THE GREAT OUTDOORS

If you’re looking to explore – Take It Outside!

…beyond its sandy beaches and the ocean, pull on your hiking boots, grab your bike helmet, and get ready for some outdoor fun!

Here are some of the best activities for the great outdoors to try in Monmouth County:

PARK IT

Monmouth County is home to several state parks and over 30 county parks offering beautiful scenery and a variety of outdoor activities.

One of the most popular is Allaire State Park in Wall Township, NJ, which features over 3,000 acres of wooded trails and historic buildings. You can go hiking, horseback riding, or even take a historic train ride through the park – a fantastic way to unplug, unwind, and reconnect with nature.

NATURE CALLS

If you’re looking for a more peaceful and serene outdoor experience, check out one of Monmouth County’s wildlife preserves & nature sanctuaries.

Deep Cut Gardens in Middletown is a beautiful oasis of gardens, greenery, and tranquil spaces. You can take a leisurely walk through the gardens, enjoy a picnic, or attend one of the many events held there throughout the year. For a unique experience, head to the Monmouth County Park System’s Manasquan Reservoir Environmental Center, where you can learn about the local flora and fauna, enjoy interactive exhibits, and embark on nature walks.

LIKE RIDING A BIKE

Monmouth County has many scenic bike trails that are perfect for a leisurely ride or a more challenging workout.

The Henry Hudson Trail is a popular choice, running from Aberdeen to Highlands. It offers stunning views of the Raritan Bay and Sandy Hook Bay, as well as plenty of opportunities for bird watching and picnicking. Water, Water Everywhere Who says fun on the water is limited to the beach? If you’re a water enthusiast, you’re in for a treat! Paddleboarding, kayaking, and canoeing are some of the popular water activities you can enjoy on the Navesink or Shrewsbury Rivers. Or venture out to the Manasquan Reservoir, a 770-acre freshwater reservoir, offering boating and fishing. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced paddler, there are plenty of rental options and guided tours available to suit your skill level. Paddle your way through serene waters surrounded by lush forests, and keep an eye out for wildlife like herons and turtles.

DOWN ON THE FARM

Monmouth County is known for its rich agricultural heritage, and there are plenty of farms to visit where you can pick your own produce or enjoy a farm-to-table meal.

Battleview Orchards in Freehold and Eastmont Orchards in Colts Neck are popular choices. Offering everything from apple, strawberry, sour cherry and pumpkin picking to hayrides and homemade pies it’s ‘berry good’ fun!

PLAY THRU

Monmouth County has several world-class public golf courses.

There’s a myriad of private clubs but Monmouth County has world-class golf courses open to the public. There are five championship 18-hole public courses including Charleston Springs Golf Course in Millstone. Hominy Hill in Colts Neck is the crown jewel of the county park system. Designed by Robert Trent Jones, it is often rated as NJs #1 public golf course.

FOR THE BIRDS

If you’re a bird enthusiast, grab your binoculars and head to Sandy Hook, a bird-watcher’s paradise.

This 7-mile long peninsula offers over 300 species of birds, including herons, egrets, and ospreys. With wonderful observation decks and trails there is avian entertainment all year long!

SET UP CAMP

If a more rustic, back-to-the land vibe is your style, you can find several scenic camping options in Monmouth County.

Cheesequake State Park in Matawan features tent and trailer sites. Nestled among wooded areas and offering hiking trails and a nature center, it’s a true escape. Turkey Swamp Park in Freehold is also popular. With over 2,200 acres of wooded trails, fishing ponds, and campsites there’s much to explore. What better way to ‘get back to nature’ than sleeping under the stars?

These are just a few of the many ways to enjoy Monmouth County in the open air. The great outdoors are so great you may not want to go back inside!

TAKE A HIKE

With over 700 acres of lush, rolling hills and dense forests, Hartshorne Woods Park is a must-visit for hikers.

Explore miles of scenic trails whether you are a beginner or an experienced hiker. Beautiful vistas of the river and ocean, dense forest areas with fox and deer… it’s a treat. Also popular for mountain biking.

HORSING AROUND

Home to numerous stables, equestrian farms and even thoroughbred racing, Monmouth County could be called “horse country.”

Be sure to check out Monmouth Park in Oceanport, home to the Haskell Stakes, a race with a $1M price featuring top 3-year-old thoroughbreds, many with familiar names from the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, and Belmont Stakes.

Find out more about places to ride, watch and race here.

DON’T ROCK THE BOAT

Whether it’s on the ocean, the bay, the rivers, the lakes, or the reservoir, there are so many places and options to float, ski or sail.

We’ve got a rundown of opportunities for those who are most happy when they’re in, on or near the water including places to learn how to sail and get your safe boating

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https://www.monmouthcountyparks.com/ https://www.njportal.com/DEP/NJOutdoors/Park/Details?locationId=2 https://www.monmouthcountyparks.com/page.aspx?Id=2518 https://www.monmouthcountyparks.com/page.aspx?Id=2531 https://www.monmouthcountyparks.com/page.aspx?Id=2525 https://www.battlevieworchards.com/ http://eastmontorchards.com/ https://www.monmouthcountyparks.com/page.aspx?ID=2580 https://www.monmouthcountyparks.com/page.aspx?Id=2582 https://www.nps.gov/gate/planyourvisit/sandy-hook.htm https://nj.gov/dep/parksandforests/parks/cheesequakestatepark.html https://www.monmouthcountyparks.com/page.aspx?Id=2540 https://www.monmouthcountyparks.com/page.aspx?Id=2524