New Jersey, for such a small and densely populated state, is surprisingly dotted with parks! It seems like everywhere we turn, there’s a gorgeous state or county park to explore. That means that for those of us who are lifelong residents, it’s possible that there are countless of these parks that we’ve never even heard of. One that’s definitely slipped under the radar for a lot of people is Wells Mills County Park, located in the tiny town of Waretown in South Jersey. Located in rural South Jersey, in the heart of the Pine Barrens, this local park is packed with charming nature and surprises, perfect for a leisurely day trip. It’s ideal for those who love unspoiled nature, and there are several little-known hiking trails in the park to explore. So lace up those boots and let’s discover the underrated adventure of Wells Mills County Park, and why it might be the best county park in New Jersey!

Wells Mills County Park is a charming rural gem, packed with unique and historic architecture.
Mian Sta Cruz/Google Local
On the surface, it can seem like a typical county park. There's an old-school playground to keep the kids occupied...
Mian Sta Cruz/Google Local
And plenty of picnic tables. It's a great place for a laid-back day out in the area, even if you're not up for exploring.
Joy Alvarez/AllTrails

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But if you are, oh boy - head into the more wooded area and get ready to explore the two main trails here.
Rich Dockray/Google Local
The 8.9-mile Penn Hills Trail and the 3.4-mile Estlow Green Trail are both rated moderate, and both are great ways to see the park.
Vicky Gordon/Google Local
You should expect some uneven terrain, so these hikes are best taken by experienced hikers looking for an adventure.
Daniel McMahon/Google Local
The reward? Some stunning views, and a well-earned visit to the park's fishing pier where you can take in the cooling lake breeze.
Sandra Lee/Google Local

Have you visited Wells Mills County Park in Waretown? Let us know what you thought, and tell us your pick for the best county park in New Jersey in the comments section! You can find out more about this park on the official Ocean County website. This is a pretty out-of-the-way park, so you might want to subscribe to AllTrails + – the downloadable trail maps are invaluable in an area where cell service might be spotty. While you’re exploring the area, why not take a drive to Barnegat Lighthouse State Park – NJ’s smallest state park?

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Wells Mills County Park, 905 Wells Mills Rd, Waretown, NJ 08758, USA