South Jersey is a treasure trove of natural beauty, offering an incredible array of family-friendly hiking trails that promise adventure, discovery, and a refreshing escape into nature.
From serene ponds to historic landscapes, there’s a perfect path waiting for your next family outing. Lace up your boots, pack a snack, and get ready to discover some of the region’s most captivating outdoor spaces.
Cherry Hill’s Hidden Gem: Croft Farm Nature Trail
Tucked between Cherry Hill and Haddonfield, the Croft Farm Nature Trail offers a tranquil 1.6-mile journey through woodlands alongside the picturesque Evans Pond. This easy loop is perfect for little legs, with plenty of opportunities to spot geese and ducks gracing the water. Kids will love trying their hand at catching small fish with nets or simply enjoying the peaceful ambiance. For easy access, head down Bortons Mill Road, past the vibrant fields and the ever-popular Jake’s Place playground. Parking is conveniently located across from the historic Croft Farm House, and the trailheads are found directly behind the house. Don’t miss the charming wooden dock that extends out over the pond – it’s a perfect spot for a scenic photo or a moment of quiet reflection.
Step Back in Time at Pennypacker Park in Haddonfield
For families with budding paleontologists, Pennypacker Park in Haddonfield is an absolute must-visit. This park holds a fascinating piece of history: it’s where, in 1858, the skeletal remains of the Hadrosaurus foulkii – at the time, the most complete dinosaur skeleton ever found – were discovered! Now a national historic landmark, a commemorative plaque marks the spot where this ancient swamp dweller once roamed. The park offers both paved paths ideal for strollers and bikes along the road, and dirt trails that wind through the wooded areas by the creek. The creek, part of Cooper River, flows into Hopkins Pond, and numerous charming wooden bridges crisscross its path. After your prehistoric adventure, be sure to cross Park Boulevard to find a welcoming playground for extra fun.
Discover Whimsy and Wonder at Crows Woods, Haddonfield
Crows Woods Nature Preserve in Haddonfield is an adventurer’s delight, offering surprising depth for its size. If your children are train enthusiasts, a walk along the PATCO Speedline offers a distant, yet exciting, glimpse of trains passing by, all from a safely fenced-off vantage point. Venture deeper into the woods, and you’ll find an extensive network of trails, complete with streams crossed by quaint bridges. A particularly steep embankment often becomes a thrilling challenge for energetic youngsters! One of the most enchanting features of Crows Woods are the incredible, tent-like stick structures scattered throughout – some even boasting a small, built-in swing. While a rope swing exists, it’s generally best enjoyed by older teenagers for safety.
Peaceful Paths at Hopkins Pond, Haddonfield
For a serene and shaded stroll, Hopkins Pond in Haddonfield is an ideal choice. This less-than-a-mile loop offers easy walking through the woods, with a brief section alongside Hopkins Lane. Keep an eye out for turtles sunning themselves on logs in the pond and the occasional rabbit darting across your path. To extend your adventure, simply cross Hopkins Lane, where the trail seamlessly connects to Pennypacker Park. Several wooden bridges add to the charm, traversing creeks and marshland. You can even take a detour to enjoy the playground at Tatem Elementary School. A convenient parking lot is available on Hopkins Lane, and the pond is a popular spot for fishing.
Nature’s Rich Tapestry at Ceres Park Nature Preserve, Sewell
Spanning an impressive 52 acres, Ceres Park Nature Preserve in Sewell offers an expansive trail system that invites exploration. The park’s main draws are Emerald Lake and Cedar Lake, surrounded by swampy wetlands that are remnants of 19th and 20th-century marl mining operations – a history that even influenced the naming of nearby towns like Marlton and Marlboro! As you traverse the trails, be on the lookout for diverse wildlife, including frogs, turtles, deer, and graceful herons. You’ll also likely share the paths with enthusiastic mountain bikers enjoying the terrain.
Quarry Views and Hidden Paths at Blueberry Hill Trail, Gibbsboro
For a truly unique perspective and a cool vista, the Blueberry Hill Trail at the Quarry in Gibbsboro is an excellent choice. Begin your journey at the Gibbsboro Recreation Center, where you’ll find a charming community garden with a small sandbox, a free library, picnic tables, and a delightful sculpture walk – plus buzzing bee brood boxes! Follow the paved road from the back of the garden until it leads into three miles of captivating wooded trails. Stick to the main paved loop for an easy walk that leads to an incredible overlook of the quarry, where you can still spot some old mining machinery. While you can venture down into the quarry, keep an eye out for motorcyclists and mountain bikers. A picnic bench at the top offers a perfect spot to take in the views, which on a clear day can even include the Philadelphia skyline! For an extended walk, continue down the paved path, cross United States Avenue, and discover a path alongside an abandoned railroad track.
Washington Lake Park: Southern New Jersey’s Sprawling Oasis
As the largest municipal park in New Jersey, Washington Lake Park in Washington Township boasts over 300 acres of diverse natural beauty. The park offers several wooded hikes, ranging from easy to moderate, none longer than half a mile. A favorite route is the Sassafras Trail around Cedar Pond (where fishing is permitted), connecting to the Lakeside Trail that loops around Washington Lake. This path eventually leads to a charming small butterfly garden trail. Keep an eye out for fascinating wildlife, including beavers, turtles, snakes, foxes, and wild turkeys. Beyond the trails, the park is a hub of activity with three playgrounds, an amphitheater, pavilions, a koi pond brimming with giant, hungry koi, numerous sports fields, and beach volleyball pits.
Historic Pathways at Delaware and Raritan Canal Park, Princeton
For a truly expansive journey, the Delaware and Raritan Canal Park offers a remarkable 70-mile path along a historic canal, lined with towering, majestic trees. Dug mostly by hand by Irish immigrants in the early 1800s, this canal was a vital route connecting Philadelphia and New York City. As you walk, bike, or run, you’ll encounter fascinating remnants of its past, including historic bridges, locks, and canal houses. While stunning in any season, the park is particularly breathtaking in the fall when the foliage explodes with vibrant colors. To make a full day of it, consider heading into the charming town of Princeton for lunch and a visit to the iconic Princeton University campus.
No matter which trail you choose, these South Jersey gems offer a wonderful opportunity to connect with nature, enjoy quality family time, and create lasting memories. For more on the vibrant arts and culture scene, and other events in New Jersey, don’t forget to explore the Explore New Jersey Music page.
