Did you know that New Jersey has an unofficial list of Natural Wonders? In the late 1970s, conservationist and Assemblyman Richard Van Wagner introduced a bill to designate and protect the natural wonders in New Jersey listed below. The State Assembly never took the bill to vote, but nature lovers still talk about the list and appreciate these 7 wonders of New Jersey. Here’s Assemblyman Van Wagner’s list of wonders — we agree that they are spectacular.

1. Sunfish Pond

Sunfish Pond, Hardwick Township, NJ 07832, USA
K. Magaraci
Sunfish Pond is a glacial lake along the Appalachian Trail, in the Water Gap area. It's the northernmost one on the AT, and it's oddly acidic. In fact, it's so acidic, that there are only a few species of fish that can survive. It's not safe for swimming, and it was one of the first wonders of New Jersey to be the focus of conservation groups.

Let's hike to Sunfish Pond to enjoy some nature in New Jersey in this video from Jonathan Szeto:

2. High Point

High Point, Wantage, NJ 07827, USA
Billtacular / Flickr
High Point is the, well, highest point in the state. It's located along the Kittatinny Ridge close to the border of New York and Pennsylvania in the northwestern corner of New Jersey. It's now a state park, and there's a large monument marking the summit.

3. The Palisades

The Palisades, Alpine, NJ 07624, USA
Beyond My Ken via Wikimedia Commons
The Palisades are a dramatic geologic feature along the Hudson River, stretching for about 20 miles and standing between 300 and 600 feet high. These sheer basalt cliffs are a National Natural Landmark and can easily be experienced at Palisades Interstate Park.

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4. The Delaware Water Gap

Delaware Water Gap, New Jersey, USA
Peter Miller / Flickr
The Delaware Water Gap area of New Jersey and Pennsylvania is a National Recreation Area and is protected by the National Park Service. This unique formation was created over millions of years, as the Delaware River carved through the ridge between the two states.

Join BildeyLife in this video as they explore the beautiful Delaware Water Gap on a fall hiking trip in New Jersey:

5. The Pinelands

New Jersey Pinelands National Reserve, 853 Atsion Rd, Shamong, NJ 08088, USA
Tim O'Brien / Flickr
The Pinelands, or Pine Barrens, is a one-of-a-kind ecosystem in southern New Jersey. It spans 1.1 million acres -- or almost a quarter of the state's entire land. There is a huge variety of wildlife here, unique pygmy pines, and one of the largest, most pristine natural aquifers in the country.

6. The Jersey Shore

Jersey Shore, NJ, USA
Rick Harris / Flickr
The Jersey Shore is one of the most iconic natural landmarks in New Jersey. Our coastline features expansive beaches along the outer coastal plain, with multiple barrier islands, massive dune systems, and a habitat for thousands of species.

7. Great Falls

Great Falls, Paterson, NJ, USA
David Hauenstein / Flickr
The 77-foot Paterson Great Falls is one of the largest waterfalls in New Jersey, and it was a significant part of the early industrialization of northern New Jersey. This remarkable, powerful cascade is a National Natural Landmark and also a National Park Site, having been designated as Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park in 2009. If you are looking for things to do in New Jersey, a trip to these beautiful falls is high on our list.

Continue to enjoy New Jersey natural wonders in this video from Manny Explores as he checks out Great Falls in Paterson, NJ:

Who knew there were so many unique natural wonders in New Jersey? How many of the 7 wonders of New Jersey have you visited? It’s just one reason we love exploring and learning all that we can about the Garden State.

But wait, there’s more! Not only do you get the Jersey Shore, but we’ll throw in a Buttermilk Falls and a Blue Hole – check out more natural areas in New Jersey that you can see for free.

7 Incredible Natural Wonders In New Jersey That You Can Witness For Free

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More to Explore

Exploring New Jersey

Chris Muras | December 01, 2023

What are some interesting things to see in New Jersey?
New Jersey has plenty of fun and interesting places to explore from natural areas to weird and wacky roadside attractions. Here are a few interesting things to see in New Jersey:

  • Luna Parc, Sandyston, NJ: When you drive up to this whimsical house created by artist Ricky Boscarino you'll think you stepped into a children's book story. Every inch of the home inside and out has been transformed into a work of art. Tours are available at certain times of the year or you can simply drive by and enjoy the exterior.
  • Tripod Rock, Kinnelon, NJ: If you enjoy interesting rock formations, Tripod Rock is a curious sight. It is a giant boulder balancing on two smaller (but still pretty big) rocks. Even more strange is that it perfectly lines up with the setting point of the sun on the summer solstice, even though it is believed to have occurred naturally. Tours of Pyramid Mountain and Tripod Rock are available or you can set out on your own to explore.
  • Matchbox Road Museum, Newfield, NJ: If you love roadside attractions, this one will rev your engine. What started as a small Matchbox car collection has taken over a whole house and turned into a museum. The collection is so big it has been named the World's Largest Matchbox Car Museum by the World Record Academy. You'll find more than 50,000 items in a 2,100-square-foot home in Newfield.

One of the best ways to discover interesting things in New Jersey is to hop in an RV and go on a road trip. Here are some of our favorite road trips in NJ from natural wonders to haunted places.

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