Top Five Favorite Places in NJ for Landscape Shots
How did I first get into photography, you ask? Landscape Shots. I love trekking out into the middle of nowhere and capturing whatever it is that I happen to find. For me, it has always been a reminder to really stop, look around, and appreciate the picture this Earth has painted for you. When I am standing in a place that feels ethereal, my first thought is, “Holy crap! You have found this incredible place that makes you feel like screaming-I'm on top of the world!!” (You should shout it. As far and as loud as you can. It feels REALLY good, trust me on this.) But then my second thought trails immediately after - screaming, “Take out your camera NOW.” It is the coolest thing to be able to look back on these mountains that I have stood atop and the warm glow of sunsets over sprawling lakes that I was lucky enough to witness with my own two eyes. I get to remember how magical that very moment in time, and the scene splayed out in front of me truly was. It’s also a way for me to share these gorgeous, breathtaking, seemingly untouched, and perspective-altering places with people everywhere. With you.
Imagine standing atop a cliff, almost in the clouds, the sun is beaming down on your smile and you look out to see seas of trees, rolling hills, little towns in the distance, cars that look like little ants in a line, and it seems to go on forever. Imagine you’re standing at the base of a tree so big, you can’t even wrap your hands around half of the trunk. Look up, you see these perfect little sunbeams sneaking through the leaves that cascade across the sky. Now imagine you’re walking down a trail, and the tree line starts to curve ever so perfectly, creating a door to this world capable of healing even the shittiest days at your 9 to 5. Whats the first thing you want to do? I bet you want to pull out your camera, to remind yourself you were here. I bet you don’t want to forget this moment, I bet you want it to last forever because damn- thats friggin’ gorgeous! Believe it or not, I have experienced all of these things in the great Garden State.
I know, I know. You’re sitting there like…whaaaaat? No way. New Jersey is full of pungent pollution, traffic, and middle fingers. (Can confirm that we will blow the horn and flip you the bird if the opportunity arises. We look forward to it, actually.) But we really do get a bad rep. We aren’t called “The Garden State” for just anything. Good ol’ Joisey (We really DONT call it that. But we do, however, love to make fun of the fact that you think we do.) has a TON of preserved land just waiting to be explored. In fact, since 1960- the New Jersey Conservation Foundation has protected over 130,000 acres of natural areas and farmland. (Citation:https://www.njconservation.org/what-we-do/) You don’t have to travel to some far away land to witness nature’s magic. It’s just a walk in the woods away.
So in the spirit of giving my home state some of the appreciation I think it frankly deserves, I have put together a list of my Top Five Favorite places in NJ for Landscape Shots. I think this is the perfect place to start this blog, as it is where my entire journey with photography first began. In the woods, on a trail. (Or off it. Depending on how adventurous I was that day- but watch out for poison ivy!!)
Some of these parks/trails have a very special place near and dear to my heart. They have given me peace on some of my toughest days and are a constant reminder to slow down, stop, and “smell the roses”. I share these spots with you in hopes that you will visit them, make your own memories, capture them, and share those memories also. This state of ours is absolutely incredible when you take a harder glance. We are not all highways and horns. We are trees, winding roads, little trails, big summits, serene lakes, rushing streams, and bursting with color. I hope you find YOUR trail, and I hope you come to love these ones just as much as I have. Oh- and don’t forget- Say Cheese!
1) Watchung Reservation
Watchung Reservation is first on my list. Though she may be but little, she is fierce. This is my most frequented park. It is the closest to me in both distance to home and distance in my heart. On a weekend, tons of people flock from all over the area for a peaceful day next to Watchung Reservation’s “Lake Surprise”. But make it here on a weekday, and the entire place is pretty much yours to roam freely. I like to make my way in a little deeper where you’ll pass the creepy and abandoned “Deserted Village” and cross into the land of little rock bridges that work their way across quaint curvy streams. If you’re looking to feel like you’re deep in the forest without the anxiety of getting lost off trail, or without a strenuous trek- this is your kinda place.
2) Cheesequake State Park
Next up is Cheesequake State Park. This park is my absolute FAVORITE to visit during fall. The fall foliage creates the most epic scene, it is the perfect gratification for a hike. The wooden steps and boardwalk portions of this trail make for an easy hike, so if you’re looking for a relaxing walk in the woods with some beautiful sights that you don’t have to work too hard to see, make your way over to Cheesequake. They have so many different trails you can choose from- so pick your poison and get out there!
3) Clinton Road
Coming up at #3 is Clinton Road. That’s right, the spooky haunted road that teens from all over the state flock to after dark to get their fill on shenanigans and a quick thrill. At night, this road is pretty damn scary. During the day, though, this road turns into a gorgeous scene with seas of trees and the ever-shining Clinton Reservoir. Seriously, come at sunset, it shines! But don’t stay too long, that sun is going down, and well....ghosts. Need I say more?
In all seriousness, pick a trail off of Clinton Road and explore. There are ruins still on site from the old Clinton Furnace and Cross Castle. The abandoned attraction “Jungle Habitat” is still back there somewhere as well. It is rumored that when it closed down, some animals were left behind. They mated and created hybrids that still roam the backwoods of the road.
Can you find it? Do you want to?
There’s some pretty awesome things hidden here for you to go find. Get to it!
4) Hacklebarney State Park
Hacklebarney State Park is one of the most picturesque parks i’ve had the pleasure to visit. Black River runs right through the middle of it, with large boulders all throughout- creating mini cascading waterfalls every few steps you take. You could have the most peaceful day of your life sitting next to Black River, on a log, just listening to the water run and the birds sing. Hacklebarney is pretty busy on an average day, but also quite large, so it won’t be hard to find some solitude if you’re looking for it. Pack a picnic, grab a buddy, pick any spot, and soak in all this park has to offer. Dont forget to snap a few pics so you can look back and remember the enchanting time you spent here.
5) Mt. Tammany
Last but not in the very bit least, Mt. Tammany. This hike will...kick. your. ASS. Do not doubt me on this. At one point, you are actually one step away from full on rock climbing. But don’t let this deter you, the view from the top is WELL worth the hard work put in. Go at sunrise or sunset and get the show of a lifetime. Standing in the breeze at the top of this mountain, you will see rolling hills and sunshine for miles. Nature really shows out over here.
This is a very busy park though, so don’t expect to be hiking alone. The trail for Mt. Tammany runs next to the Appalachian Trail, so you can of course venture out and find your own little spot if you’re looking for more seclusion. But make sure to keep track of where you’re going if you decide to adventure off trail. It is quite easy to get lost over here if you’re not paying attention to the trail markers. Believe me, i’ve walked out of these woods in the dark so pitch black, you can’t see your hands out in front of you- and NOT on purpose.
If you’re looking for a hike that makes you sweat like hell and rewards you a great deal for every drop- this is your trail.
I hope you find an oasis in these trails as I have and I anticipate all the exciting discoveries you make on your own treks! These are just a few of my favorite places to wander about, there are so many more that even I have yet to explore.
What are you waiting for? Get out there and find YOUR trail! Come back and let me know which one is your favorite! I can’t wait to hear all about it!
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