Exploring Laurie Chauncey Nature Trail Near Princeton

What most people aren’t aware of are the beautiful grounds surrounding the campus of this institution located just outside Princeton, in Lawrenceville, and the over 2 miles of trails that run alongside Stony Brook.

Hiking the History of Voorhees State Park

Planetarium in forrest

One of the most visionary components of the New Deal was the Civilian Conservation Corps.; one of the local beneficiaries of this program was Voorhees State Park. In the early 20th century Hill Acres Farm in rural Lebanon Twp. was home to chickens, orchards and fields of wheat, rye and hay.

Discover Waterfalls at Apshawa Preserve

The word “apshawa” translates to, “upon the mountain.” This is a very fitting name for this preserve in West Milford; because there certainly is magic in the mountains here.

Money Island (Alloway Creek Wetland Restoration Site)

Sand path through trees

Follow Our Writer Previous Next Follow on AllTrails Here’s a place that’s remote in location and information – this one is for the explorers out there!  Money Island is one of the smallest and remote locations in rural Cumberland Co. This preserve sits on the area the Native Americans called “Wootsessunging.” In 1664 the Governor […]

Exploring the Lambertville Graffiti Train

Graffitied inside of train car

Finding the train isn’t hard. There are two approaches you can take. This one is a little longer.  Parking in Lambertville is always a challenge, so park where you can, as near Lambertville Inn as possible.  Walk-behind the restaurant through the parking lot.

Brooksbrae – Graffiti Covered Brick Factory

Graffiti on structure in forest

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.

Hiking The Stairway To Heaven Trail in Vernon, New Jersey

The overall length of the trail is about 4 miles out and back. The gain of elevation is around 1000 feet, so you’re gaining a lot of elevation in a short period of time. This hike is great for beginners in the New Jersey area and also good for families and/or pets.

Peaceful Hiking in Central Jersey at Plainsboro Preserve

Overcast sky overlooking lake through trees

Just 30 minutes outside Princeton, NJ lies 1,000 acres of dense forests, wide fields, and lakeside views the Plainsboro Preserve. The Plainsboro Preserve is owned and operated by NJ Audubon and is free and open to public from dawn to dusk. The Preserve boasts 5 miles of trails including a geocache route, a nature discovery […]

6 Best Spots For Rainy Days in New Jersey

White stone building with woman running in rain

Rainy day got you down? Not to worry! NJspots has you covered with some of the best places that are worth visiting around New Jersey during those rainy or overcast days. Whether it’s spring showers, summer thunderstorms, or storm season, we have some spots you’ll still want to visit. Before you start exploring during the […]

Exploring Palisades Interstate Park – Hiking with NYC Views

Top of cliff looking onto lake

The Palisades Interstate Park is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Located in North Jersey, the park stretches from Fort Lee to Alpine and offers a variety of activities for all seasons. If you’re looking to take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding area, there are several lookout points worth checking […]

Local Guide: The Pine Barrens – No Jersey Devil Required!

Looking through baron trees sun shining through

Interested in the Pine Barrens, but wary about the perils of isolated forests and spotty cell service? Luckily, there exist a few parks on the edges of that vast swath of trees that can serve as your gateway for many adventures to come! Double Trouble State Park and Jakes Branch County Park, both located in […]

Find a New Community (& Explore with Purpose) with Hike the World

Image of group “ Hike The World”

If you’ve ever wanted to join a hiking group in New Jersey but didn’t know where to start, begin with Hike the World you’ll find an upbeat group of hikers shining a light on mental health awareness through hiking and getting outside.  Hike the World is a hiking company that offers community hikes, unique themed […]

Hit the Trail with NYNJTC’s Hike of the Week

New Jersey is filled with trails both long and short! They get you exploring from the mountains to the shore. Whether you’re a fan of cliff side hikes that lead to waterfalls, or winding walks in the woods, New York-New Jersey Trail Conference’s Hike of the Week will get you started on all the Garden […]

Have a Rocky Hiking Adventure in Schooley’s Mountain Park

Water flowing over rocks through trees

Explore this Long Valley hike for a variety of outdoor elements starting the hiking season off strong! What You’ll Find at Schooley’s Mountain Park Warmer weather means more Garden State hiking adventures! And the NYNJTC has you covered with this hike of the week, which starts at a lake and loops around to an overlook. […]

Meetup Wrapup: Sunrise Hike at Mount Minsi

Person holding NJ spots logo

The Delaware Water Gap is one of the most well-known hiking spots in New Jersey. We were lucky enough to catch sunrise from the Pennsylvania side on Mount Minsi! We wrapped up our 2-Part Hiking Meet with our friends at the Pennsylvania Collective by starting a 4am hike on the PA side of the Delaware […]

Sussex County

Obelisk on hill with trees

Grab your camera and join us on this photographer’s scavenger hunt of Sussex County.

Hiking At Milford Bluffs Preserve

Image of cliff overlooking body of water with summer trees

One of the best views of the Delaware River is waiting at the Thomas F. Breden Preserve in Milford, New Jersey. Tucked away in between Holland and Milford is an enjoyable mix of forest hiking and open field wandering that leads to breathtaking views of the Delaware River reaching out into the distance. You will […]

Basking Ridge: Your Gateway to the Outdoors

Flowery field in forest

Share It! Post It! LinkedIn Reddit Pin It! Basking Ridge is your gateway to many outdoor spots in New Jersey. Its proximity to highways 78, 287, and 206 help you explore quickly and efficiently all over Somerset, Morris, and Union counties! PLACES TO VISIT Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge Basking Ridge is your gateway to […]

Black River Rock Trail & Waterfall with Kay’s Cottage Ruins

Broken down light brick building in Forrest with waterfall

One of the favorite spots of our founder Virginia (@buewho), is this unique trial loop which is definitely one to check out! Nestled in the back of the woods along a peaceful river you will come across a unique spot of what was once a mill along the Black River in Chester, New Jersey. This […]

Best Photo Spots for Wildlife in New Jersey

Stag running though amber grass

New Jersey is home to a wide variety of “critters”, some are cute & cuddly while others are quite dangerous. If you walk along any trail or sit in a park you will certainly find squirrels and chipmunks running around as if they are late for their train. If you are quiet and look hard […]

The Best Hikes for You and Your Dog in New Jersey

Person with dog looking up at waterfall with trees

If taking your pups out for a hike is one of the best parts of your day, check out this guide for some of the best places to walk your furry friends in New Jersey! And check out our map for dog-friendly swimming spots, too. North Jersey Jenny Jump State Forest (Hope). This is one […]

Skip These Popular New Jersey Spots & Go Here Instead…

Light on brush by water sunrise/sunset

NJspots was started by the founder with the purpose of showing more people what New Jersey is all about and bashing stereotypes that the Garden State has. As the years have gone on, the NJspots community has continued to share amazing places around the state that are worth visiting. There are always some gems that […]

Guide on Choosing the Best Camera Lens for Hiking

looking at butterfly with camera on tree

Ready to level up your hiking photography? Maybe you read out guide for the best camera for hiking and are ready to find the best lens for an interchangeable camera. You can choose the right focal length and photography style on your hikes when you have various lens options. We will choose our lens similar […]