand.
(Want more ideas? We’ve got plenty—whether you’re a culture vulture, a panicked parent, a history buff or a bargain hunter.)
Duke Farms
Hillsborough
The 2,700-acre former estate of tobacco heiress Doris Duke now serves as a peaceful oasis dedicated to environmental conservation. Walk or bicycle along 18 miles of paved and gravel paths through woods and grasslands. Next, step inside the Orchid Range, an elegant glass conservatory where more than 1,300 orchid varieties bloom year-round; April is a peak month. Other highlights: the sculpture garden and the Japanese-inspired Meditation Garden. Trails and the Orchard Range are open 8:30 am–4:30 pm, Tuesday–Saturday; the orientation center and café are open Thursday-Saturday. —Ken Schlager
Appalachian Trail
Sussex & Warren counties
About 72 miles of the 2,174-mile Appalachian Trail pass through the rugged northwest corner of New Jersey. For a memorable, moderately challenging day hike, start at the Mohican Outdoor Center (908-362-5670) near Blairstown and trek south 5 miles along the Kittatinny Ridge to crystal-clear Sunfish Pond. For an easy, family-friendly hike, stroll the Pochuck Boardwalk trail in Vernon Valley. Bring plenty of water, lace up those hiking boots, and check ahead for closures. —KS
Rutgers Bamboo Forest
East Brunswick
This serene, large and mature bamboo grove is located within the 180-acre Rutgers Gardens. With tall, thick, overhanging bamboo stalks, this tranquil, almost otherwordly path for visitors to explore is kindly, and rightly, referred to on campus as a hidden gem. —Natalie Civadelic
Raptor Trust
Millington
This Morris County nonprofit is dedicated to the rehabilitation of birds of prey, as well as environmental education. In addition to providing on-site medical care for injured and orphaned raptors, the grounds are open to the public year-round, and visitors can freely walk the outdoor aviaries—home to hawks, eagles, falcons and owls. Various public programs are available as well, some free of charge, others for a fee. —NC
Sybil’s Cave
Hoboken
Photo: Courtesy of the Hoboken Historical Museum
Pay a visit to the oldest manmade structure in Hoboken. Created in the early 19th century around a natural spring, Sybil’s Cave later became a watering hole—complete with a restaurant beside it—for locals. The cave eventually disappeared behind building debris, but was rediscovered and cleaned up in the mid-2000s by the City of Hoboken. Sadly, you can’t enter the cave, but you can peek inside from behind its gate. Afterward, head to nearby Pier C Park, which has a playground and terrific views of Manhattan. —Jennifer Finn
D&R Canal State Park
Central Jersey
Photo: Courtesy of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection
Spanning more than 4,000 acres across Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Somerset and Burlington counties, this linear park has over 70 miles of multiuse trails along a historic canal. It’s an ideal place for scenic hiking and biking. Fishing is allowed along the canal without a special park-issued permit, and in the spring, the waters are stocked with trout (state fishing regulations apply). Visitors may enter via various access points in New Brunswick, Princeton, Lambertville or Trenton. —NC
Paterson Great Falls
Paterson
Paterson’s Great Falls is the second largest waterfall, by volume, on the East Coast. Photo: Courtesy of New Jersey Division of Travel and Tourism/visitnj.org
The second largest waterfall, by volume, on the East Coast is magnificent to take in. Since 2011, the falls and surrounding park have been designated as a national historical park, so a visit to the 77-foot falls features park rangers who can answer any questions you might have. Spring is an especially great time to witness the falls, as seasonal rains make them even more spectacular. —Jacqueline Mroz
Cloverdale Farm County Park
Barnegat
A short drive down a dirt-and-gravel road delivers you back in time to a restored cranberry farm from the 1870s. At this 90-acre spot, a replica of the original farmhouse now serves as a visitor center (open Friday-Sunday). Then, it’s off on a 1.4-mile, level, sandy, self-guided trail past the cranberry sorting house and bogs. Print out the self-guided nature-trail map before you go—you never know about cell phone reception in a bog. —Monica Cardoza
Branch Brook Park
Newark
The Garden State has nationwide bragging rights as home to the largest collection of Japanese flowering cherry trees. This year marks the 50th festival celebrating the 5,300 trees in 18 varieties on display in Branch Brook Park. April events among the profusion of pink flowers include a bike race, a family day with crafts, paddle boating and face painting, and the grand finale, Bloomfest. The closing lineup includes children’s activities, live music, food and Japanese cultural demonstrations. —DPC
Scenic Views of NYC
West Orange & Morristown
Photo: Courtesy of Essex County
Many waterfront points in North Jersey offer obvious, up-close ways to enjoy the New York City skyline, but we’ve got two favorite spots to take it in from a bit farther away on clear, crisp days. The first is an especially poignant one: the Essex County 9/11 Memorial, located on Eagle Rock Avenue at Eagle Rock Reservation in West Orange. The second is Fort Nonsense in Morristown, near the intersection of Ann and Chestnut streets. Part of Morristown National Historical Park, it was built during the Revolutionary War. On sunny, low-humidity days, Manhattan is faint but visible from the top. —JF
Batona Trail
Burlington County
At just over 50 miles, the Batona Trail offers the opportunity to explore the natural wonders of the Pinelands. The blazed trail, which marks its 65th anniversary this year, is easy to navigate as it passes through Wharton, Brendan T. Byrne and Bass River state forests. Shorter hikes are available along the trail, which takes its name from the phrase “back to nature.” —Tom Wilk
Frelinghuysen Arboretum
Morristown
Photo: Courtesy of Morris County Park Commission
Walking in circles may not sound like a calming experience. But it is at Frelinghuysen Arboretum in Morristown, where winding through the labyrinth, tucked behind the gardens, is one of my favorite places for a moment of peace. My kids also love walking the pattern, though I can’t promise they do it as tranquilly. —Julie Gordon
