Map of New Jersey's Protected Areas

New Jersey's Geography

New Jersey is home to the world's longest boardwalk, has the oldest seaside resort, and is home to more diners than any other state. But this is not all New Jersey has to offer.

New York and Pennsylvania border New Jersey to the north. Pennsylvania borders New Jersey to the west, Delaware and Delaware Bay to the south. The Atlantic Ocean lies to the west, and New York's Long Island to the east.

New Jersey can be divided into four distinct geographical regions:

• The Atlantic Coastal Plain: This region features pine forests, salt marshes, and low rolling hills. The Atlantic Coastal Plain area in New Jersey also has Barrier Islands.
• Piedmont: This 20-mile-wide Piedmont is where the Passaic, Ramapo, Raritan, and Hudson rivers cross. The Piedmont region includes narrow valleys, narrow hills, and New Jersey's key cities.
• The New England Upland: This region is also called the Highlands and consists of flat-topped rock ridges and various lakes.
• The Appalachian Ridge & Valley: This mountainous region in the northwest corner of New Jersey includes the Kittatinny Mountains and the Delaware Water Gap. The Delaware Water Gap is an opening by the Delaware River when it cut through the Appalachians millions of years ago.

The highest peaks in the Kittatinny Mountain range reach 1,803 feet (550 meters). Kittatinny is the highest mountain in the state of New Jersey. The mountain is located in High Point State Park in Sussex County.

New Jersey has many rivers. The major rivers include the Delaware, Hudson, Manasquan, Maurice, Passaic, and Raritan rivers. The Hudson River spans 315 miles (506 km), and the Hudson isn't far behind, stretching 301 miles (484 km).



Want to find places to explore in nearby New York? Check this map of New York

New Jersey's Wildlife



Some of the mammals roaming around New Jersey include raccoons, red foxes, bobcats, black bears, and the Tuckahoe masked shrews (they're similar to moles).

Chickadees, northern cardinals, red-bellied woodpeckers, and American goldfinches can be found flying around the state.

New Jersey is home to various reptiles, including spotted turtles, coastal plain milk snakes, and five-lined skinks. Red-spotted newts, marbled salamanders, and New Jersey chorus frogs are only a few of the amphibians you might find in the state.

The state has incredible deciduous forests filled with sugar maple, flowering dogwood, pitch pine, American chestnut, and the American elm. Orange daylilies, black-eyed Susans, violets, and Queen Anne's lace are some of the wildflowers blooming throughout the land.






New Jersey's Climate

The state's climate is characterized by the moderately cold and sometimes snowy winters and warm, humid summers. Cooler temperatures can be expected in higher elevations of the northwest portion of the state, with warmer temperatures to the east near the coast.



According to NOOA, the average minimum temperatures in January can range from 15℉ to 20℉ (-9℃ to -6℃) in the northwest. While along the coast, temperatures range between 25℉ to 30℉ (-3℃ to -1℃).

There is a similar gradient in temperatures during the summer months; with average temperatures in July ranging between 80℉ to 85℉ (26&℃ to 29℃) in the northwest and between 85℉; and 90℉ (29℃ to 32℃) throughout the rest of the state; State summaries.

Interesting Facts

Thomas Edison's phonographs, laboratory equipment, and early lightbulbs can be seen on display at the Menlo Park Museum, where Edison once worked.

Visitors can see where the late George Washington and his army crossed the Delaware River and launched a very successful attack on the Hessians at Washington Crossing State Park in Trenton, New Jersey.



If you want to learn more about the Atlantic Coast, visit North America's Marine Ecoregions Map

Best Parks of New Jersey

Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area

Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area is the red strip in northwestern New Jersey. This recreation area straddles a stretch of the Delaware River on the border of New Jersey and Pennsylvania.



The Pocono Mountains, located in Pennsylvania, are a popular vacation spot for millions of people each year, which leads them to the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.

The park has 40 miles of the Middle Delaware National Scenic and Recreational River, over 100miles of hiking trails, plus 3 swimming beaches.

With these incredible outdoor opportunities, visitors come to the park to enjoy many outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, picnics, swimming, boating, hunting, fishing, and so much more.

There are five picnic areas on New Jersey's side of the park: Kittatinny Point, Millbrook Village, Namanock, Crater Lake, and Turtle Beach. Each picnic site has its own guidelines; for instance, some allow grills while others do not.

The Mohican Outdoor Center has 11 primitive campsites with a beautiful setting. There are also some group camping sites available. Drinking water is available, and the camp store offers some limited supplies, including healthy meal options.

