Allaire State Park is located near Farmingdale, NJ, just one hour south of both Jersey City and Newark. Visitors flock to this peaceful spot to camp, fish, hike, mountain bike, bird watch and more.
Since the park is a mere 7 miles from the beach areas of Belmar and Point Pleasant there are also plenty of opportunities for water related activities.
During your visit to this picturesque recreational area you’ll feel as though you have traveled back in time to a 19th century village.
This New Jersey state park lies along the Manasquan River, the Pine Creek Railroad and the historic iron mill town referred to as Allaire Village.
Activities
Allaire State Park has something of interest for the entire family.
Explore trails on foot, bike or horseback as you wind your way throughout the forest, past wildflowers and wetlands, along the old railroad bed and out to the peat bog.
Plan ahead and spend the night in one of the many tent or trailer campsites.
Don’t forget to pack picnic supplies, the park’s picnic areas located near the 19th century village have charcoal grills, tables and restrooms to make your stay more comfortable.
Here are some of the many activities that you will find at Allaire State Park:
Historic Village at Allaire State Park
The Visitor Center, open seasonally, contains exhibits and information about the 19th century village, the Howell Works and its owner James P. Allaire.
Take some time during your visit to explore the buildings inside this once thriving bog iron industry community – general store, blacksmith shop, carpenter’s shop, manager’s house, foreman’s house and a church.
Hiking at Allaire State Park
Allaire State Park has trails for hikers, mountain bikers and horseback riders. These trails range from easy to moderate as they wind throughout the park and connect with a larger network of trails, some of which extend for miles outside of the park.
The trail system located inside the main area of the park contains mostly flat, level paths while the South Side area of the park has about 800 acres of varied terrain and unmarked trails.
Here are some of the trails at Allaire State Park:
- Nature Center Trail – A 1.5 mile easy to moderate loop. This trail is along a wide, flat path that winds through shaded woodlands and wildflowers, crosses a bridge overlooking freshwater wetlands and continues on to a boardwalk through the peat bog.
- Canal Trail – A 2.8 mile easy loop path that winds through the forest and along the historic canal and passes Long Swamp Pond. This quiet trail is ideal for birdwatchers and nature lovers.
- Upper Squankum Trail – A 2.2 miles easy to moderate multi use trail. This mostly flat path lies along the old Freehold and Jamesburg Agricultural Railroad.
Biking at Allaire State Park
Mountain biking is popular at Allaire State Park. The flat trails around the campground and historic village are ideal for every age and level and the trails on the south side of the park are varied with some steep and uneven terrain for the more skilled rider.
Here are some of the multi use trails ideal for bike riders:
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Capital to Coast Trail – A 2.8 mile multi use trail is considered easy to moderate. This mostly flat trail is shaded as it follows a wooded path through oak trees and crosses over a couple of streams. There are benches along the path if you need to stop and take in the sights.
The Capital to Coast Trail is part of a larger multi-use trail that once completed will stretch from the City of Trenton along to the Borough of Manasquan. Once finished it will be 55 miles long and will connect to the towns, parks and other areas along its way.
- Pine Trail – A 4.5 mile multi use trail of moderate dificulty. This trail has a few sections of challenging terrain (sandy areas, hills, steep sections) for the more experienced rider.
Fishing at Allaire State Park
Freshwater fishing is popular at Allaire State Park with trout being the number one catch for anglers of all ages. The Manasquan River is regularly stocked with it!
If you’re planning to fish during your visit make sure you check out New Jersey’s Fish and Wildlife Rules & Regulations ahead of time.
Hunting at Allaire State Park
Hunting, for deer only, is allowed in certain parts of Allaire State Park. contact the Park Ofice for more information.
Birding at Allaire State Park
Since the park is located along the Atlantic Flyway, you’ll be sure to spot many species of birds no matter what time of the year you choose to visit. Allaire State Park provides a safe resting spot for migrating birds as well as a secure home for many native species.
Discover blue jays, Carolina chickadees, great blue herons, warblers, thrushes, nuthatches, kingfishers, woodpeckers (downy, red-bellied and the Northern flicker), wild turkeys, mockingbirds, robins, blackbirds, ducks and more throughout the forested area and along Kessler’s Pond.
Nature and Wildlife at Allaire State Park
Allaire State Park is also home to many other species of wildlife. And the park boasts some 200 species of trees, plants and wilflowers! A seasonal Nature Center located inside the park has brochures, maps and other information for both bird lovers and nature enthusiasts.
Expect to see squirrels, chipmunks, white-tailed deer, raccoons and more during your visit here.
Pets at Allaire State Park
Pets are allowed at Allaire State Park but must remain leashed (no longer than six feet in length) and supervised at all times.
Camping at Allaire State Park
The campground area at Allaire State Park is open yearly between April 1 to December 15. The park has 45 camping sites for tents and trailers each with its own fire ring and picnic table. Sites are within walking distance to bath houses with flush toilets and hot showers.
The park also has 6 group camping sites available, four of which can accommodate up to 50 people. Each site has a fire ring and picnic table.
Ten shelters are also located within the park. These shelters have cabin-like features and contain a wood stove and two bunk beds that sleep up to four people. Each shelter has a fire ring and picnic table.
Park Location
Allaire State Park
4265 Atlantic Ave.
Farmingdale, NJ 07727
Phone: 732.938.2371
Map
Video
Here is a short YouTube video showcasing several attractions at Allaire State Park:
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