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NatureParks & Gardens

The Underrated Local Park In New Jersey Where You Can Explore Historic Buildings

Published Nov 8, 2023

Written by 

Raymond Goldfield

Hidden in laid-back Eastampton Township in the western part of the state near Philadelphia, Historic Smithville Park takes a lot of New Jersey residents by surprise - I was amazed to be this close to a major metropolis and discover a path back in time right here in the Garden State! This beautiful, underrated park in New Jersey started out as an industrial center - serving as a massive mill employing hundreds of workers in the late 19th century. Today, that industrial heritage is long gone, replaced with a lush and beautiful 312-acre park with one of the most dramatic varieties of terrain in the entire state. You can head into the woods for a rustic hike, take a boardwalk trail over a beautiful body of water, or explore historic manors and gardens in a uniquely peaceful park.

Historic Smithville Park might be the best all-in-one park in all of New Jersey, and certainly the most unique.

Sign in Smithville detailing H.B.'s Exotic Collection, surrounded by greenery and a clear blue sky.
Sheevson/Google Local

The views at this park are stunning, including one of the most beautiful spillways in the state.

A serene river scene with a waterfall, surrounded by lush green trees and a cloudy sky.
Grace M/Google Local

The most distinct place in the park has to be a boardwalk hike that takes you over the park's main body of water - giving you an amazing vantage point of the crystal blue water.

A wooden boardwalk stretches over a calm lake surrounded by lush greenery and blue skies with scattered clouds.
Vladimir/Google Local

But while the nature here is incredible, the man-made attractions here might have it beat. Just look at the construction on those statues!

A grand entrance gate with eagle statues leads to a historic mansion surrounded by trees.
Kenneth Ragone/Google Local

The historic manors and industrial buildings here are well worth exploring, and most have plaques explaining their long history.

A large brick mansion with white columns, surrounded by green lawns and trees under a blue sky with fluffy clouds.
Rafael Otocheco/Google Local

The beautiful gardens surrounding some of the buildings provide an amazing hiding place when the weather is a little rough.

A lush garden path lined with vibrant flowers, shaded by a trellis of greenery leading to a white building.
Brett Morris/Google Local

As winter settles in over Historic Smithville Park, the abandoned industrial buildings take on a haunting vibe - all the more fascinating to explore.

Ruins of a brick building surrounded by bare trees and snow, with a black fence in the foreground under a clear blue sky.
Jennifer Holland/Google Local

Have you visited Historic Smithville Park in Eastampton Township? Let us know what you saw and did at this underrated park in New Jersey in the comments section! You can find out more about Historic Smithville Park on the official Burlington County website. The park is close to Marlton Square - soon to be the site of New Jersey's first Federal Donuts. Make sure you're not confusing this park with Smithville, home of New Jersey's iconic Christmas village - that's in the south of the state, near the coast!

Planning to explore Historic Smithville Park soon? Make sure to bring a warm winter coat - the park is gorgeous in the winter!

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