The Most Breathtaking Natural Area In New Jersey You’ve Never Heard Of

Getting outdoors doesn’t need to be reserved for the warm months – bundle up and get hiking. I absolutely love the Pine Barrens during the winter, and evergreen trees sprinkled with snow. The Appalachian Trail also offers incredible views of snow capped mountains and panoramic vistas of an icy Delaware. But everyone knows about the Pine Barrens and the Appalachian Trail, this is a lesser-known spot worth checking out.

Flickr/Bob Jagendorf

This drinking reservoir and county park offers a plethora of activities including several trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding. Trails range from .2 miles to 5.1 miles and span from easy to moderate. My recommendation is the Cove Trail, a 1-mile nature trail that explores the area around the environmental center. For pedestrians only, hikers will enjoy wetland and woodland views. One may spot cardinals, blue jays and even bald eagles. Around 200 avian species call the area home.

Flickr/Chris Kelly

Stop at the environmental center for interactive exhibits, multi-media presentations and wildlife viewing centers. You can also see a listing of the species you can spot each season. The visitor's center, which has its own parking area, offers restrooms, activity rooms and a spectacular elevated viewing area overlooking the water.

You might also try another trail if you're up for it, like the .5-mile Bracken Trail featuring information panels filled with facts about local plants and animals. Other options include ice skating, ice fishing, and ice boating, when conditions allow. If the kids are all bundled up, head over to the wildlife-themed playground!

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Flickr/Bob Jagendorf

In the summer, you'll find budget friendly boat tours. On January 31st, visit for a nature walk with a park naturalist. Learn all about the wide range of plants and animals that call the area home while taking in the peace and serenity that wintertime brings. The nature walk will be free!

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Flickr/B K

You can enjoy bike and boat rentals (kayak or row), bicycle rentals, spring strolls, butterfly and bird walks, and plenty more!

You can find the Manasquan Reservoir at 311 Windeler Road, Howell. The park is open from 7 a.m. to dusk. The environmental center is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.. For more winter hiking in New Jersey, try this easy to moderate 3-mile trail at Cheesequake State Park.