New Jersey is home to a wealth of preserved nature, and this region is popularly visited by a variety of nature enthusiasts. When our Morris County DWI defense lawyers are looking to take a break from city life, we like to take advantage of the natural beauty New Jersey has to offer. Some of our favorite parks and nature reserves include:
Frelinghuysen Arboretum
The Frelinghuysen Arboretum features a variety of displays of plant life which are integrated with thematic elements. You can enjoy ornamental grasses and blooming shrubs during the spring, view some of the best fall foliage and fruit in the region, along with shade trees and the promising plants garden. The main house features a Great Lawn, which hosts outdoor live music during the warmer months of the year. Near the Great Lawn, there's a Braille NAture Trail situated in a small wooded hollow. Even in the winter, the Arboretum is worth a visit after a fresh snowfall to take in the beautiful winter landscapes.
Hopatcong State Park
Located in Roxbury Township, Hopatcong State Park is made up of two separate pieces of land: the first consisting of Lake Hopatcong and the land on its southwestern shore, and the second consisting of Lake Musconetcong about one mile away. It also features the ruins of Morris Canal, which was in operation from the 1830s until the 1920s and drew from the lake for its water source. You can learn more about the history of this state park at the Lake Hopatcong Historical Museum, which is open on Sundays during the spring and fall. The museum has been converted from the former home of the resident lock tender and his family.
Ken Lockwood Gorge Wildlife Management Area
Ken Lockwood Gorge Wildlife Management Area offers some of the best hiking and nature-watching in all of New Jersey. New Jersey Monthly magazine once called the gorge one of the "Ten Most Beautiful Places in New Jersey." It's a famous destination for bird-watchers, naturalists, kayakers, hikers, fishermen, photographers, and outdoor lovers of all types. During the winter, the gorge and surrounding area transforms into an ice-covered wonderland and features winter wildlife such as Pileated Woodpeckers and red squirrels.
Garret Mountain Reservation
Woodland Park's 568-acre Garret Mountain Reservation is one of the many National Natural Landmarks in New Jersey. Features include:
- Grass fields
- Several miles of walking and running trails
- Basketball courts
- Picnic areas
- Barbour's Pond, which is stocked with fish for anglers
- Equestrian Center with horseback riding lessons
- Over 150 species of birds, including 34 species of warblers, vireos, orioles, sparrows, and thrushes
This natural marvel is located 500 feet above sea levels and visitors can enjoy panoramic views of both Northern New Jersey and New York City from various overlooks. It also features Lambert Castle, which was built in 1983 by a wealthy silk manufacturer
Pyramid Mountain Natural Historic Area
Pyramid Mountain offers 30 miles of trails featuring backdrops of unique glacial erratics at Bear Rock, stunning rock outcrops, extensive wetlands, waterfalls, and multiple scenic overlooks of the surrounding beauty of the area. You can also see the Manhattan Skyline from this nature haven. One of the park's main features is a 160-ton boulder resting on top of three smaller boulders, called Tripod Rock. The trails are marked and simple enough for beginners, but provide enough sightseeing to excite seasoned hikers as well. Enjoying this expanse of beautiful New Jersey nature within view of New York City is a truly surreal experience.
