The Garden State boasts many beautiful national parks, so trade city views for natural landscapes and in turn learn about the history of the land, where historical figures lived, invented, and survived their own troubling times. Read on for a guide to national parks to visit in New Jersey.
^ Paterson Great Falls National Historic Park
Disclaimer: All parks have access points in New Jersey. Given the expansive nature of National Parks, the addresses listed may not be in New Jersey. However, trailheads, visitor centers, or marinas are accessible within state borders.
Appalachian National Scenic Trail | 1480 NJ-23, Sussex, NJ
Completed in 1937, this footpath spans more than 2,100 miles and crosses through 14 states on the East Coast. Avid hikers in New Jersey can test their skills with 72 miles running through the northwestern part of the state. The trail is open year-round from Maine to Georgia.
Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area | 1978 River Road, Bushkill, PA
The park’s headquarters are technically located in Pennsylvania, but with more than 70,000 total acres, there is more than enough of the park situated closer to home in New Jersey. Enjoy the great outdoors without traveling too far by paddling down the river, fishing from the shore, or hiking through the ridges and hills.
Read More: A Guide To The Essex County Parks System
Ellis Island | Ellis Island, Jersey City, NJ
Yes, Ellis Island is actually IN New Jersey! Hear the stories of the 12 million people who passed through Ellis Island at this close-to-home national park. Audio tours are available to enhance the visitor experience. Parking is available at 30 Audrey Zapp Drive in Jersey City where visitors then go through airport-level security to take a ferry to Liberty or Ellis Island.
Morristown National Historical Park | 30 Washington Place, Morristown, NJ
History and war buffs will find this spot intriguing. Consisting of several sites, this national park commemorates General Washington and the Continental Army’s winter encampment of December 1779. The park maintains a museum and library collection related to the encampments and Revolutionary-era America. The sites include the museum, the information center at Jockey Hollow, the Wick House, and the Penn Line huts.
Lower Delaware National Wild + Scenic River | 355 Washington Crossing-Pennington Road, Titusville, NJ
Nestled between New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, the Delaware River is the largest free-flowing river in the eastern United States. This unit of the National Park System was formed in 2000, consisting of key segments of the lower Delaware River. Enjoy paths for walking, hiking, and biking. Surrounding towns provide guests with the opportunity to step into the past with historical houses and vintage shops open for shopping and tours. Enter at the Washington Crossing State Park for easy access to the rest of the national park.
Great Egg Harbor River | Mays Landing Marina Route 617, Mays Landing, NJ
With more than 120 miles of the river system, the Great Egg Harbor River winds through the Pinelands National Reserve. According to nps.gov the best stretch for canoeing is the 22 miles between Penny Pot County Park and Atlantic County Park at Lake Lenape. Boats are available for rent at the marina in Mays Landing for beginners and experienced river enthusiasts.
Sandy Hook Gateway National Recreation Area | Sandy Hook, NJ
Encompassing Sandy Hook, NJ, and Jamaica Bay, NY this park covers 27,000 acres of beaches, wildlife, and outdoor recreation space. Join the more than nine million annual visitors in exploring historic structures and cultural landscapes. With such a high influx of visitors, Sandy Hook is the 4th most visited national park in the country and is easily accessible by car, ferry, bus, or train.
New Jersey Pinelands | 15 Springfield Road, Pemberton Township, NJ
Hiking in the New Jersey Pinelands will afford great lookout points to see the sprawling forests of the Garden State. Classified as a United States Biosphere Reserve since 1978, this National Reserve would make for a great biology expedition for young minds wanting to expand remote learning. Discover over one-million acres of farms, forests, and wetlands with all the natural inhabitants to go with it.
Paterson Great Falls National Historic Park | 72 McBride Avenue, Paterson, NJ
Established in 1792 as America’s first industrial city, Paterson has continued to stay popular thanks to its proximity to the Great Falls of the Passaic River. A trip to this national park would include history, hiking trails, and inspiring waterfall views. Guests can take historic mill tours and stories of founding father Alexander Hamilton.
See More: Jersey City Heights is Getting 2 New Parks Along Route 139
Thomas Edison National Historical Park | 211 Main Street, West Orange, NJ
Take a step back in time when visiting the estate where modern America was invented. Thomas Edison’s home and laboratory have been preserved as a historical location of significance where visitors can get a feel for what life would have been like for the renowned inventor and businessman. Ranger-led tours of the house and grounds are available.
Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route | 101 Barrack Street, Trenton, NJ
This historic trail runs through 10 of the eastern states, one of them being New Jersey. One stop along the route in New Jersey is the Old Barracks, which were originally built during the French and Indian War but were later used by Washington and his armies during the Revolutionary War. The park is made up of approximately 2,155 square miles in New Jersey, including 212 municipalities in 14 counties. The building is open for tours with advanced tickets reserved online.
Northern New Jersey Meditation Classes for a Mindful New Year
The arrival of a new year can be beautiful and tranquil — but it can also lead to anxiety, stress, and tension as the winter months roll on. While the end of the holiday season brings less chaos, it also brings cold days, a longing for warmer weather, and the itch for vacation — which can lead to more stressful work weeks. If you are having trouble staying focused and relaxing, meditation can help you find and maintain calm even in the busiest and most stressful times. Luckily, we’ve rounded up some great meditation classes in Northern New Jersey to help foster mindfulness as the weather changes. Read on to learn where to find meditation classes in Northern New Jersey.
