New Jersey National Parks


New Jersey played a huge role in America's Revolutionary War. Learn about this and pay a visit to Lady Liberty herself. Come #FindYourPark in New Jersey.

New Jersey National Parks

Appalachian National Scenic Trail - Maine to Georgia - CT, GA, MA, MD, ME, NC, NH, NJ, NY, PA, TN, VA, VT, WV

Appalachian National Scenic Trail

One of America's most famous trails, the Appalachian National Scenic Trail stretches an incredible 2,180 miles and runs nearly the entire length of the eastern United States from Maine to Georgia. The trail was constructed by private citizens and completed in 1937, and today is maintained by several federal and state agencies as well as volunteer groups.

Crossroads of the American Revolution National Heritage Area- Trenton, NJ

The Crossroads of the American Revolution National Heritage Area, designated on November 3, 2006, encompasses the pivotal role that New Jersey played in the American Revolutionary War, serving as a crossroads for military activities, important events, and influential figures during the struggle for independence. The heritage area showcases the remarkable history of the American Revolution, from the encampments of General George Washington's troops to the stories of everyday people who contributed to the revolutionary cause.

Visitors can explore the area's history in several ways including historic sites, museums, and landmarks, including the Morristown National Historical Park, which features Jockey Hollow and the Ford Mansion, both associated with Washington's winter encampment. The heritage area also includes interpretive centers and programs that offer insights into the lives of soldiers, women, and African Americans during the Revolutionary era. Click here to learn more about the activities and things to do.

Crossroads of the American Revolution National Heritage Area was signed into law under the presidency of George W. Bush.

Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area - NJ, PA

Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area is a 70,000-acre park in northeast Pennsylvania that straddles the border with New Jersey. It's a skinny park that protects a long strip of land on either side of the Delaware River. This includes 40 miles of the Middle Delaware National Scenic and Recreational River and 27 miles of the Appalachian Trail. Other activities in the park include camping hiking, scenic roadways, and the 1,000 Delaware Water Gap. Several properties and buildings in the park are on the National Register of Historic Places.

Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area was established in 1965 and is open year round.

Ellis Island and Statue of Liberty National Monument - NJ, NY

Ellis Island is managed as part of the Statue of Liberty National Monument and serves to tell the stories of the immigrants who passed through here between 1892 and 1954. The Ellis Island Immigration Museum chronicles America's immigration history and is open to guests visiting the island. Ferry rides to Ellis Island can be secured through an authorized concessioner and typically include a stop at Liberty Island as well. Ellis Island has been designated as a National Park, along with the Statue of Liberty since 1965.

Gateway National Recreation Area - NY, NJ

Gateway National Recreation Area encompasses 27,000 acres in New York and New Jersey and offers green spaces, beaches, and recreation for millions of visitors each year. Cycling, boating, swimming, and fishing are all popular here, as well as visiting some of the historical sites in the area like the Sandy Hook lighthouse or Fort Wadsworth. Gateway National Recreation Area was created by Congress in 1972.

Great Egg Harbor River

Great Egg Harbor River is a pristine and ecologically significant waterway located in southern New Jersey. Paddlers love it for  canoeing, kayaking, and tubing in the clear waters. The region also offers hiking and nature trails that provide opportunities for birdwatching, wildlife observation, and photography. 

Great Egg Harbor River was designated as a National Scenic and Recreational River on April 24, 1992.

Lower Delaware National Wild and Scenic River - PA, NJ

The Delaware River is the largest free-flowing river in the United States, and in 2000, parts of the lower Delaware were protected as part of the Wild and Scenic River Program. Activities include boating, hiking, fishing, sightseeing, biking, and exploring many of the historic sites along the river. There are four Visitor Centers throughout the park for more information -  Delaware Canal State Park (between Easton and Bristol, PA), New Hope Visitor Center (New Hope, PA), The Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park (Princeton, NJ), Washington Crossing State Park (Titusville, NJ). Visit their webpage for more information, recreational activities, and programs.

