Places to take pictures in and around New Jersey compiled by BCC customers and employees.
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Allaire State Park - Best known for it's historic village, Allaire State Park is located in Farmingdale, NJ - Located off the Interstate 195 exit of the Garden State Parkway. Through the park, runs the Manasquan River. It's floodplain provides habitat for over 200 species of wildflowers and plants as well as habitat for birds and other wildlife. Multi-use trails are found throughout the park.
Atlantic Highlands/Navasink Twin Lights - The Navasink twin lighthouse sits overlooking Sandy Hook Bay. This non-operational castle styled lighthouse has been converted into a museum open for visitation.
Barnegat Light House State Park - Located on the North most point of Long Beach Island. Barnegat Light is home to a small, but vibrant system of nature trails through one of New Jersey's last maritime forests. The lighthouse, often dubbed "Old Barney" makes for a great subject at sunset! Visit throughout the year to see a variety of birdlife throughout this park's coastal habitat.
Basking Ridge Environmental Education Center (Lord Stirling Park) - Learn about the outdoors and nature along Lord Stirling park's 9 mile trail system. A great place for nature photography.
Batsto Village/Wharton State Forest - Wharton State Forest is the single largest continuous park in the New Jersey state park service. Within sits Batsto Village, a Restored 19th century village. A great location for both scenic and nature photography! Located at 31 Batsto Rd. Hammonton, NJ.
Bernardsville Sherman Hoffman Sanctuaries - A beautiful preserve located at the headwaters of the Passaic River. Diverse habitat supports many resident species along with many migrants. Located at 11 Hardscrabble Rd. in Bernardsville, NJ. The Sanctuary trails are open daily. Learning center hours available on their website.
Black River & Western Railroad - Take a steam train ride from Flemington to Ringoes and back. A great outing for families!
Caldwell - Visit the home of Grover Cleveland, the only United States President born in NJ.
Cape May County Zoo - One of New Jerseys most impressive zoos, Cape May zoo is a great place for photography. A boardwalk system provide great opportunities to photograph animals with little to no obstruction.
Cape May Natural Area
- Cape May Reed's Beach - Reed's Beach offers stunning views of the sunset over the Delaware Bay. Summers provide large congregations of Horseshoe crabs as well.
- Cape May Point State Park - A coastal park with beach access, nature trails and of course, access to Cape May Lighthouse. Check out the migration observation deck in Autumn to migrating birds of prey and more.
- Two Mile Beach - Part of the Cape May National Wildlife Refuge, the Two mile unit is a great location to see sandpipers and other shorebirds.
- Higbee Beach WMA - Walk nature trails through the densely vegetated dunes of Higbee beach. Colorful flowers line parts of the trail. In fall, the forest is teeming with migrant songbirds. Head to the beach where sandpipers and ghost crabs can be seen foraging in the surf.
Closter Nature Center - A 136-acre nature preserve located at 154 Ruckman Road, Closter NJ. Home to over 3-miles of walking trails which are open from dawn until dusk.
Demarest Nature Center - Demarest Nature Center - Local nature center with many hiking trails, providing a great place to photograph wildlife.
Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge - A great place to see birds and wildlife. Drive the 8-mile loop for exquisite views of migrating waterfowl and shorebirds. In the colder months, the refuge is home to thousands of wintering Snow Geese.
Englewood - Englewood Boat Basin - Picturesque views of New York City and the George Washington Bridge.
Flat Rock Brook Nature Center - A 150-acre preserve and environmental education center situated on the Palisades. Walk its 3.6 miles of trails to see an incredible array of birds as well as a cascading stream and wetland habitat. Located at 443 Van Nostrand Ave, Englewood, NJ
Fort Lee - Fort Lee Historic Park - Great views of the New York City skyline and the George Washington Bridge, Open daily 8am - sunset, 201-461-1776
Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge - Located in Harding Township, Great Swamp contains vast grasslands, mature forests, and flooded swamps. The refuge is a great place to photograph both flora and fauna. Come late spring, the fields are teeming with wildflowers and the trails home to fox dens and nesting birds. A bald eagle nest can be seen from the wildlife observation center trail system.
Greenbrook Sanctuary (Palisades Interstate Park) - (membership required) A 165-acre nature preserve atop the palisades in Alpine and Tenafly. An excellent place to photograph plants and animals right here in Bergen County. Visit after significant rainfall to see trickling brooks transformed into cascading streams.
