New Jersey's National Parks

Appalachian National Scenic Trail

You could probably ask as a trivia question "How many National Parks are in New Jersey?" and you would a lot of wrong answers.  Some people - especially people outside of our state - might even answer that there are none.

I'm afraid that the Grand Canyon and Acadia and other National Parks get most of the attention.

Writer and historian Wallace Stegner called national parks "the best idea we ever had. Absolutely American, absolutely democratic, they reflect us at our best rather than our worst."

The National Park Service runs not only parks but scenic trails, recreation areas, rivers, and even waterfalls and pinelands.

Since 1916, the National Park Service has been entrusted with the care of our national parks, and with volunteers and partners, they protect these special places. 275 million visitors enjoy the parks every year.

There are ten National Parks in New Jersey. Perhaps your summer list can include a trip to each of them.

1. Appalachian National Scenic Trail
2. Delaware Water Gap National Rec Area
3. Edison NHS
4. Gateway National Rec Area
5. Great Egg Harbor Scenic and Rec River
6. Middle Delaware National Scenic River
7. Morristown NHP
8. New Jersey Coastal Heritage Trail Route
9. New Jersey Pinelands
10. Paterson-Great Falls

Paterson Great Falls