Do you know where the best state park is in New Jersey?
Well, first off, there are obviously multiple contenders - New Jersey is a stunning state with varied topography, after all. But there is one in particular that stands out, at least according to Travel and Leisure. The magazine named the best state park in each state, and the winner in New Jersey is Island Beach State Park. We can see why.
Island Beach State Park is one of the loveliest places you can visit in New Jersey.
There is also an eight-mile path for biking if you'd like to get around on wheels. During the winter months, it's even possible to go horseback riding here. And we haven't even mentioned the educational programs available on the island to teach people about the area and its wildlife.
In short, there is so much to explore at this state park.
For such a small state, New Jersey sure does have a lot of incredible state parks - some with a lot of room to explore! But today, I want to spotlight a park that's one of the state's smallest - yet still one of its most spectacular. This is Fort Mott State Park, located in Pennsville in the south of the state near the Delaware border. At only 124 acres, it's the kind of park you can easily explore in a day - but you'll want to check out every corner here. Built as a defense fort and active during the Spanish-American War and World War I, today it stands as a fascinating mix of natural beauty and military achievement. You can visit for yourself - and while it may be small, you might find yourself fascinated by this historic park in New Jersey!
Fort Mott State Park is home to an easy-to-navigate 1.2-mile trail named Finn's Point Loop. Named after a historic cemetery in the area, it's the best way to see the park and will take you by the park's most famous sites. Dogs are welcome and the trail is suitable for all skill levels.
The most famous of those sites, of course, is the fort that was designed here after the Civil War. Designed to resist a land attack, it is heavily fortified and much of it is still standing today. The park has secured and repaired the fort as needed, so it's safe to enter.
That gives visitors their best shot in the area to see the inner workings of a historic military facility. Many century-old machines are still on display and make for fascinating photo ops - but the best photo op at this park is yet to come.
You can't miss it - the Fort Mott Gun Fire Control Tower and Observation Stand is one of the most distinct sights in the area, and its imposing height of over a hundred feet is almost inviting you to see what's at the top.
The good news is, you can do exactly that! Check the state website for any details about hours, but the tower is open for climbers to experience the same view that our defenders did from this very tower so many years ago.
Have you visited Fort Mott State Park? What were your favorite spots at this historic park in New Jersey? Let us know in the comments section, and check out the Fort Mott State Park on the NJ Parks website for more details about the park's amenities. While you're in Pennsville, we highly recommend trying out the interestingly-named Famous Sgt. Bob Smoke BBQ & Grill - it's a Filipino barbecue spot with some unique specialties. And if you came a long way to get here, you can check into the Hampton Inn Pennsville for an affordable and comfortable night's sleep.
As the New Jersey fall foliage season gets into full swing, so do the waves of tourists looking for the best places to spot the leaves as they change. This means many top fall foliage locations are pretty crowded with locals and tourists. Here at Only in Your State, we love to find hidden gems where it's easy to beat the crowds, and New Jersey's state forests are usually pretty laid back, even around this time of year, compared to the top state parks.
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A perfect example is Belleplain State Forest, maybe the best leaf-peeping park in New Jersey. With rich, thick canopies of trees changing color daily and a full collection of amenities and camping opportunities, it's the perfect place to visit when you want to escape from everyday life and into nature.
Located in the small town of Woodbine, tucked away in South Jersey, lies Belleplain State Forest.
This is a popular park for camping and hiking, and it's rarely very crowded. It's also home to some of the best fishing grounds in South Jersey. You'll find a lot of catfish in its lakes.
It's also one of the best spots in New Jersey for spotting wildlife, and birding is popular during migration seasons. It's a beautiful place, but never more than during one season.
During the fall, the entire park is transformed into bright colors as the fall foliage changes by the day.
Plan your visit to this New Jersey forest ahead of time. The fall foliage is fleeting, so you only have a short window to experience the most colorful time of the year.
Have you visited Belleplain State Forest in Woodbine? Tell us about your visit to this gorgeous leaf-peeping park in New Jersey in the comments section! You can find out more about Belleplain State Forest's many amenities on the official NJ Parks website, or visit AllTrails for more info on the East Creek Loop Trail. This charming park is also close to New Jersey's best year-round scenic train ride. If you’re looking for an affordable place to spend the night, head about 20 minutes south by car to the Hyland Motor Inn.
Where & When To See Fall Foliage In New Jersey
Fall in New Jersey usually means calendars chock full of fun, from trips to the pumpkin patch to scenic fall foliage train rides, but there’s one activity that’s usually on a pretty strict schedule: Leaf-peeping. If you want to catch the fall foliage at its most brilliant, you must know when the leaves change colors in New Jersey. While the peak of the fall foliage in New Jersey will depend on where in the state you are, it usually occurs between mid and late October. To see when the leaves will change in your corner of New Jersey this year, check out this fall foliage map.
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Knowing when the fall foliage will be at its most splendid is key but then comes the fun part, and that’s deciding where to go to view the fall colors. If you’re short on time, take a stroll around your neighborhood or head over to your favorite local park. Spend a day at one of New Jersey’s 49 state parks; take a leisurely drive along a tree-lined road, or follow a scenic hiking trail.
Know Before You Go
Belleplain State Forest only charges a daily entrance fee for each vehicle, unless you’re entering the park on foot or by bike (in which case there is no fee), from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Pets are permitted but must remain leashed at all times, and you must pick up after your pup. Consider bringing a picnic, but leave the alcohol at home as it is prohibited. Look for the picnic area near the beach, where you’ll find tables, charcoal grills, and bathrooms.
If you prefer to bring a meal for a picnic, stop by Fat Racks BBQ, a takeout joint less than five miles from the state forest. This popular barbecue spot serves all of the classics, from ribs and barbecue chicken to pulled pork, and dishes up rotating sides, including macaroni salad, potato salad, and potato chips. Don’t worry if you’re not in the mood for barbecue. Fat Racks’ menu also features hot dog and kielbasa platters.
Autumn’s perfect for an overnight or weekend getaway, too, and we’ve got just the spot for you to fall asleep at night. Less than a half-hour drive from Belleplain State Forest, this adorable lakefront Airbnb in Millville sleeps up to six guests in its three bedrooms. Natural light streams through the large windows that overlook the striking colors of the season. Relax in the living while you watch a glorious autumn sunset behind the lake.
