This Is The Newest State Park In New Jersey And It’s Incredible

New Jersey has so many spectacular state parks and, just last year, we added another to the list. Tall Pines Preserve straddles Mantua and Deptford, and is the very first state park to be located in Gloucester County. Prior to the park’s opening, Gloucester was the only New Jersey county without its own state park. New state parks don’t come around every day, and it looks like this one will be amazing.

Facebook/Friends Of Tall Pines Preserve

The 109-acre preserve sits on the location of the now defunct Maple Ridge Golf Course. The 18-hole course closed in 2006, but garnered national attention in 1963 when the park had just 9 holes. Then known as Tall Pines, the course became one of the first in the country to add lighting, allowing for night golfing.

After the course saw its final tee time, it was sold to a development company and condos were slated for the site. Following the recession, the building project was put on hold and dedicated individuals and organizations fought to take back the land. In a joint effort between the South Jersey Land and Water Trust, the Frank H. Stewart Trust, Friends of Tall Pines, the New Jersey Green Acres Program, Mantua, Deptford and others, the land was purchased back from the development company.

Facebook/Friends Of Tall Pines Preserve

It offers a variety of habitats including woodlands, wetlands, ponds, springs and meadows, making it a haven for a wide selection of wildlife. Over 70 different bird species have already been spotted, including bald eagles. There are an estimated 4 miles of hiking trails, many of which are wheelchair accessible (paved to accommodate golf carts). Additionally, the park is pet friendly - leashed dogs are welcome.

The park was officially dedicated in June of 2016, over 100 years after New Jersey’s first state park was established. If you’re curious, our oldest state park is Swartswood State Park near Newton, founded in 1914. New Jersey’s largest state park is Wharton State forest and it offers plenty to do. Learn more about the wonderful activities you can enjoy at Wharton here.