{"id":316,"date":"2012-06-30T18:06:15","date_gmt":"2012-06-30T18:06:15","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.websitefix.net\/clients\/Generic\/?page_id=316"},"modified":"2019-12-04T23:30:09","modified_gmt":"2019-12-04T23:30:09","slug":"parks-nature","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.sunraydirect.com\/SouthernNJ3\/?page_id=316","title":{"rendered":"Parks & Nature"},"content":{"rendered":"

SPORTS & RECREATION \/ PARKS & NATURE
\n<\/strong>
\nThroughout Southern New Jersey and the surrounding environs are lush parks and premier recreational facilities developed and managed by boroughs, cities, counties, and the federal government. Lush parks, wooded retreats, sparkling lakes, rolling rivers, rushing streams, white-sand beaches, and patchwork fields encourage biking, hiking, horseback riding, fishing, swimming, wildlife viewing, bird watching, camping, water sports, and winter sports. From celebrated battlefields and historic sites to nature preserves and municipal parks, the region draws residents from their homes to enjoy nature’s gracious bounty.<\/p>\n

Regional State Parks & Forests<\/strong><\/p>\n


\n<\/strong> Allaire State Park
\n<\/strong>Allaire 732-938-2371
\nwww.state.nj.us\/dep\/parksandforests\/parks\/allaire.html<\/a>
\n3,205 acres for riverfront fishing, canoeing, camping, nature study, and Historic Allaire Village.<\/p>\n

Barnegat Lighthouse State Park
\n<\/strong>Barnegat Light 609-494-2016
\nwww.state.nj.us\/dep\/parksandforests\/parks\/barnlig.html<\/a>
\n32 acres features one of the last remnants of maritime forest on Long Beach Island, rich with migratory birds.<\/p>\n

Bass River State Forest
\n<\/strong>New Gretna 609-296-1114
\nwww.state.nj.us\/dep\/parksandforests\/parks\/bass.html<\/a>
\n29,147 acres with the 67-acre Lake Absegami and trails through Absegami Natural Area.<\/p>\n

Belleplain State Forest
\n<\/strong>Woodbine 609-861-2404
\nwww.state.nj.us\/dep\/parksandforests\/parks\/belle.html<\/a>
\n21,254 acres of young pine, oak, and Atlantic white cedar combine with Lake Nummy.<\/p>\n

Brendan T. Byrne State Forest
\n<\/strong>New Lisbon 609-726-1191
\nwww.state.nj.us\/dep\/parksandforests\/parks\/byrne.html<\/a>
\n34,725 acres for hiking through deep forests dotted with remnants of early development.<\/p>\n

Cape May Point State Park
\n<\/strong>Cape May Point 609-884-2159
\nwww.state.nj.us\/dep\/parksandforests\/parks\/capemay.html<\/a>
\n244 acres of shoreline, dunes, marshes and ponds, forested islands, and varied uplands.<\/p>\n

Cheesequake State Park
\n<\/strong>Matawan 732-566-2161
\nwww.state.nj.us\/dep\/parksandforests\/parks\/cheesequake.html<\/a>
\n1,292 acres combines two ecosystems including saltwater and freshwater marshes, a cedar swamp, Pine Barrens, and hardwood forest.<\/p>\n

Double Trouble State Park
\n<\/strong>Bayville 732-341-6662
\nwww.state.nj.us\/dep\/parksandforests\/parks\/double.html<\/a>
\n8,495 acres of exceptional Pine Barrens ecosystem and a 1700s living-history village.<\/p>\n

Forked River State Marina
\n<\/strong>Forked River 609-693-5045
\nwww.state.nj.us\/dep\/parksandforests\/parks\/marinas.html#forkedriver<\/a>
\n15-minute ride to Barnegat Bay and the Intracoastal Waterway with easy access to Barnegat Inlet and the Atlantic Ocean.<\/p>\n

Fortescue State Marina
\n<\/strong>Fortescue 856-462-7314
\nwww.state.nj.us\/dep\/parksandforests\/parks\/marinas.html#fortescue<\/a>
\n23 miles northwest of Cape May, the marina is located on Delaware Bay.<\/p>\n

Island Beach State Park
\n<\/strong>Seaside Park 732-793-0506
\nwww.state.nj.us\/dep\/parksandforests\/parks\/island.html<\/a>
\n3,003 acres of narrow barrier island stretches over 10 miles between Barnegat Bay and the Atlantic Ocean.<\/p>\n