Harriman State Park/Bear Mountain - Located in both Rockland and Orange Counties, Harriman State Park is one of the largest in New York's parks system. Home to miles of scenic streams and roads, 31 lakes, and 200 miles of hiking trails. We recommend checking out this park for fall foliage, but feel free to explore year round. Parking available in designated lots only.
Interactive guide to the night sky - Sky & Telescope Star Chart
Liberty State Park - Statue of Liberty - Ellis Island - Just minutes from New Jersey Turnpike, Liberty State Park offers incredible views of the New York skyline. Both the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island can be seen as well. If the city park style isn't for you, walk south to Caven Point for a quiet escape into a small coastal nature trail.
Lorrimer Sanctuary - Located right in Franklin Lakes, NJ, New Jersey Audubon's Lorrimer Sanctuary features a self-guided trail system, Winter bird feeding station, and gift shop.
High Point State Park - Obelisk Marking New Jersey's highest elevation of 1803'. Nature trails and beautiful landscape throughout. If you're looking for a unique and challenging walk, visit one the most elevated Atlantic White Cedar Swamp in the world, the Dryden-Kuser Natural area.
Montclair - Montclair Hawk Watch - New Jersey Audubon Sept 1st - Nov 30th Watch migrating hawks (including Broadwings, Peregrine Falcon, Merlin, Kestrel, Bald Eagle, Osprey, Golden Eagle and more) drift overhead with the New York City skyline as a backdrop. Over 20,000 birds can pass overhead during the fall count season. For more details check out http://www.njaudubon.org/sites/hwmont.html
New Jersey Meadowlands Environmental Center/Richard W. DeKorte Park - Located on the site of a former landfill, the meadowlands are a symbol of habitat restoration. Several marked trails offer nature walks through a variety of habitats. Visit the "Meadowlands Blog" for more events & wildlife sightings.
Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park - views of 75' waterfall, rail museum and Historic buildings. Located in the Great Falls Historic District - just off Route 80.
Point Pleasant/Jenkinson's Boardwalk - The Boardwalk is great for shots of the beach and pictures of the many rides.
Ringwood - Ringwood Manor State Park & Skylands Manor - Historic manor house and acres of gardens 201-962-7031.
Weiss Ecology Center - NJ Audubon - Snake Den Road 973-835-2160.
Sandy Hook (Gateway National Recreation Area) - From Scenic beaches to a vast array of wildlife, Sandy Hook is a prime location for coastal photography. The northmost end is home to the Historical Fort Hancock where one can find Sandy Hook Lighthouse as well as a number of old fortifications and gun batteries.
State Line Lookout - (Metered Parking) A scenic overlook on the highest point of the Palisades. In Autumn, volunteers count migrating birds of prey, where photographic opportunities are plentiful.
Stokes State Forest - Located within the Kittatinny range, Stokes State Forest has much to offer. From cascading brooks and streams to the scenic Sunrise Mountain Rd. Stokes is bordered to the south by Tillman Ravine hiking area, home of Tillman Falls, and the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, home of the largest waterfall in NJ, Buttermilk Falls.
Tenafly Nature Center - Tenafly Nature Center is a non-profit, member supported nature preserve off Hudson Ave in Tenafly, NJ. With over 7-miles of trails, the preserve is a great location for birding and hiking. BCC and TNC offer Raptor photography workshops from time to time. These feature the Nature Center's educational birds of prey and present a great opportunity to visit and contribute to the Nature Center!
The Celery Farm - A 107-acre nature preserve located on Franklin Turnpike in Allendale, NJ. Over 248 species of birds have been reported here, with over 50 species are known to nest here. Visit "The Celery Farm and Beyond Blog" for news and updates on the preserve
Thomas Edison National Historical Park - Thomas Alva Edison's Home and laboratory, converted into a park and museum. Edison's workshop is located at 211 Main Street in West Orange, NJ. His home and property, at Glenmont Estate, is just a few blocks away.
Tuckerton Seaport - Explore New Jersey's coastal history. Home to nature trails, lighthouse tours and the Bay men's Museum.
South Mountain Reservation/ Turtle Back Zoo - At over 2,100-acres, South mountain is a nature preserve containing miles of trails, a dog park, and the S. Mountain recreational complex. Within the boundaries of the park is the 20-acre Turtle Back Zoo, home to species from five continents.
