New Jersey, often known for its bustling cities and vibrant coastlines, harbors a treasure trove of wilderness waiting to be discovered. From pristine forests and untouched beaches to majestic mountain ranges, this state is a haven for those passionate about ecotourism and outdoor activities. Join “Du lịch khắp thế gian” (Travel the World) as we explore the most amazing wildlife tours in New Jersey, where you can immerse yourself in unspoiled beauty and experience unforgettable adventures.
Gateway National Recreation Area: Where Nature and History Intertwine
Gateway National Recreation Area, a gem of New Jersey, is an ideal destination for wildlife tours that blend nature exploration with historical elements. Spanning across both New Jersey and New York, Gateway offers incredible ecological diversity, from long sandy beaches and salt marshes to forests and wetlands.
In the Sandy Hook area of Gateway, you can join hiking tours to explore the unique coastal ecosystem, observe rare migratory birds, and enjoy expansive ocean views. If you’re a history enthusiast, don’t miss the opportunity to explore Fort Hancock, an ancient military site with 19th-century defense structures. Kayak tours are also popular at Gateway, allowing you to discover the beauty of the coastline from a completely new perspective, weaving through creeks and observing wildlife in their natural habitat.
Gateway National Park one of America's newest national parks
Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge: A Birdwatcher’s Paradise
For bird lovers and nature photography enthusiasts, Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge is a must-visit destination on a wildlife exploration journey in New Jersey. This vast refuge is home to hundreds of different bird species, especially during migration seasons, when thousands of birds flock here to rest and feed.
Ecotours at Forsythe often focus on birdwatching, with trails and observation towers specially designed for visitors to easily access and admire the beauty of the birds. You can join guided tours to learn more about the salt marsh ecosystem, native bird species, and the importance of the refuge in biodiversity conservation. Besides birds, Forsythe is also home to many other wildlife species such as otters, turtles, and deer, offering rich and diverse nature exploration experiences.
Wharton State Forest: Adventure in the Mysterious Pine Barrens
Wharton State Forest, located in the heart of New Jersey’s Pine Barrens, is one of the largest and most unique wilderness areas in the state. Covering over 500 square kilometers, Wharton offers a distinctive ecosystem of pine forests and shrubs, along with clear rivers and lakes.
Exploration tours in Wharton often focus on activities such as hiking, camping, kayaking, and historical discovery. The Batsto and Mullica Rivers are ideal destinations for kayaking tours, taking you through beautiful wetlands and exploring the unspoiled beauty of the Pine Barrens. If you love history, visit Batsto Village, an ancient ghost town located within Wharton Forest, where you can learn about the history of iron mining and the lives of people in this area in the 19th century. Overnight camping tours in Wharton Forest are also popular, offering a true immersion in the wild, stargazing, and listening to the sounds of the night forest.
Island Beach State Park: Pristine Coastline and Diverse Ecosystem
Island Beach State Park is a narrow strip of land stretching along the Atlantic coast, famous for its unspoiled beauty and diverse coastal ecosystem. This park preserves one of the last undeveloped stretches of barrier island in New Jersey, offering an authentic nature experience for visitors.
Tours at Island Beach often focus on exploring the dune, beach, and back-bay ecosystems. You can join hiking tours to learn about dune formation, plant species, and animals adapted to the harsh coastal environment. Fishing and swimming are also popular activities at Island Beach, especially in the summer. If you want to explore calmer waters, join kayak tours on Barnegat Bay, opposite the Atlantic coast, where you can observe waterfowl and the salt marsh ecosystem.
Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area: Majestic Beauty of the Delaware River Gap
Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, located along the Delaware River on the border between New Jersey and Pennsylvania, is an ideal destination for those who love the majestic beauty of mountains and rivers. The Delaware Water Gap, created by the Delaware River flowing through the Appalachian Mountains, creates a spectacular natural landscape.
