Great park with some beautiful trails! We went hiking here over Memorial Day weekend (in the rain) and had a great time. We did the river trail which was a nice hike for the whole family. I wish that there were paper maps, there were times when having one would have been very handy. That being said, there are plenty of trail markers. They show up just as you start wondering if you're going the right way or not. The trail could use some maintenance- there were lots of downed trees. There was one you have to completely climb over (we had to scoot over it, you can't step over it as it's too wide). It had been down long enough that people had found a few ways around it that were off trail (didn't look super safe though) and instead have you go over a thinner part of the trunk. The trail is extremely rocky, which we were expecting and found it to be very fun! But make sure you are wearing shoes with a good grip. Overall, we loved this even in the rain. There's some nice waterfalls along the way, and plenty of picnicking spots. read more

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Long Valley, NJ - I love hiking in this park. It's a nice one to do with kids, and good for a casual and relaxing hike with some scenic features. You can do easy to moderate loops of various lengths. There are paved gravel roads as well as dirt trails with large rocks, and fun scrambly sections (not vertical) along the creek on the red trail, which takes you along the creek for half the loop. This is fun for our toddler who likes to figure out the way over and around obstacles. Great for exercise and physical coordination. Fishing is possible with a permit. A few picnic tables can be found here and there. There's even a small "secret" playground with a couple of picnic tables, located at the intersection of the white and yellow trails near the trailhead. The parking lot is spacious. There are bathrooms at the trailhead but they are only open during the warmer seasons. There's lots to do nearby as well: Hacklebarney Farms Cider Mill, Alstede Farms, Ort Farms, Cooper Gristmill, and Main Street Chester with some cute shops and eateries. You can really make a full day of it! read more

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OMG ... I would give this park 10 stars if I could !! It is beautiful , miles and miles of trails by waterfalls and creeks , there are 7 different color trails , we did 3 and will definitely go back k to explore the other side . They have benches and picnic tables all over the trails making it easy to rest and enjoy the breathtaking scenery. Birds and small wild animals make the place even more beautiful . Everything is so clean and well kept. If you want a memorable hike you should definitely try this one . It is BREATHTAKING :) read more

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I might as well start reviewing my hikes since I'm always going on them! Hacklebarney is a beautiful state park with the Lamington River and Trout Brook lining the beautiful natural walkways that make this park perfect. In the fall, the foliage and splatter of leaves make this both expectionally aesthetic but also a comfortable, great hike. read more

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Reminds me of Robert Frost's the Road Not Taken. We stopped by here with our baby and it's hidden deeper in. Lots of greenery in September and trails that diverge here and there. Fun to explore. Be prepared for some stairs or inclines and it's full of creatures. We loved the hidden playground that was overgrown and the riverside walk. read more

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Hacklebarney State Park is a wonderful way to spend some time in the great outdoors. I could see this being an enjoyable trail during all four seasons. I visited during an abnormally warm fall day, and the trail was absolutely packed. There's a pretty sizeable parking lot, but by the time we pulled in around 11 it was near full, and when we left around an hour or so later they had actually stopped letting new cars in. I'm sure this isn't the norm, but when it's 75 degrees in November people get excited. Myself included. To control the flow of traffic in one direction they only had one trail open. It's pretty much a loop through the entire park. Though it was crowded the trail is wide and it's easy enough for everyone to spread out. The hike is fairly short, maybe 2 or 3 miles? If you are going at a leisurely pace it takes around an hour and a half. The trail is scenic the whole time. There are beautiful waterfalls, streams and trees and it's just so peaceful and relaxing. Because the hike is pretty moderate there are lots of families, dog walkers, and people out and about enjoying their day. We came at the tail end of foliage, so next time I'd like to check it out a bit earlier. But I'd also like to visit over summer when everything is lush and green, and I think it would be a nice snowy wintery hike too. Needless to say, I'll be back. The entire area is gorgeous, so it's also nice just to drive around. Right around the corner you'll find the cider mill if you want a post-hike cider, and a few minutes up the road is downtown Chester with lots of cute shops / eateries. This makes for a nice day trip, so be sure to check it out for yourself if you are looking for a little adventure in Morris County. read more