Parvin State Park
\n<\/strong>Pittsgrove 856-358-8616
\nwww.state.nj.us\/dep\/parksandforests\/parks\/parvin.html<\/a>
\n2,092 acres on the edge of the Pine Barrens features lake recreation including fishing, boating, and swimming.<\/p>\n

Penn State Forest
\n<\/strong>New Gretna 609-296-1114                                                                    
\nwww.state.nj.us\/dep\/parksandforests\/parks\/penn.html<\/a>
\n3,366 acres of wilderness for picnicking and hiking includes Lake Oswego for canoeing and fishing.<\/p>\n

Princeton Battlefield State Park
\n<\/strong>Princeton 609-921-0074
\nwww.state.nj.us\/dep\/parksandforests\/parks\/princeton.html<\/a>
\n681 acres with historic significance for birdwatching, picnicking, and winter sports.<\/p>\n

Rancocas State Park
\n<\/strong>New Lisbon 609-965-5220
\nwww.state.nj.us\/dep\/parksandforests\/parks\/rancocas.html<\/a>
\n1,252 acres includes Rancocas Creek, the Audubon Society nature center, and 1600s Powhatan Indian Village.<\/p>\n

Senator Frank S. Farley State Marina<\/a>
\n<\/strong>Atlantic City 609-441-8482
\nwww.state.nj.us\/dep\/parksandforests\/parks\/marinas.html#senator<\/a>
\nSituated on Clam Creek for a short trip to the Atlantic Ocean via Absecon Inlet or the Intracoastal Waterway.<\/p>\n

Voorhees State Park
\n<\/strong>Glen Gardner 908-638-8572
\nwww.state.nj.us\/dep\/parksandforests\/parks\/voorhees.html<\/a>
\n1,336 acres with multi-purpose trails, camping, fishing, hunting, hiking, biking, sports facilities, and an observatory.<\/p>\n

Washington Crossing State Park
\n<\/strong>Titusville 609-737-0623
\nwww.state.nj.us\/dep\/parksandforests\/parks\/washcros.html<\/a>
\n3,575 acres with historical significance for wildlife study, picnicking, hiking, and winter sports.<\/p>\n

Wharton State Forest
\n<\/strong>Hammonton 609-561-0024
\nwww.state.nj.us\/dep\/parksandforests\/parks\/wharton.html<\/a>
\n122,880 acres of forested land for canoeing and hiking with biking and horseback-riding paths.<\/p>\n

Pennsylvania State Parks
\n<\/strong>
\nBenjamin Rush State Park
\n<\/strong>Fort Washington 215-969-0507
\nwww.dcnr.state.pa.us\/stateparks<\/a>
\n<\/u>The world’s largest community gardens combine with undeveloped open fields and woodlands.<\/p>\n

Delaware Canal State Park
\n<\/strong>Upper Black Eddy, PA 610-982-5560
\nwww.dcnr.state.pa.us\/stateparks<\/a>
\n60-mile towpath of the Delaware Canal with historic significance for hiking and mule-drawn canal boat rides.<\/p>\n

Evansburg State Park
\n<\/strong>Collegeville 610-409-1150
\nwww.dcnr.state.pa.us\/stateparks<\/a>
\nScenic retreat from urban surroundings encourages fishing, picnicking, hiking, and horseback riding.<\/p>\n

Fort Washington State Park<\/strong>
\nFort Washington 215-591-5250
\nwww.dcnr.state.pa.us\/stateparks<\/a>
\nEqually rich in historical significance, recreational opportunities, and the natural beauty of flowering dogwoods.
\n
\nFrench Creek State Park
\n<\/strong>Elverson 610-582-9680
\nwww.dcnr.state.pa.us\/stateparks<\/a>
\nBoating, fishing, and outdoor recreation on 7,526 total acres with 5,000 acres of open land.<\/p>\n

Jacobsburg Environmental Education Center
\n<\/strong>Wind Gap 610-746-2801
\nwww.dcnr.state.pa.us\/stateparks<\/a>
\nEducational programs for youth of all ages combine with Henry Woods for hiking and historic treasures.<\/p>\n

Marsh Creek State Park
\n<\/strong>Downingtown 610-458-5119
\nwww.dcnr.state.pa.us\/stateparks<\/a>
\nWindsurfing, pedal boats, boating, fishing, canoes, ice skating, ice fishing, and miles of trails.<\/p>\n