The park has several campgrounds to choose from. While some sites, such as the Mohican Outdoor Center, are open all year, others are seasonal. The park is incredible and offers outdoor enthusiasts plenty of opportunities for some fun in the sun; Delaware Water Gap.






Morristown National Historical Park

Morristown National Historical Park is the red area west of Newark, New Jersey.

The Morristown National Historical Park honors the sites where George Washington and the Continental army had their winter encampment.



According to George Washington's Mount Vernon digital library, their encampment consisted of a 1,500-acre section of forested land called Jockey Hollow.

Morristown National Historical Park is an excellent place for eager history lovers and field trips for school-age children. The park features a museum and library collection related to the encampment and pre and post-Revolutionary America items.

This historical park offers a variety of activities for park visitors. Travelers can explore the museums and exhibits, join a ranger program, and hike through Jockey Hollow and the Revolutionary War Winter Encampment.

The Eastern National Museum store and the Washington Headquarters Museum or the Jockey Hollow Visitor Center sell artwork, books, postcards, and items for children of all ages.

While you're visiting, feel free to talk with rangers about the area, its history, and the park itself. Hiking, biking, birdwatching, horseback riding, and other outdoor activities can be enjoyed here; Morristown.



If you want to learn more about the raccoons living in New Jersey, check this map of the Raccoon Family Geographic Range

Gateway National Recreation Area

Gateway National Recreation Area is the red area on New Jersey's coast.

This recreational area stretches 27-thousand acres from Sandy Hook, New Jersey, to Breezy Point, New Your City.



The park is a literal gateway from the ocean into the New York Harbor and the gateway to the National Park Service. Gateway Recreation Area offers beautiful green spaces, beaches, historic structures, and cultural landscapes.

Gateway Park can be reached by car, bus, train, or ferry. There is a variety of outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy throughout the seashore all year long.

Over 300 species of birds have been spotted in the park, making it an excellent location for birdwatching. Camping, swimming, fishing, hiking, and sporting activities are all popular park activities.

The park is divided into three units packed full of outdoor recreation fun. All three units in the park have routes for bicycles, including Class 1 and Class 2 E-bikes; however, bikes are not permitted in undeveloped areas such as the beach and pond loops.

Floyd Bennet Field has an archery range, but visitors will have to bring their own equipment.

Campers can choose from primitive tent campsites or one of the 12 RV sites. Visitors can pay to stay by night or book a site for a week. Prices vary, and a senior discount is half of the regular cost; Gateway.






Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park

Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park are the lime areas on New Jersey's western border.



The Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park features over 70 miles of a linear multi-use path along the historic canal. Furthermore, it offers other trail networks that connect with several counties.

Hiking and mountain biking are popular at the D&R Canal State Park. Boating, kayaking, canoeing, and other water activities are enjoyed at D&R. The day park is beautiful, and nature lovers find joy in simply hanging around the park.

According to the D&R Canal History, the canal was created to provide a safe and direct route to transport freight between Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and New York.

D&R hosts various events throughout the year, including something called Wednesday Evening Walks. These guided leisurely walks explore the history and nature surrounding the area.

Hunting is allowed at the D&R Canal, but all persons must have valid permits and licenses to do so. Anglers love to come to the park to enjoy some rest and relaxation while fishing; DandRCanal.



New Jersey has lots of hardwood forests. To learn more, visit this map

Allaire State Park

Allaire State Park is the lime area east of Trenton, close to the coast.

Visitors might feel like they've traveled back in time to the 19th-century Allaire Village, which is precisely how it's supposed to feel.



Allaire State Park is most commonly known for Allaire Village, the 19th-century iron-making town, and the Pine Creek Railroad (a narrow-gauge train ride).

The Manasquan River winds through the park providing anglers with excellent opportunities to fish. The river's floodplain provides a habitat for more than 200 species of wildflowers, plants, trees, birds, and other wildlife.

The multi-use trails are perfect for hiking, biking, nature observation, and jogging. There are 45 tent and trailer campsites with fire rings and picnic tables to choose from. If you prefer to sleep indoors, the park has shelters or cabins available.

The visitor center and museum, should be your first stop. At the museum you can learn more about the park's features and history; Allaire.






Double Trouble State Park

Double Trouble State Park is the large lime area southeast of Trenton.



Suppose you're interested in finding an excellent example of the Pine Barrens ecosystem. In that case, Double Trouble State Park is a great place to learn about it and its history.

According to the Pinelands Preservation Alliance, the Pine Barrens in New Jersey offer habitats for rare plants and unique animals.