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Located in Long Valley New Jersey, Hacklebarney State Park is 465 acres of natural area. The black river and former glaciers have carved this area into a gorge. Two tributaries, the Rinehart and Trout brooks were also instrumental in the gorges creation. During the 19th century the area was a source of iron which is witnessed by remanents of that industry which were left behind. The labor forced used to exploit the iron in the area has primarily Irish immigrants from County cork, Ireland, Today, Hacklebarney State Park is run by the New Jersey State Park system and is free to the public. There are five miles of hiking trails all of which are short in length. The Red Trail is 2.5 miles long and follows the Black River. The trail is well worn and requires some up and down hiking and river rock hopping. Trails at Hackleberry State Park are not handicapped friendly. During the summer the river and streams provide refreshment and the deep green Hemlocks are a source of shade. People use the picnic areas which could really use some extensive maintenace. The river is stocked with trout in the spring and fall but fishing requires a NJ fishing license permit. There are over 100 species of birds, black bear, woodchucks, fox and deer in the area. There is a southern portion of the natural area which is 528 acres and permits hunting. Catch some crayfish in the river and streams, take some photos or hike the trails through- out the year. Maps can be obtained online or at the parks ranger station. read more

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Probably won't be a five if I hadn't visited during the fall foliage, but upon witnessing its glory during our visit, the hike and the sceneries are as good as it gets. We hiked on Nov 5. It was after the peak foliage, but the colors were still spectacular. It was a brisk sunny day, perfect for hiking. From the parking lot, we started with the Main Trail. This part was paved, though not in good condition. With the picnic area on the right (also where wheelchairs can't go any further), we took the Windy Ridge Trail which could be easily missed. There are a lot of tree roots. At the end of the trail, we cross the bridge on the right, which is the start of the Riverside Trail. As soon as you see the river, look for a park bench on a pedestal on your right, because you wouldn't want miss the most picturesque view there. Don't let the name of the trail fool you. The part of Riverside trail right up to the Three Pools Trail is rocky and difficult to hike. Trail is also hard to follow. We took the Three Pools Trail back to the Main Trail. Before concluding the hike, we made an excursion to the Waterfall Trail for the waterfall which was not easy to get close to despite reaching the bottom of the long staircase for the Trout Brook Waterfall. It took us 2 hours while taking lots of photos along the way, and it covered about half of the trail. We hope to come back some day to explore the rest of the trails. There are plenty of parking. The approaches to the park from both the east and west are a bit unexpected. Almost just a single lane in some parts, and windy in others. Remote and out of the way for sure, but that's makes this state park even more of a tugged-away gem. read more

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The park is great...during the pandemic, most of people attending the park not so great. We arrived on a Sunday morning at 8AM...plenty of parking, people at the entrance were trying to maintain distance, most had masks on. As we walked the trails (Red Trail, to Yellow, to White ) nobody had masks on, even when trying to pass other groups, or when walking the wrong way (the park asked for 1 way foot traffic to increase social distancing). People would hang out on a foot bridge, no masks and ignore the fact that other people wanted to pass. As for the park....great place to for a hike! Lots of rocks/boulders for the kids to climb over along the Black River...very scenic (tons of picnic benches/tables along the river too). Paths are very well marked, a few steep inclines but nothing an 8 year old couldn't manage. read more

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Came here with the wife and kids to get away from the city for a bit, and WOW. I've been to parks before, but this park is perhaps one of the nicest I've ever been to. Not to say that I often go to parks as much as I should, but everything about this place is beautiful. Off the side of the road, there are some spots where people can camp out for the night and set up a site for either a small campfire or just have a small get together with friends. My family absolutely adores this spot and I'm sure we'll be back. It's crazy to me that these natural jewels are FREE for everyone to the public, where you would have to pay in other countries. Truly a sight to behold. I will say, we did end up getting lost for a bit, but that's only because of the sheer size of this place. Really love how this park shows it's true self in the winter months. The bar oaks that shine most brightly in the winter sun are the ones that are truly magnificent. read more

