By Julia Train
September and October are known as “Locals’ Summer” at the shore. Although the weather is not as warm as July or August, many locals like to enjoy the outdoors this season.
In Atlantic and Cape May counties, there are plenty of state parks to visit. Here are ten you need to check out!
Estell Manor Park
Located right on Route 50, the park has pavilions for picnics. It also has hiking trails, two playgrounds, a beach volleyball court, a softball field and a soccer field. In the north end, there are mountain bike trails, a campsite, and river access for a boat or kayak.
Estell Manor Park also has an elevated wooden trail, called the Swamp Trail Boardwalk, that is accessible to visitors in wheelchairs.
Wharton State Forest
Right in the center of the Pinelands National Reserve, Wharton State Forest offers scenic hiking trails along with activities like canoeing/kayaking, exploring Batsto Village, swimming, picnicking, fishing, bicycling, bird watching, camping, and more!
Lake Lenape Park
In Mays Landing, there are two sides of Lake Lenape’s Park — east and west. Both sides offer different activities with a scenic view of the lake. On the east side is the cove, lighthouse, playground and pickleball courts. On the west side, there are trails for biking and hiking, campsites, gazebos, playgrounds and picnic tables. Visitors can also fish, boat and hunt.
Birch Grove Park
This Northfield park features activities throughout all seasons. In the fall, relax by the ponds and birdwatch.
According to njaudubon.org, look out for Ruddy Ducks, Hooded Mergansers, Ring-necked Ducks, Double-crested Cormorants and Pied-billed Grebes. If you look up, you may see Cooper’s Hawk and Osprey pass overhead. Spotted and Solitary Sandpipers can be found along the pond edges.
Camping and kids programs continue into the fall, including special Halloween activities.
Kennedy Park
This Somers Point park is open from sunrise to sunset and is the perfect place for a photo-op with the Egg Harbor Bay. The park has picnic areas, restrooms, benches and a gazebo. Visitors can also fish and launch their boats from the park.
Tony Canale Park
This Egg Harbor Township park offers a plethora of activities, such as baseball/softball fields, soccer fields, volleyball courts, tennis courts, playground area and amphitheater. There are paved trails around the park.
Egg Harbor Township Nature Reserve
Also in Egg Harbor Township, the nature reserve is one large loop trail around a lake. Smaller trails diverge off of the main loop, creating a web of trails in the forest surrounding the body of water. The reserve is a great place to bike, jog or walk dogs. The lake could also be a fun place to paddleboard.
There also are several abandoned concrete pipes located at the nature reserve. Covered with colorful graffiti, these structures now make for a great place to hold a photo shoot.
Cape May Point State Park
The 244-acre state park located in Lower Township, is a short bike ride from historic Cape May. Best known for the Cape May Lighthouse, it features freshwater meadows, ponds, forests, dunes and a beach.
Corson’s Inlet State Park
According to nj.gov, “Corson’s Inlet State Park was established in 1969 to help protect and preserve one of the last undeveloped tracts of land along the state’s oceanfront.” As an undeveloped beachfront, it features sand dunes and marine estuaries.
Enjoy hiking, fishing, crabbing, boating and sunbathing. After Sept. 15, bring your dog with you!
Atlantic County Park at Weymouth Furnace
Located on Weymouth Road, the almost 11-acre park was originally the site of an iron furnace and paper mill in the 1800s. Stop by for a picnic, kayak or canoe into the Great Egg Harbor River, or just enjoy the historical site.
Fall is the perfect time to visit parks with friends and family since it’s not too chilly and not too hot. Do you have a favorite? Let us know!