Neshaminy State Park
\n<\/strong>Bensalem 215-639-4538
\nwww.dcnr.state.pa.us\/stateparks<\/a>
\nWater-oriented, 330-acre park on the Delaware River offers a pool, boat mooring, and launches.
\n
\nNockamixon State Park
\n<\/strong>Quakertown, PA 215-529-7300
\nwww.dcnr.state.pa.us\/stateparks<\/a>
\n5,283 acres of forests and fields surround 1,450-acre Lake Nockamixon for virtually unlimited outdoor recreation.<\/p>\n

Ralph Stover State Park
\n<\/strong>Upper Black Eddy 610-982-5560
\nwww.dcnr.state.pa.us\/stateparks<\/a>
\nCanoe, fish, hike, and enjoy cabins in this 45-acre park along Tohickon Creek.<\/p>\n

Ridley Creek State Park
\n<\/strong>Media 610-892-3900
\nwww.dcnr.state.pa.us\/stateparks<\/a>
\nMore than 2,500 acres with multi-purpose trails, exercise stations, historic buildings, picnic groves and a Colonial Plantation.<\/p>\n

Tyler State Park
\n<\/strong>Newtown, PA 215-968-2021
\nwww.dcnr.state.pa.us\/stateparks<\/a>
\n1,711 acres of original farm and woodland setting with miles of trails and Neshaminy Creek.<\/p>\n

White Clay Creek Preserve
\n<\/strong>Landenberg 610-274-2900
\nwww.dcnr.state.pa.us\/stateparks<\/a>
\nVaried topography from steep to rolling terrain includes historical points and adjoins White Clay Creek State Park of Delaware.<\/p>\n

Regional Recreation Contacts<\/strong><\/p>\n


\n<\/strong> Appalachian Trail
\n<\/strong>Harper’s Ferry 304-535-6331
\nwww.appalachiantrail.org<\/a><\/p>\n

Atlantic City
\n<\/strong>Atlantic City 888-AC-VISIT
\nwww.atlanticcitynj.com<\/a><\/p>\n

Atlantic County
\n<\/strong>Mays Landing 609-625-1897
\nwww.aclink.org\/parks<\/a><\/p>\n

Burlington County
\n<\/strong>Eastampton 609-265-5858
\nwww.co.burlington.nj.us<\/a><\/p>\n

Cumberland County
\n<\/strong>Bridgeton 856-453-2184
\nwww.co.cumberland.nj.us<\/a><\/p>\n

Gloucester County
\n<\/strong>Sewell 856-251-6710
\nwww.co.gloucester.nj.us<\/a><\/p>\n

New Jersey Statewide
\n<\/strong>Trenton 800-VISITNJ
\nhttp:\/\/www.state.nj.us<\/a><\/p>\n

New Jersey Fish & Wildlife
\n<\/strong>Trenton 609-292-2965
\nwww.nj.gov\/dep\/fgw<\/a><\/p>\n

New Jersey Green Acres Program
\n<\/strong>Central\/Southern 609-984-0500
\nwww.nj.gov\/dep\/greenacres<\/a><\/p>\n

New Jersey Park Service
\n<\/strong>Trenton 800-843-6420
\nwww.nj.gov\/dep\/parksandforests<\/a><\/p>\n

City of Philadelphia
\n<\/strong>Fairmount Park System
\nPhiladelphia 215-683-0200
\nwww.phila.gov<\/a><\/p>\n

Pennsylvania State Parks
\n<\/strong>Eastern 215-453-5000
\nNorthcentral 814-486-3365
\nSouthcentral 814-733-2202
\nWestern 724-865-2131
\nwww.dcnr.state.pa.us\/stateparks<\/a><\/p>\n


\n<\/em>
\nPhiladelphia’s Fairmount Park
\n<\/strong>The largest landscaped city park in the world begins at Benjamin Franklin Parkway and encompasses 9,200 acres of winding creeks, rustic trails and lush green meadows. A full 100 miles of jogging, bicycling and bridle paths are available. Visitors can rent sailboats, canoes and bicycles, play tennis and golf, swim or enjoy free symphony concerts during the summer months.<\/p>\n