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it's beautiful place for trails. Restrooms: not clean, only near Parking Lot. Trail, fishing, picnic area. Try to plan to come here. read more

Hacklebarney State Park - Trail information - Parks Near Me - Long Valley, New Jersey

Came here to go hiking. We followed google maps directions, and had to drive down some unpaved roads to get here, but it wasn't too bad. There was a lot of parking available (huge lot, and it was empty due to the weather). There are several choices of paths. We tried a few colors and did not find any tough. This would be a good place for beginners. The hike was pretty fast as well. We took our time due to the snow, but you could do a really quick hike here. There was some nice scenery, including a small waterfall which is very close to the parking lot. read more

Hacklebarney State Park - Parks Near Me - Long Valley, New Jersey

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I would definitely come back to this beautiful state park. There's plenty of parking space. The park is well kept and the trails ate well marked. The main trail is wide enough and it's paved. There;s also a few cute little spots with waterfalls and some bridges. Just have to be super careful going down the rocks to get to the waterfalls. The picnic table and barbecue grills are on a first come first serve basis. read more

Hacklebarney State Park - Parks Near Me - Long Valley, New Jersey

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We woke up late, because we always do and we decided to go for a nice stroll. My daughter showed me photos of Hacklebarney and told Haru, we're going for a walk. So- called hiking is one of the safest thing families can do during novel Corona days. Most people were already in their way back when we got there. We only had an hour and half before dusk. Still, we didn't rush and truly enjoyed the woods, the streams, the lake and the rocky formation, nature offered. For the most part, we seemed the only ones in the woods and we liked that. The autumn weather is starting here, although the colors haven't changed yet, the mild chill made for a pleasurable excursion. The path was easy to follow; they marked trees with different colors based on the difficulty of the tail, or length. We followed the River Trail and we didn't regret it. read more

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Excellent foliage in October. The red trail is along the water the whole time. We followed the red trail until it got to the tough tree roots/scrambling section and quit early using the blue haki route. I can attest that the first half of the trail is perfect for an easy hike with mild elevation. Lots of picnic tables along the way. Lots of places to enjoy the water. Bathrooms available but ladies room was very dark for some reason. read more

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Amazing natural beauty can be found here. Stunning views and sounds of the river. The music the water provides will make you want to lay down and. Fly fishermen and landscape photographers can be found all along the river. Beautiful space. My little dog loves to hunt the chipmunks. She goes to defcon 4 when she hears them chirping. No we don't let her attack any animals she just loves to point and chuff at them. read more

It's a nice park, but a little neglected. Concrete steps were crumbling and even missing in places. They should also warn people that a level trail will suddenly turn into a rocky, slippery, difficult-to-navigate path. We had to turn back, as did lots of other folks who were surprised. It was also designated as "one-way" due to the pandemic, so the folks who had to turn back were now going the wrong way and getting nasty looks! read more

Is there anything nicer on a crisp fall day than a hike in the woods? Surrounded by orange and red leaves. The sound of rushing water over the rocks down to a beautiful brook. These are the sights and sounds of Hacklebarney State Park. And they are lovely... So lovely in fact, that you should go for a hike. But here are a few things to know before you venture out: + Parking is free. + There are plenty of trails to explore and they are all marked via paint on the trees - red paint for red trail, blue for blue, etc. +/- At least half the trails are smooth and the other half 'rocky'. - According to the map there aren't any complete loops that are completely smooth - most, if not all, start off smooth and then hit a 'rocky' path. - Bridges have #'s on them but there are no corresponding numbers on the map. +/- There are plenty of picnic areas with tables and grills throughout the park, although they don't look like they're cleaned often. Several tables we passed were covered with branches, dirt, moss, etc. +/- Bathrooms were functioning and clean enough. And one final thought - if you're going for a proper hike then make sure you wear the proper attire. We weren't exactly prepared for a true hike...I thought we could just go for a walk. Ha! No walks here, only hikes. Decent sneakers are needed, maybe even some work out gear, and a bottle of water. "Rocky Foot Paths" are indeed rocky, so chuck taylors are probably not the best option here. read more