Asana Soul Practice | 411 Jefferson Street, Hoboken + 124 1st Street, Jersey City
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With locations in Hoboken and Jersey City, Asana Soul Practice has a variety of yoga and meditation classes. Its classes range from beginner to advanced levels and can either be vinyasa, yin, or restorative yoga. For its meditation classes, it is 30 minutes, candlelit, and held every week. Asana Soul Practice also has monthly sound bath classes.
Read More: Where to Find Prenatal Yoga Classes in the Montclair Area
Body + Brain Yoga Tai Chi | Multiple Locations
Body + Brain Yoga Tai Chi aims to teach fitness holistically with classes ranging from yoga, tai chi, meditation, and breath-work. Though this may be a chain, it has both online and in-studio classes throughout its multiple North Jersey locations. Both the beginner and advanced virtual meditation classes can help you activate your "chi" and feel in tune with the world.
Dharmachakra Buddhist Center | 150 Main Street 2nd Floor, Millburn
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The center has classes, retreats, and special events for learning about Buddhism or deepening your spiritual practice. The classes available can be viewed here. Examples of classes to take part in are how to improve relationships or make changes within yourself.
Harmony Meditation | 241 North Avenue West, Westfield
At Harmony Meditation, guests will find traditional meditation practices that are made accessible to modern-day practitioners. Rooted in advanced Zen Meditation and Kichun methods, the sessions facilitate healing and guide you along your path to enlightenment. Classes are provided at beginner and advanced levels and include tai chi, often described as ‘meditation in motion.’
Indigo Yoga | 351 Bloomfield Avenue, Caldwell
Indigo Yoga in Caldwell has all kinds of classes for locals to find inner peace. Some of the highlights include Express Vinyasa Flow, Restorative Stretch, and Chair Yoga. See the full schedule of classes here.
I’m So Yoga | 1186 Raymond Boulevard 4th Floor, Newark
Beginner and advanced yoga students can participate in I’m So Yoga’s classes. It is a vinyasa flow-based studio with instructors specialized in different backgrounds. Online and in-person classes are available. Options include Restorative Yoga with Sound Bowls, Ying to Yang Yoga, and Core, Balance, and Connection Yoga. This spot also has meditation classes that include throat chakra singing + chanting.
Iris Yoga | 383 Broad Street, Bloomfield
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With a mission to be an outlet for members to grow and heal, this wellness studio is dedicated to helping connect the community through in-person and online classes. All levels are welcomed, with a choice of participating in a beginner's class for those new to yoga.
JaiPure Yoga | 575 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair
The 75-minute Mindful Flow class at JaiPure Yoga begins with Vinyasa flow to strengthen the body and ends on a note of harmony and inner peace. The class is open to all levels but is especially suited for beginners looking for something new to help cultivate personal mindfulness. Afterward, you can take your mind and body rejuvenation to the next level in the salt room.
Lyndhurst Meditation | 306 Ridge Road, Lyndhurst
With roots dating back to 2014, this center has group classes and individual, personalized sessions to guide your spiritual journey. Lyndhurst Meditation also has free in-person and online meditation consults.
Montclair Kundalini Yoga | 127 Valley Road, Montclair
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In addition to daily in-person and online yoga classes, this center has free online meditation classes on Mondays at 7:30PM. It’s the perfect way to recenter after a busy start to the work week. Keep an eye on the events calendar for additional workshops and events that can help you connect with your spiritual side.
Santokh Yoga + Wellness | 18 Lackawanna Plaza, Montclair
Located on Lackawanna Plaza in Montclair, there are a variety of yoga classes provided at this spot. There are hot yoga, vinyasa flow, slow flow + meditation, and hot vinyasa flow choices. Also, there are additional workshops and courses designed for those looking for an extended, immersive experience.
Sol Spirit | 356 Bloomfield Avenue 2nd Floor Suite 6, Montclair, + 523 Palisade Avenue, Jersey City
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Sol Spirit has meditation and yoga classes at both its Montclair + Jersey City locations, like Vinyasa Sol Flow, Yin + Mini Sound Bath, Gentle Sol Flow, Yoga for Anxiety, Energy Sol Flow, Yin Yang, Sound Bath Meditation, and much more. See the schedule for these classes here.
Transcendental Meditation (TM) Summit | 12 Bank Street Suite 104, Summit
Transcendental Meditation has been embraced by notables from the Beatles to Oprah Winfrey for its ability to improve concentration and increase creativity. The Summit location is one of five in New Jersey — the others are in Ramsey, Mt. Laurel Township, Princeton, and Red Bank. In-person and hybrid courses are available.
Urban Souls Yoga Studio | 100 Hudson Street, 4th Floor, Hoboken
This Hoboken studio has different yoga classes scheduled on different days and times for everyone’s flexibility. Classes are listed on its website here. Occasionally, a free community yoga class is held. Urban Souls also collaborates with Local Barre, where together they bring signature barre and fitness classes, access to an infrared sauna, and other amenities.
Yoga Mechanics | 107 Forest Street, Montclair
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The in-person and virtual meditation sessions at Yoga Mechanics are a great way to recharge and reflect on the new week ahead. Class options include Yoga for Mobility, Chair Yoga, Restorative Yoga, basic-level classes, and more. Yoga Mechanics has a schedule of all its classes and registration is required in advance. See the schedule here.
See More: 18 Unique Workout Classes to Try in Hoboken + Jersey City
YogaRenew | 12 Hudson Place 2nd Floor, Hoboken
Located in the heart of Hoboken, YogaRenew has vinyasa yoga, yin yoga, and sound bath sessions. Classes are updated regularly through its website with different time sessions and instructors. If looking to take your love for yoga to the next level, YogaRenew has an online yoga teacher training program available to become a certified instructor.