Maurice Scenic and Recreational River

The Maurice River (pronounced “Morris”) runs for 50 miles through southeastern New Jersey emptying into Delaware Bay. The river and three of its tributaries were given the Wild and Scenic River designation in 1996. The area provides sanctuary to several wildlife species and is ecologically critical to the surrounding ecosystems. The river is part of the New Jersey Pinelands National Reserve.

Morristown National Historical Park - Morristown, NJ

Morristown National Historical Park was designated as a national historical park on March 2, 1933 during the presidency of Herbert Hoover, and commemorates the pivotal role it played during the American Revolutionary War as the site of General George Washington's winter encampments from 1777 to 1779. The park includes two main areas: Jockey Hollow and the Ford Mansion (also known as Washington's Headquarters). Morristown National Historical Park helps to tell the story of the sacrifices and challenges faced by the Continental Army during one of the harshest winters of the war.

Jockey Hollow, which once served as a winter encampment for thousands of soldiers, offers well-preserved huts and reconstructed soldier cabins that provide insights into the harsh conditions faced by the Continental Army. The Ford Mansion, known as Washington's Headquarters, was General Washington's headquarters during the winter of 1779-1780, and it is open for tours, featuring period furnishings and exhibits related to the history of the era.

Musconetcong National Wild and Scenic River

Designated as a National Wild and Scenic River in 2006, the Musconetcong River flows through northwestern New Jerseyand is known for its diverse ecosystems and rich biodiversity. It provides opportunities for a variety of outdoor activities including fishing, hiking, and wildlife observation. The river is particularly renowned for its trout fishing, attracting anglers seeking a serene and scenic environment. 

New Jersey Pinelands National Reserve - Southeastern New Jersey

The New Jersey Pinelands National Reserve, designated in 1978 during the Carter presidency, is a vast, pristine area is renowned for its distinctive ecosystem, which includes extensive pine forests, bogs, wetlands, and pristine waterways. The Pinelands Reserve was designated to protect and preserve this natural wonder, as well as to promote responsible land use and development in the region.

The reserve offers numerous hiking and nature trails and also features opportunities for canoeing and kayaking, as its many rivers and streams wind through pristine and serene landscapes.

Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park - Paterson, NJ

Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park commemorates the role the Great Falls played in the early industrialization of the United States. The Great Falls, a prominent waterfall on the Passaic River, was harnessed by Alexander Hamilton and a group of early American industrialists to establish the first planned industrial city in the nation. 

Visitors can explore the Great Falls, take guided tours, explore interpretive programs, and learn about the area in the visitor center with informative exhibits that showcase the industrial and cultural history of Paterson.

Thomas Edison National Historical Park - West Orange, NJ

Thomas Edison National Historical Park preserves the laboratory complex and home of Thomas Edison. Edison's innovations in the late 19th and early 20th centuries had a profound impact on the world, including the development of the phonograph, electric light bulb, and motion pictures. This site showcases the work of Edison and his team, who conducted groundbreaking experiments and developed many of his most famous inventions here. 

Visitors can witness the very spaces where Edison and his associates worked on their pioneering inventions. The laboratory buildings contain original equipment, artifacts, and exhibits that provide insights into the inventive process and the life of Thomas Edison. The park's visitor center features informative displays and films that delve into Edison's inventions and the impact they had on society. Take a guided tour and also explore The Glenmont Estate, Thomas Edison's former home.

Thomas Edison National Historical Park was designated on September 5, 1962 and signed into law by President John F. Kennedy.

Washington-Rochambeau National Historic Trail - MA, RI, CT, NY, NJ, PA, DE, MD, VA, DC

The Washington-Rochambeau National Historic Trail denotes one of the most successful troop movements in the Revolutionary War - one that led to victory over the British in Yorktown, Virginia, and eventually led to America's independence. General Rochambeau of France combined his forces with General Washington's, moving 680 miles over land and water to secure victory for the allies.

The Washington-Rochambeau National Historic Trail was formally recognized by Congress and singed into law by President Obama in 2009. The trail spans Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, and what is now Washington D.C. It celebrates America's alliance with the French during our fight for independence and also highlights the historical and military significance that proved to be a pivotal moment in American history.