23 New Places to Explore in New Jersey in 2023

By: Virginia Buechel
Updated on January 29, 2023

Happy New Year!

It's time to explore some new places in 2023! Check out some new (and new-to-you!) places this year and let us know where you end up.

23 New Places to Explore in New Jersey in 2023

Visit Princeton Battlefield State Park

There is so much to see here — history, hiking and suspension bridges included! Check out our guide below.

(Image by @limitlessfoto on Instagram)

Visit Princeton Battlefield SP

Hike to Liffy Island

Explore this little island on Lake Hopatcong you might not have known existed.

(Image by MorrisCountyNJ on Flickr)

The role of Grover’s Mill in a fictional Martian invasion led the local government to erect a monument to the invasion in Van Nest Park located at 218 Cranbury Road (CR 615).

Aliens, anyone?

Davidson’s Mill Pond Park

Davidson’s Mill Pond Park in South Brunswick is a 482-acre park built on the site of — yes you guessed it — an old mill. Explore this park by walking Mill Pond Trail, an easy dirt path. Along the way, you’ll encounter trees labeled with clear identification markers.

Explore this local park

Sussex Branch Trail

This ride or hike takes you through Sussex county past lakes, through forests, and into abandoned structures along the way. This intersects with Paulinskill Valley Trail, too.

Hiking here is relatively simple. Once you have parked, the 1.7mile out and back trail is to your right. The path is comprised of white crushed shells. When we arrived in the Spring, the most striking feature was the abundance of wild yellow irises blooming everywhere.

Glades Wildlife Refuge

The 7,500 acre Glades Wildlife Refuge is the largest preserve in the portfolio of the Natural Lands Trust — perfect for the inquisitive soul. It contains tidal marshes, wooded uplands and lovely old growth forests that include 450-year-old sourgum trees. The majority of this refuge is wild, but there are a few designated trails where one can get a feel for the flora and fauna that thrive in this vast wetland.

Amazing hike and photo spot

Maurice River Bluffs Preserve

If you’re looking for a quiet escape in South Jersey and a chance to observe birds, climb on some concrete ruins, or a quiet walk along the river, Maurice River Bluffs is definitely a place you’ll want on your list.

Hike South Jersey

Haledon Reservoir Loop

Looking to spend a relaxing afternoon in North Jersey in the outdoors? Walking the 1.5 mile loop around Haledon Reservoir in Franklin Lakes should do the trick.

Great Local Hike

East Point Lighthouse

Head over to the Delaware Bay and visit the unique East Point Light, and learn about New Jersey’s equally unique solution to save it from falling into the sea.

Explore Cumberland County

Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge

This wildlife refuge is located just north of Atlantic City. There are dozens and dozens of birds to see here, including the endangered piping plover.

Explore Atlantic County

Peanut Leap Cascade & Giant Stairs

This guide will walk you briefly through two of the best hikes in the park, which will take you through the woods, along the Hudson, to a waterfall, and walking across giant boulders. Need we say more? The Long Loop hike is just over 10 miles, but you can split it up.

Work on Your Hiking Resolution

You can hang out at the bottom of the falls, or take the stairs to the left of the falls to walk around up to (please watch your step).

Explore this South Mountain Spot

Eagle Rock Reservation

If you need a new place to explore, check out Eagle Rock Reservation, located in South Orange. There’s something to do for the whole family, whether you want to get your hiking boots dirty, have a picnic, or set up your tripod.

Explore South Orange

Sourland Mountain Preserve

Sourland Mountain Preserve located in Hillsborough Township is full of small trails with big benefits. The meandering creeks and dense cover of trees surround you in the relaxing backwoods where you can find a brief escape from the world.

Explore Central Jersey

Reeves-Reed Arboretum

Open year-round, this arboretum in Summit has hiking trails, flowers, gardens, and even a greenhouse. Visit any time of year!

See more of Union County

Take photos of this iconic dam and then hike along the river. There's so much to see here!

Explore Morris County

Central Railroad of New Jersey Terminal

Check out this spot in Hudson County, good for B&W shots or color, this historic place should be on your list.

Explore Hudson County

Supawna Meadows National Wildlife Refuge

Bordering the Delaware River, this wildlife refuge features an internationally-recognized wetland which is home to waterfowl and wading birds. The tidal marsh, wetlands, and grasslands will give you a lot to explore!

(Image by Partnership for the Delaware Estuary on Flickr)

Explore Salem County

Miquin Woods Preserve

Miquin Woods originated as a Boy Scout Camp in 1928. In 2003 the land officially was designated a county park. The Boy Scouts built several structures for the camp which now still sit on the 302-acre property along with the ruins of an 1850 stone farmhouse. The name “miquin” means feather in the language of the Lenni Lenape, a tribute to the heritage of this diverse park.

Discover Hunterdon County

Historic Rahway River Park

If you are looking for fun things to do in Union County, New Jersey like fishing, walking, running, biking, or even canoeing, you don’t have to travel far!

Discover History

Brooksbrae – Graffiti Covered Brick Factory

Nestled deep in the Pine Barrens, lay the small town of Pasadena, New Jersey. To the naked eye of a weary traveler, the town seems almost vacant, but surprisingly, there is history all around you.

NYC Overlook Spots

There is nothing like New York City. The noise, the traffic, the hustle, and the bustle. And we all know New York has been dubbed one of the greatest cities in the world, but there is something relaxing about not being a part of the city — and that’s being apart from the city.

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Also appears in: Atlantic County, Cumberland County, Hiking, Hudson County, Hunterdon County, Local Guide, Local Parks, Morris County, Outdoors, Salem County, Sussex County, Union County