10 National Parks In New Jersey

Fondly called the Garden State by its citizens as well as its visitors, New Jersey in the US offers various places of attractions catering to millions of fans of history, recreation and nature.

But none of the places are as beautiful as the national parks, maintained by the National Park Service. They are easily accessible and a great source of endless joy and excitement.

Since planning a weekend trip can often become a time-consuming exercise, we have curated a list of 10 prominent New Jersey National Parks for greater simplicity.

NJ National Parks For Everything Nature And History Has To Offer

Scroll down for a thoroughly-researched list of the best national parks in the state for a glimpse into history and a splendid adventurous experience.

1. Thomas Edison National Historical Park

If you are a person who gets intrigued by the applications of science in your day-to-day life, this historical park housing the famed inventor’s home and laboratory is the perfect place for you.

Location: West Orange, New Jersey

Best Time To Visit: Any time of the year

2. Crossroads of the American Revolution National Heritage Area

This is the perfect place to understand how New Jersey helped America get its independence. Guided tours of historic battlefields, mansions and landmarks are given in the area.

Location: Trenton, New Jersey

Best Time To Visit: Any time of the year

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3. Washington – Rochambeau National Historic Trail

Walk along this historic trail that retraces the path taken by the French army led by General Rochambeau and the Continental army led by Washington to fight the colonial British troops.

Location: Easily accessible from multiple locations

Best Time To Visit: Any time of the year

4. Ellis Island

It’s part of the famous Statue of Liberty monument and houses a prominent museum that shines the light on stories of the first immigrants to the US from 1892 through 1954.

Location: Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration (Visitors advised to take Ferry from Jersey City)

Best Time To Visit: Any time of the year

5. Appalachian National Scenic Trail

The popular Appalachian Mountains pass through New Jersey – implying the iconic Appalachian National Scenic Trail, which is precisely a 72-mile stretch, also passes through the state.

Location: Sussex and Warren Counties, New Jersey

Best Time To Visit: Late April to Early-June; September and October

6. Sandy Hook – Gateway National Recreation Area

This 27,000-acre covers two states – New Jersey and New York – and is accessible from Sandy Hook in New Jersey. Alongside the activities, do not forget to take a tour of the Lighthouse.

Location: Sandy Hook, Middletown, New Jersey

Best Time To Visit: Any time of the year

7. Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area

This 70,000-acre park is a paradise for hikers, kayakers, rafters, fishermen and a whole lot of others. It’s always buzzing with wildlife and constantly growing in size as well.

Location: 1978 River Road, Bushkill, PA 18324

Best Time To Visit: Any time of the year

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8. New Jersey Pinelands Reserve

One of the lesser-known national parks in New Jersey, this place is “gigantic”, covering an area of around 1.1 million acres of farms, forests and wetlands.

Location: New Lisbon, New Jersey

Best Time To Visit: Any time of the year

9. Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park

Did you know Paterson is the first planned industrial town in America? The sight of the magnificent falls surrounded by the ruins of the mills of the forgotten town is majestic.

Location: Paterson, Passaic County, New Jersey

Best Time To Visit: July – August

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10. Morristown National Historical Park

It commemorates the site where one of the founding fathers of the USA, George Washington, encamped with his Continental army during one of the coldest winters ever recorded.

Location: Morristown, Morris County, New Jersey

Best Time To Visit: Any time of the year