Van Saun County Park/ Bergen County Zoo - Located close by in Paramus, NJ, Van Saun Park has much to offer. Bergen County Zoo is home to a variety of North and South American Wildlife. The park itself contains a waterfowl pond, over 3-miles of trails and the small but stunning Washington Spring, a maintained garden with trails, benches and historical ties to George Washington himself (hence its name).
Wawayanda State Park - Hike 40-miles of hiking and biking trails throughout the park as well as 20-miles along the Appalachian trail. Hike to the peak of Wawayanda Mountain for exceptional views.
Greenbrook Sanctuary (Palisades Interstate Park) - (membership required) A 165-acre nature preserve atop the palisades in Alpine and Tenafly. An excellent place to photograph plants and animals right here in Bergen County. Visit after significant rainfall to see trickling brooks transformed into cascading streams.
Allaire State Park - Historic village and nature trails in Farmingdale, NJ - Located off the Interstate 195 exit of the Garden State Parkway.
Atlantic Highlands - Visit the twin lights overlooking Sandy Hook Bay.
Batsto Village/Wharton State Forest - A Restored 19th century village within Wharton State Forest. A great location for both scenic and nature photography! Located at 31 Batsto Rd. Hammonton, NJ.
Barnegat Light House State Park - Located on the North most point of Long Beach Island. Barnegat Light is home to a small, but vibrant system of nature trails as well as a wide sandy beach. Visit in February to see wintering shorebirds along the jetty.
Basking Ridge Environmental Education Center (Lord Stirling Park) - Learn about the outdoors and nature along Lord Stirling park's 9 mile trail system. A great place for nature photography.
Bergen County Zoo/Van Saun Park - Located right in Paramus, NJ, the Bergen County Zoo is home to a variety of North and South American Wildlife. The park itself contains a waterfowl pond, over 3-miles of trails and the small but stunning Washington Spring, a maintianed garden with trails, benches and historical ties to George Washington himself (hence its name).
Bernardsville Sherman Hoffman Sanctuaries - A beautiful preserve located at the headwaters of the Passaic River. Diverse habitat supports many resident species along with many migrants. Located at 11 Hardscrabble Rd. in Bernardsville, NJ. The Sanctuary trails are open daily. Learning center hours available on their website.
Caldwell - Visit the home of Grover Cleveland, the only United States President born in NJ.
Cape May Natural Area
- Cape May Reed's Beach - Reed's Beach offers stunning views of the sunset over the Delaware Bay. Summers provide large congregations of Horseshoe crabs as well.
- Cape May Point State Park - A coastal park with beach access, nature trails and of course, access to Cape May Lighthouse. Check out the migration observation deck in Autumn to migrating birds of prey and more.
- Two Mile Beach - Part of the Cape May National Wildlife Refuge, the Two mile unit is a great location to see sandpipers and other shorebirds.
- Higbee Beach WMA - Walk nature trails through the densely vegetated dunes of Higbee beach. Colorful flowers line parts of the trail. In fall, the forest is teeming with migrant songbirds. Head to the beach where sandpipers and ghost crabs can be seen foraging in the surf.
Cape May County Zoo - One of New Jerseys most impressive zoos, Cape May zoo is a great place for photography. A boardwalk system provide great opportunities to photograph animals with little to no obstruction.
The Celery Farm - A 107-acre nature preserve located on Franklin Turnpike in Allendale, NJ. Over 248 species of birds have been reported here, with over 50 species are known to nest here. Visit "The Celery Farm and Beyond Blog" for news and updates on the preserve
Closter Nature Center - A 136-acre nature preserve located at 154 Ruckman Road, Closter NJ. Home to over 3-miles of walking trails which are open from dawn until dusk.
Demarest Nature Center - Demarest Nature Center - Local nature center with many hiking trails, providing a great place to photograph wildlife.
Englewood - Englewood Boat Basin - Picturesque views of New York City and the George Washington Bridge.
Flat Rock Brook Nature Center - A 150-acre preserve and environmental education center situated on the Palisades. Walk its 3.6 miles of trails to see an incredible array of birds as well as a cascading stream and wetland habitat. Located at 443 Van Nostrand Ave, Englewood, NJ
Black River & Western Railroad - Take a steam train ride from Flemington to Ringoes and back. A great outing for families!
