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

New Jersey has a surprising amount of natural areas. Many out-of-staters simply picture our network of highways or the industrial scenery surrounding Newark Airport when they visit our state but we preserve plenty. About 430,000 acres of land are dedicated to state parks (that’s 7.7 percent of our total area!) and we’ve also got nationally protected lands, county parks, municipal parks and dedicated wildlife areas. State parks, though, are probably the most popular place to go when heading out for a hike, serving nearly 18 million annual visitors. Manasquan Reservoir may get overlooked in favor of nearby Allaire State Park, but we think you can’t miss it.

If you’ve been, share your photos and tips with us on either our Facebook Page or our New Jersey Nature Lovers Group!

Flickr/Bob Jagendorf

The weather is warming up a bit and many of us are off for Presidents' Day! 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, vending machines, a fireplace, 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

There are plenty coming up! On Wednesday, February 21st and 28th, there's a free nature story time for the little ones. On the weekend of February 24th and 25th, there will be a make and take bird feather craft. On March 9th, say hello to spring, just weeks away, with a guided nature hike.

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Flickr/Jersey Showaa

You can enjoy bike and boat rentals (motor, kayak or row) and even take scenic 45-minute boat tours of the reservoir (which can supply up to 30 million gallons of water a day) for just $6 per adult and $4 per child, 12 and under.

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 short and scenic waterfront hike in Sussex County.