Wildlife is abundant in this urban paradise, home to more than 50 species of birds that use the park as a breeding area and 100 more than migrate through or over-winter. At least 20 species of mammals, nine reptiles, six amphibians, and 50 fish have found a comfortable habitat in the park. Whether you enjoy lunch beside a majestic statue, participate in the summer rowing camp, skate down West River Drive, mountain bike on the Wissahickon Trails, or take the kids to a playground, one of the 62 neighborhood parks is available less than a mile from every city residence. In fact, the term “Fairmount Park” refers to a vast citywide park system with virtually endless varieties of natural and crafted beauty.<\/p>\n

More than 200 pieces of sculpture dot the scenic landscape, including internationally known works like Alexander Stirling Calder\u2019s Swann Memorial Fountain, Rudolf Siemering\u2019s Washington Monument, Emmanuel Fremiet\u2019s Joan of Arc, Frederick Remington\u2019s Cowboy, Jacques Lipschitz\u2019s Spirit of Enterprise, Carl Milles\u2019 Playing Angels, and John J. Boyle\u2019s Stone Age in America. For complete information about this national treasure and Philadelphia’s crown jewel of recreational resources, contact:<\/p>\n

Fairmount Park
\n<\/strong>215-685-0200
\nwww.fairmountpark.org<\/a><\/p>\n

Major Attractions<\/strong><\/p>\n


\n<\/strong> Academy of Natural Sciences
\n<\/strong>1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway
\n215-299-1000
\nwww.ansp.org<\/a><\/p>\n

Belmont Mansion
\n<\/strong>2000 Belmont Mansion Drive
\nPhiladelphia 215-878-8844
\nwww.belmontmansion.org\/contact_awhs_philadelphia.html<\/a><\/p>\n

Horticultural Center & Centennial Arboretum
\n<\/strong>100 North Horticultural Drive
\nPhiladelphia 215-685-0096
\nwww.visitphilly.com\/outdoor-activities\/philadelphia\/fairmount-park-horticulture-center<\/a><\/p>\n

The Mann Center for the Performing Arts
\n<\/strong>5201 Parkside Avenue
\nFairmount Park 215-893-1999
\nwww.manncenter.org<\/a><\/p>\n

The Philadelphia Museum of Art
\n<\/strong>2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway
\nPhiladelphia 215-763-8100
\nwww.philamuseum.org<\/a><\/p>\n

Philadelphia Zoo
\n<\/strong>3400 West Girard Avenue
\nPhiladelphia 215-243-1100
\nwww.philadelphiazoo.org<\/a><\/p>\n

Robin Hood Dell
\n<\/strong>Ridge Avenue and Huntingdon Street
\nPhiladelphia 215-683-3590
\nwww.mydelleast.com<\/a><\/p>\n

Rodin Museum
\n<\/strong>2154 Benjamin Franklin Parkway
\nPhiladelphia 215-763-8100
\nwww.rodinmuseum.org<\/a><\/p>\n

Smith Memorial Playground & Playhouse
\n<\/strong>East Fairmount Park
\n3500 Reservoir Drive
\nPhiladelphia 215-765-4325
\nhttp:\/\/smithplayground.org<\/a><\/p>\n

Strawberry Mansion
\n<\/strong>2829 West Diamond Street
\nPhiladelphia 215-235-7505
\nwww.strawberrymansioncdc.org<\/a><\/p>\n

Woodford Mansion & Naomi Wood Collection
\n<\/strong>2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway
\nPhiladelphia 215-763-8100
\nwww.philamuseum.org<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

SPORTS & RECREATION \/ PARKS & NATURE Throughout Southern New Jersey and the surrounding environs are lush parks and premier recreational facilities developed and managed by boroughs, cities, counties, and the federal government. Lush parks, wooded retreats, sparkling lakes, rolling rivers, rushing streams, white-sand beaches, and patchwork fields encourage biking, hiking, horseback riding, fishing, swimming, […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","template":"","meta":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sunraydirect.com\/SouthernNJ3\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/316"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sunraydirect.com\/SouthernNJ3\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sunraydirect.com\/SouthernNJ3\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sunraydirect.com\/SouthernNJ3\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sunraydirect.com\/SouthernNJ3\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=316"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/www.sunraydirect.com\/SouthernNJ3\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/316\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":751,"href":"https:\/\/www.sunraydirect.com\/SouthernNJ3\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/316\/revisions\/751"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sunraydirect.com\/SouthernNJ3\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=316"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}