Hacklebarney State Park - Parks Near Me - Long Valley, New Jersey

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Gorgeous State Park with Great scenic hiking trails, picnic areas, and trout fishing. Open from dawn to dusk Hacklebarney is terrific for family adventures, long walks, fishing, or just reflecting with nature. Hiking trails have levels of difficulties but are mostly paved trails, a few of which have gravel, and some are advanced which require more rock maneuvering and span a longer distance trail. This Park features alot of picnicking / grilling areas for your enjoyment but keep in mind you will carry out whatever you carry in and this includes trash. Also keep in mind that this is Bear Country as well as other animals of the forest that call this park home. The trout fishing here can be very good, where the trout brook section is there are native trout. Further below the Black River is stocked with trout. You need a valid N.J. State Fishing License and any Brook trout caught must be released unharmed as they try to increase their population. Lastly I'll leave you with this - Phone reception is spotty and next to zero bars so have a plan in case you experience a mechanical injury, illness, or emergency. And in the summer months apply some form of bug repellent for ticks and mosquitoes. read more

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Beautiful hike trails. Never crowded. Vast parking. Surrounded by water, trees, rocks and sky! What more could you want out of nature?? read more

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What I loved most about my trip yesterday to this beautiful and massive park was how close the waterfalls were to the parking lot. I realize that is sad, but I am SO out of shape. By the time I reached the rocks, I was spent. A friend and I ate scones by the water, and it was so peaceful. Sure, there were plenty of people garbed in hiking gear and moving their legs and being healthy. But the scones? They were good, too. But yes, go to Hacklebarney. Many trails, convenient location, scenic views all around. read more

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This trail was relatively easy to walk on, but the signages were a little confusing so we weren't quite sure what path we were on. The scenery along the hike was very nice! We walked along the river and took some pictures at the bridge. Our hike did get cut short though due to sudden rainfall, but I'd say if you're looking for a relaxing, calm hike, this would be a great park to go to! read more

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Over the pandemic, my family and I have started our little hiking journeys in different areas of NJ. I think this is the perfect place to go for those that are new to hiking. First, I reccomend everyone to come here early!!! The first time we tried to come was around 10pm and the park rangers did not let us in since there were way too many people inside. The last time we went, we got there around 8:30 and there were still a few cars parked in the lot but we were definitely one of the few earlier ones. They have a big parking lot at the entrance of the park and you are allowed to bring animals and food. Just try not to bring marmalade as they do have bears in the park. Hehehe. At the entrance of the park they have maps. The trail is in the shape of a kangaroo and there is a trail that is easy, moderate, then hard. My family and I pretty much walked on all the trails and the trail that is marked as hard was pretty fun. It does get a little tricky but nothing too bad. They have beautiful waterfalls and a hidden park towards the end of one of the trails. There are many picnic tables inside the park so that you can take a rest and snack on something. read more

Hacklebarney State Park - Parks Near Me - Long Valley, New Jersey

Great park with great trails! This park has ample parking and well-marked trails. There is a large map upon entry that you can take a photo of today utilize while hiking. The trails are very well-marked to ensure that you know where you're going and can keep on the right path. The red trail is great but be warned that is gets rocky and challenging at a certain point. The views throughout the park are beautiful and include a river and waterfalls. It's a nice option for a day with the family or friends. The views in the fall are so lovely and it's really nice if you want to take some photos. You may even see people with easels painting the scenery while you're on your hike. What's also nice is the farm is right down the road so after a hike you can enjoy some cider donuts! read more

Hacklebarney State Park - Parks Near Me - Long Valley, New Jersey

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A great place to hike any time of year. The gorge is a favorite place to stop and breathe!!

