New Jersey
Nature|Parks & Gardens

This Little-Known Scenic Spot In New Jersey That Comes Alive With Color Come Fall

Published Sep 29, 2023

Written by 

Raymond Goldfield

The fall foliage in New Jersey is getting ready to hit its peak, and that means it's time to find the best spots for leaf-peeping! Unfortunately, it sometimes seems that every other person in the Garden State has the same idea! That's why I was thrilled to find what might be the best fall foliage park in NJ hidden in a popular tourist area of central Jersey. Mercer County Park is located only a small drive from Princeton and other great small towns, but this 2,500-acre county park is packed with recreation opportunities. It's worth visiting any time of year, but especially now - when the countless waterfronts and trails are transformed into a kaleidoscope of fall colors, and the park is filled with hidden spots perfect for taking in the beauty of the season.

During the summer, Mercer County Park is one of the area's top spots for fun on the water.

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But now, as fall settles in, it becomes one of the best spots in all of New Jersey for taking in the fall foliage.

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All around the park, you'll see simple paths that lead you to different views of the changing fall colors.

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For avid hikers, there are three main dedicated trails in the park.

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The seven-mile Mercer County Park Trail, the 3.2-mile Vannest Wildlife Trails, and the 5-mile Mercer Park Blue Trail are all rated as easy.

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No matter which you choose, you'll find yourself under stunning canopies of yellow, orange, and red.

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Most of the summer amenities are still open and easy to access, including a playground to keep kids occupied while you're taking a break.

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You'll definitely want to spend the full day here - to see the colors when the sun goes down!

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Make sure to find an overlook by one of the lakes for the best view in the entire park at sunset.

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Have you visited Mercer County Park during the fall? Let us know if you think it's the best fall foliage park in NJ in the comments section! You can find out more about the park's many amenities on the official Mercer County website. While you're in the area, it would be a shame not to visit The Bent Spoon in nearby Princeton to try the award-winning ice cream parlor's fall flavors. Want to make an overnight trip of it? Check into Princeton's famous Peacock Inn.

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Nature|Parks & Gardens

The New Jersey Park Worth Driving Across The State To Explore

Park North Cameron Wildlife Sanctuary in New Jersey is a hidden gem offering beautiful trails, a lake, and diverse wildlife.

Updated Jul 31, 2024

Written by 

Raymond Goldfield

The area around Cape May is one of New Jersey's most famous locations - a stunning beach town filled with resorts, shops, lighthouses, and some of the Garden State's most beautiful beaches. However, in the small towns surrounding Cape May and other beachfront destinations, like Atlantic City and Wildwood, it can feel like a different world. In the tiny town of Marmora, with just under 2,500 people, I found maybe the best hidden county park in NJ. Welcome to the Park North Cameron Wildlife Sanctuary in New Jersey, an unspoiled wildlife preserve home to beautiful flora and fauna. I think it's one of the best parks in New Jersey. This peaceful location is well worth driving to from central or north Jersey to explore, and it's the perfect place to take a break from the summer crowds and enjoy Garden State nature at its best.

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A small county park filled with easy-to-navigate trails, Cameron Wildlife Sanctuary is wonderfully off the beaten path.

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Not only can you see waterfowl and other wildlife here, but you'll find helpful signs around the park identifying common species.

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The centerpiece of the park is the beautiful lake, which makes for a great hike around the park.

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Alternatively, you could just find a conveniently placed bench at the most beautiful spots and enjoy the view.

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A small gazebo along the trails makes for a perfect place to relax and have a picnic.

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The park is great to see around the year, but fall is an especially wonderful season. This is when migrating birds will be passing through.

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And of course, New Jersey's stunning fall colors will be in full bloom!

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Sandra Lee/Google Local

Have you visited Park North Cameron Wildlife Sanctuary in New Jersey? Tell us all about your visit to this hidden county park in NJ, and tell us your favorite out-of-the-way destinations in the comments section! The Cape May County website has more information on the park's official listing. South Jersey is a fantastic spot for exploring hidden gems, so consider a longer trip on the nearby Bayshore Heritage Byway. You're not far from the Port-O-Call Hotel if you're ready for a relaxing night's rest.

Love all things New Jersey? Take a look at this footage on how to speak like a local:

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Nature|Parks & Gardens

With A Water Park And Pickleball Court, This Family-Friendly Park In New Jersey Is The Best Summer Day Trip

Published Jul 25, 2024

Written by 

Raymond Goldfield

When the summer days are long and hot, it's time to find a great spot for some fun on the water. Unfortunately, many of New Jersey's best waterparks have some hefty admission fees - which puts them out of reach for some, especially for larger families. That's why we were so happy to find a unique county park that has a great swimming lake and even a mini-waterpark, along with some great family-friendly features in the summer. It's Darlington County Park, found in the peaceful community of Mahwah. During its swim season, it has a modest admission fee which grants access to the wet-and-wild fun within. It's our pick for the best family-friendly park in New Jersey, and it just underwent a renovation to add even more features to its beautifully-designed grounds. Read on for why you'll want to add Darlington County Park to your summer bucket list!

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The entrance to Darlington County Park is a little different from the average - but the admission fee is only $10 or $15 for out-of-county residents, and it's well worth it.

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This is one of the best swimming lakes in the state, and it's well-maintained to make it a uniquely safe and welcoming place to splash around.

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Speaking of splashing - the Splash Zone is open for business once again, and this inflatable waterpark is full of thrills and fun for young guests.

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When you're done on the water, there's a lot more to do here. This is a popular spot for grilling, but keep in mind that only charcoal grilling is allowed.

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The park recently renovated its sporting grounds, adding new tennis, basketball, and pickleball courts.

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And as summer turns to fall, the whole place is a beautiful spot to view the fall foliage.

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Have you visited Darlington County Park in Mahwah? Do you think it's the best family-friendly park in New Jersey? Let us know in the comments section! You can find out more about the park on the Bergen County website, and make sure to follow the Darlington County Park Facebook page for the latest updates on this fun summer destination! There's a lot more to do here than just the park, too - check out our article on why Mahwah is one of the best small towns in New Jersey. And if you're looking for a home base in the area for a few days, we highly recommend the Homewood Suites By Hilton Mahwah - this is the chain I always use when traveling, and I love its roomy suites and free breakfast buffet each morning.

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