Fort Lee - Fort Lee Historic Park - Great views of the New York City skyline and the George Washington Bridge, Open daily 8am - sunset, 201-461-1776
Lorrimer Sanctuary - Located right in Franklin Lakes, NJ, New Jersey Audubon's Lorrimer Sanctuary features a self-guided trail system, Winter bird feeding station, and gift shop.
Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge - Located in Harding Township, Great Swamp contains vast grasslands, mature forests, and flooded swamps. The refuge is a great place to photograph both flora and fauna. Come late spring, the fields are teeming with wildflowers and the trails home to fox dens and nesting birds. A bald eagle nest can be seen from the wildlife observation center trail system.
Harriman State Park/Bear Mountain - Located in both Rockland and Orange Counties, Harriman State Park is one of the largest in New York's parks system. Home to miles of scenic streams and roads, 31 lakes, and 200 miles of hiking trails. We recommend checking out this park for fall foliage, but feel free to explore year round. Parking available in designated lots only.
Interactive guide to the night sky - Sky & Telescope Star Chart
Wawayanda State Park - Miles of hiking and biking trails along the Appalachian trail 201-853-4462
Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge - A great place to see birds and wildlife. Drive the 8-mile loop for exquisite views of migrating waterfowl and shorebirds. In the colder months, the refuge is home to thousands of wintering Snow Geese.
Jersey City - Liberty State Park - Statue of Liberty - Ellis Island - Minutes from New Jersey Turnpike Exit 14, 201-915-3403.
Lakota Wolf Preserve - (Reservation required) Lakota Wolf Preserve is home to packs of Arctic, Timber and British Columbian wolves. All of which are included in their Wildlife Photography Tours. These tours are available September through April, as this is when the wolves look their best (In their winter coats).
Montague - High Point State Park - Obelisk Marking New Jersey's highest elevation 1803' 201-875-4800.
Montclair - Montclair Hawk Watch - New Jersey Audubon Sept 1st - Nov 30th Watch migrating hawks (including Broadwings, Peregrine Falcon, Merlin, Kestrel, Bald Eagle, Osprey, Golden Eagle and more) drift overhead with the New York City skyline as a backdrop. Over 20,000 birds can pass overhead during the fall count season. For more details check out http://www.njaudubon.org/sites/hwmont.html
New Jersey Meadowlands Environmental Center/Richard W. DeKorte Park - Located on the site of a former landfill, the meadowlands are a symbol of habitat restoration. Several marked trails offer nature walks through a variety of habitats. Visit the "Meadowlands Blog" for more events & wildlife sightings.
View in Google Maps
Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park - views of 75' waterfall, rail museum and Historic buildings. Located in the Great Falls Historic District - just off Route 80.
View in Google Maps
Point Pleasant/Jenkinson's Boardwalk - The Boardwalk is great for shots of the beach and pictures of the many rides.
Ringwood - Ringwood Manor State Park & Skylands Manor - Historic manor house and acres of gardens 201-962-7031.
Ringwood - Weiss Ecology Center - NJ Audubon - Snake Den Road 973-835-2160.
Sandy Hook (Gateway National Recreation Area) - From Scenic beaches to a vast array of wildlife, Sandy Hook is a prime location for coastal photography. The northmost end is home to the Historical Fort Hancock where one can find Sandy Hook Lighthouse as well as a number of old fortifications and gun batteries.
Stokes State Forest - Located within the Kittatinny range, Stokes State Forest has much to offer. From cascading brooks and streams to the scenic Sunrise Mountain Rd. Stokes is bordered to the south by Tillman Ravine hiking area, home of Tillman Falls, and the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, home of the largest waterfall in NJ, Buttermilk Falls.
State Line Lookout - (Metered Parking) A scenic overlook on the highest point of the Palisades. In Autumn, volunteers count migrating birds of prey, where photographic opportunities are plentiful.
Tenafly - Tenafly Nature Center - 313 Hudson Ave - 201-568-6093
Tuckerton Seaport - Explore New Jersey's coastal history. Home to nature trails, lighthouse tours and the Bay men's Museum.
Thomas Edison National Historical Park - Thomas Alva Edison's Home and laboratory, converted into a park and museum.
Turtle Back Zoo - Located on 20 acres in the beautiful South Mountain Reservati
South Mountain Reservation/Turtle Back Zoo - At over 2,100-acres, South mountain is a nature preserve containing miles of trails, a dog park, and the S. Mountain recreational complex. Within the boundaries of the park is the 20-acre Turtle Back Zoo, home to species from five continents.