Great river trail loop. Moderate. Will be back again. Can't wait to see the leaves change! read more

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Beautiful park with a large variety of trail lengths and difficulty. Lovely river hike with waterfalls. We loved it and so did our dog. Can't wait to go back read more

Hacklebarney State Park - Parks Near Me - Long Valley, New Jersey

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Great hiking spot with tons of views. You can easily hike the entirety of all the trails here in a day. My friend and I hiked most of the trails in a couple of hours . There is plenty of parking at the location due to the fact that it is so popular. We came around 12:30 on a Wednesday so it wasn't that busy yet there were a few cars. There's a colour coded map at the start of the park which was really helpful. There are no printable maps to take with you so be sure to snap a photo of it before you head out on the trails. The trails were in top quality, blazes were able to seen and it was very helpful knowing that white would take you to the parking lot. There are also various signs with arrows pointing in the direction where you'd like to go. Because it rained a day ago, the trail near the water was incredibly slippery so do come prepared and be ready to almost bust on some slippery rocks, yet you're rewarded with really awesome views of various waterfalls and bridges along your way in the park. The hike wasn't that difficult and it's definitely a place I'd take kids and the fam, there were a lot of open views and even picnic tables with little mini grills that you could use for a picnic. A great day hike, all in all I'm definitely coming back here, if you're in the area, please check it out! read more

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What an Adventure my daughter and I had today! This park was everything I was looking for on a nice , cool, fall day! Let me start at beginning.. it's always a good sign when you pull into the parking lot and it's packed ! I said to myself ( well I guess this was a good idea and a nice trail if there are so many cars.) My daughter and I looked at the cute sign that told us which trails we could take and we took a map. We walked a little but and decided to down the steps and across the bridge! This place is amazing for beautiful pics! I love the fall and I was able to capture , feel and experience it! After we crossed the first bridge we followed a trail of leaves and the sound of rolling water .. a beautiful stream was on our right! We followed the trail and stopped off at every spot to climb and walk on the rocks, boulders and trees that acted like balance beams! My daughter was the tour guide and I followed her every step. She also had so much fun. She said her favorite part of the day was seeing all the dogs and the beautiful water, it was so clear! While walking you can go all the way down to the bottom and see the water falls . There was a huge rock section which you could climb and take pics. When my daughter and I were done for the day , we thought about all the memories we made and that's what made this place even more special! It wasn't a little trail , it was an experience ! Must do! Go out there and climb those rocks, walk across the trees and take lots of pics!! read more

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Great time walking the trails along the river and taking photos. Many places to stop, rest, eat and enjoy the views. A mix of level terrain, rocky patches and some uphill climbs made for an athletic yet enjoyable time. read more

Why is the sound of rushing water so pleasing? Clamber along the rocky & rooty trail next to the Black River and you'll enjoy that sound for at least half an hour. Hacklebarney is possibly the most child friendly park in Morris County -- that is, if your kid likes to hop on rocks and play at the edge of the water like mine always did. (You might have to leave home any certain significant others that prohibit such activities - just sayin'.) There's even a small playground at the top. Trails are reasonably well marked with painted blazes on trees. Found no paper trail maps to take along, and no map boards anywhere. But basically every trail is a fairly small loop so getting lost isn't a concern. Ticks *are* a concern. Check yourself carefully when you get home. The Red trail by the water is awful for people with artificial and/or old knees and ankles, those folks are best advised to stick to the wide, even paths that run thru the woods. But even on those milder trails you'll still hear the water. Also a solid place to pack in a lunch. Benches have been placed on islands literally *in* the river, you can enjoy your trail mix while watching for fish in the very clear water. Speaking of fish, the river is stocked with trout in the spring. License required. State budget cuts have left this park utterly unattended even on weekends. The park doesn't even have trash cans, I guess bcos there's nobody to empty them. I'd be happy to pitch in a couple of bucks per visit but there's no envelope, no lock box, nada. Plenty of parking. read more