Tours at Delaware Water Gap are diverse, from hiking, rock climbing, kayaking, fishing to camping and sightseeing. You can join hiking tours to the summit of Mount Tammany on the New Jersey side or Mount Minsi on the Pennsylvania side to admire panoramic views of the gap and the winding Delaware River. Kayaking or canoeing on the Delaware River is a great way to explore the gap from a different perspective, weaving through towering cliffs and enjoying the tranquility of nature. Fishing tours are also popular on the Delaware River, which is rich in freshwater fish species.
High Point State Park: Panoramic Views from New Jersey’s Highest Peak
High Point State Park, located in northern New Jersey, is home to the state’s highest point, High Point summit. From this summit, you can admire panoramic views of the New Jersey coastal plain, the Pocono Mountains in Pennsylvania, and even the skyline of New York City on clear days.
Tours at High Point often focus on hiking and sightseeing. The park has many hiking trails of varying difficulty, suitable for both beginners and experienced hikers. The Appalachian Trail also runs through the park, offering the opportunity to experience a section of this world-famous long-distance trail. In addition, High Point has a nature center where you can learn more about the local ecosystem and wildlife inhabiting the park. Camping tours are also available at High Point, allowing you to fully enjoy the beauty of nature and the tranquility of the mountains and forests.
High Point State Park the most famous nature destination in New Jersey
Palisades Interstate Park: Majestic Cliffs Along the Hudson River
Palisades Interstate Park, stretching along the west bank of the Hudson River in northern New Jersey, is famous for its majestic, towering basalt cliffs formed millions of years ago. The Palisades offer a unique and impressive natural landscape, combining geological beauty and a diverse riverside ecosystem.
Tours at the Palisades often focus on activities such as hiking, rock climbing, kayaking, and sightseeing. The park has many hiking trails along the cliff tops, offering stunning views of the Hudson River and New York City on the opposite side. Rock climbing is another popular activity at the Palisades, with many cliffs suitable for both beginners and experienced climbers. Kayak tours on the Hudson River are also very popular, allowing you to view the Palisades cliffs from below, a completely different experience.
New Jersey State Botanical Garden at Skylands: Immerse Yourself in the Plant World
The New Jersey State Botanical Garden at Skylands is a wonderful destination for those who love plants and want to learn about the diversity of the natural world. This large botanical garden showcases a rich collection of plants from around the world, arranged in various themed gardens.
Tours at Skylands Botanical Garden often focus on exploring themed gardens, learning about plant species, and participating in environmental education activities. You can join guided walking tours to explore the Rose Garden, the Japanese Garden, the Herb Garden, and many other gardens, each with its own unique beauty and characteristics. Skylands Botanical Garden also regularly hosts events and educational programs about plants and the environment, suitable for both families and nature enthusiasts.
Sandy Hook National Recreation Area: Beautiful Sandy Peninsula with Rich History
Sandy Hook National Recreation Area, a long, narrow sandy peninsula extending into the Atlantic Ocean, is an attractive destination for wildlife tours combined with history and culture. Sandy Hook has beautiful beaches, a diverse coastal ecosystem, and a rich military history.
Tours at Sandy Hook often combine nature exploration and historical discovery. You can join hiking tours along the beach, observe seabirds, and learn about the dune ecosystem. Fort Hancock, located at the tip of Sandy Hook peninsula, is an important historical site where you can explore ancient military structures and learn about the history of US coastal defense. Sandy Hook is also an ideal location for swimming, sunbathing, fishing, and kayaking.
Extend Your Exploration: Other Local Forests and Parks
In addition to the famous destinations mentioned above, New Jersey also has many other local forests and parks, offering diverse and rich wildlife exploration opportunities. Allaire State Park, Sourland Mountain Preserve, and Ramapo Mountain State Forest are typical examples, each with its own unique features and promising exciting nature exploration experiences.
Conclusion:
New Jersey is not just an industrial and urban state, but also a treasure trove of wilderness waiting for you to explore. Wildlife tours in New Jersey offer the opportunity to immerse yourself in the unspoiled beauty of nature, experience exciting outdoor activities, and learn about the state’s diverse ecosystems. Plan your wildlife adventure in New Jersey today to enjoy unforgettable experiences and discover another side of this state, a side that is close to nature and full of surprises.