Pine Barrens is a unique ecosystem that could not support settlers to cultivating their crops because of the acidic and nutrient-poor soils. Nevertheless, they are rich in pines, orchids, carnivorous plants, and other species.

Double Trouble provides protection and interpretation of more than 8-thousand acres of incredibly significant cultural, natural, and recreational resources that represent the Pinelands National Reserve.

The resources and location provide the opportunity to teach visitors about southern New Jersey's cultural and natural heritage.

While there aren't any campgrounds in the park, visitors can still enjoy the typical outdoor recreation, Double Trouble.



New Jersey has extensive pinewood forests. To learn more, visit this map

Wawayanda State Park

Wawayanda State Park is a large lime area on New Jersey's northeastern border.



The peaceful allure of Wawayanda Park is only a portion of what attracts outdoor enthusiasts to the palace. Hikers, campers, boaters, and anglers love the park. The forested hills surrounding Lake Wawayanda create a picturesque backdrop for any occasion.

Over 40 miles of trails are marked throughout the Wawayanda.

A 20-mile stretch of the Appalachian Trail runs through the park. It reaces the top of Wawayanda Mountain providing incredible views.

The Barrett Farm Historic Site is featured at the park. When it comes to outdoor recreation, the park offers a little bit of everything! Wawayanda.






Hacklebarney State Park

Hacklebarney State Park is the lime area west of Newark.



The Black River winds its way through the rocky terrain of Hacklebarney State Park. Rinehart and Trout Brooks tributaries traverse through the glacial valley that feeds the Black River.

Black River Gorge is an excellent place for anglers and hikers to get away from the high-speed world around them. The stunning river flowing against grey boulders and green hemlock trees provides a movie-scene setting for any event.

Nine hiking trails, fishing, hunting, bird and wildlife viewing, and fun by the water are some of the activities to get involved with at the park; Hackleberney.



New Jersey has a long coastline and many marine ecosystems to protect. To learn more, check this map of U.S. Marine Protected Areas

Ringwood State Park

Ringwood State Park is a lime area north of Paterson and covers an area of 96 acres.



Ringwood is home to the State Botanical Garden featuring the crabapple vista, woodland paths, perennial gardens, annual gardens, and incredible terraced gardens.

While the botanical garden doesn't allow recreational activity or picnicking, visitors can head over to Ringwood Manor or the picnic areas at Shepherd Lake.

Shepherd Lake Recreation is where all of the outdoor recreational activity takes place.

Hiking, biking, kayaking, canoeing, barbecues, picnics, and swimming are some favorites. Not only are there hiking trails, but you'll also find biking trails and equestrian trails.

During the winter, visitors will find snowmobile trails and cross-country skiing areas; Ringwood.






Cape May Point State Park

Cape May Point State Park is a lime speck in the southernmost tip of New Jersey.



The Cape May Lighthouse draws in many visitors, and it's a major attraction, as well as a gun battery and fire control tower.

The Park's ever-changing shorelines, sand dunes, freshwater marshes, ponds, varied uplands, and forested islands are popular sites for viewing the migration of birds.

The park is a key site or feature along the Coastal Heritage Trail. There is an environmental center housing a classroom for educational interpretive programs and a museum based on natural and historical features.

This day-use park is open from dusk until dawn. Blazed trails are perfect for walks to various habitats for wildlife viewing opportunities; Cape May



Want to find places to explore in nearby Delaware? Check this map of Delaware and Maryland

Parvin State Park

Parvin State Park is the lime area west of Atlantic City.



Two lakes provide opportunities for kayaking and canoeing. Thundergust Lake, Muddy Run, and Parvin Lake are excellent for fishing and boating.

The park features typical pine forests in the area, but there is also a swamp hardwood forest.

During spring, it looks like a botanical garden with many blooming flowers.

Parvin State Park was built in the 1930s by the CCC. Visitors can find campsites, cabins, and even a swimming beach. 15 miles of trails are perfect for walking, hiking, and biking; Pervin.






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If you plan on visiting one of these beautiful parks or hiking New Jersey's coast, I suggest you get some of these items found on Amazon.

• Dog Tie Out Cable: This tie-out is perfect for trips, camping, hiking, and training.
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Resources for New Jersey's Protected Areas Map

The shapefiles with New Jersey's state boundary lines, major rivers, and cities were downloaded from Natural Earth Data.

The Parks and Public Lands shapefiles for New Jersey were downloaded from USGS.

This map will be updated with new data! To receive updates on this and more nature maps join my email list!!!!!!!

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