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This park is best park in New Jersey i been there so many times for fishing sadly i didn't catch any fish right there but i have best time ever. 2 times i been here 2 times i didn't find any fish but me and my friend had absolutley best time ever being here. This park is best for walking around and this park is pet friendly but you have to keep your dog on leash there is map of the park which is free to get so you can see where you need to go, there is bathrooms as well which was by the time i was there a bit not clean but still with everything that this park have to offer it is one of the best parks ever in New Jersey read more

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New North Face backpack to look like a legit hiker.....check. Walking stick to ward off attackers eying my new backpack....check. Trail mix to fuel a well oiled hiking machine...............check. Hacklebarney is a great place for a quick walk in the park. The trails are relatively easy and short (except for the slight uphill incline when you are heading back to the parking area). There are plenty of convenient benches / tables located throughout the park by the river (which are perfect for a picnic). read more

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Great little park to visit for a moderate hike. The main trail winds along the Black River with several great spots to take a break and relax. read more

Hacklebarney State Park - Parks Near Me - Long Valley, New Jersey

My favorite place to hike! Absoluely love this place. Feel like I am in heaven when I hit this trail. What a treat to see the waterfall. Plus a dog friendly park and great place to picnic or BBQ if you choose. Just enough activity to get me going but not so strenous that I am put out...a slice of heaven for my psyche! read more

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First warm day of the year meant my first hike at Hacklebarney. It was gorgeous and hardly anyone was there. I was able to walk my dog with no bother from anyone else. The waterfalls near the entrance were flowing beautifully. I will definitely be back within the week. My only negatives.... 1...There needs to be more signs for the new people. I accidently went up the blue trail after following the falls down from the enterance. As I am not an avid hiker, I thought I was going to die. Lol I kept hoping I was going the right way and then I FINALLY saw the best sign I have ever laid eyes on. 'To parking' with an arrow finally pointing me in the right direction. 2... I pulled 3 ticks off of myself and 1 off my dog once we got home. I'm sure there are warning signs for this issue near the entrance but I didn't see them on my way in. All in all, this is a wonderful park, it just needs more signs. 2 thumbs up, regardless read more

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Beautiful unspoiled, Hacklebarney is a great hike. The stream is tranquil for the first acre or so and then falls 50 feet into a natural pool. read more

Live 1 mile away and don't tell anyone else but this is the nicest state park with great trails, waterfall, black river fishing. Cooking grills and tables on bridges over streams. Keep it quite so it doesn't get too busy. Beware that you can get lost in the trails in there. Stick to the colored paint marks on the trees. Great place. read more

I came here on a Monday in March and was the only person in the entire park. The trails are on the shorter side between half a mile to two miles. Trails range from easy and paved to difficult because you have to climb over small rocks. The red trail is the longest trail and have sections of paved and section of rocks. I really enjoyed this park because the trails run alongside the river so the park is very beautiful. They are still cleaning up from this year's winter snowstorm so be prepared to climb over trees that have cross the path. I actually enjoy a challenge while hiking so that doesn't bother me, you are out in the wild. Only the bathrooms near the parking lot are open in the winter. There's plenty of parking. There are picnic tables, benches and grills every quarter-mile along all of the paths, I have no idea how they were able to pack in some of these grills, it is very cool that they offer them. Will 100% come back again, New Jersey state parks are beautiful. read more

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The park is nice and in a beautiful location. The highlight is a small waterfall, which is a short walk from the parking lot. There isn't much here except for the waterfall. If you are looking for a challenging or scenic hike look elsewhere. If you just want a short relaxing walk then it is sufficient. There is ample parking, bathroom facilities, and dogs are welcome. read more