Voorhees State Park

Introduction of Voorhees State Park

The expansive 1,400-acre Voorhees State Park in Hunterdon County, New Jersey, is situated close to Glen Gardner along the lovely Raritan River. Views of Spruce Run and Round Valley reservoirs are available from the park. The New Jersey Astronomical Association’s year-round night skywatching programme is one of the park’s distinctive features. On property it leased from the government, the New Jersey Astronomical Association constructed an observatory in 1965. One of the biggest privately owned telescopes in New Jersey is a 26-inch Newtonian reflector.

Seven trails at Voorhees State Park are appropriate for a variety of skill levels and interests. Except for the Cross Park Trail and the Parcourse Circuit, which are solely footpaths, all of the park’s pathways are multi-use. The routes might be spacious and gravelled or occasionally rough and steep. There are 47 tent and trailer campsites in the park, making camping a popular pastime. Additionally, there are two group campsites that may each hold up to 50 guests. Reservations are accepted for three rustic buildings that resemble cabins and include wood burners for heating. Each cabin has two double-deck single bunk beds that can fit up to four people each. There are fire rings and picnic tables at each campsite and cabin. All camping sites and cottages are close to restrooms and showers.

Voorhees State Park Activities

Camping

Depending on the kind of campground, camping is permitted in the park for a charge. There are 47 campsites for tents and trailers. There are 2 group campsites available, each of which may hold up to 50 guests. Three of the rustic, cabin-like buildings have wood burners for heating. Up to 4 persons can fit in each cabin’s two double-deck single bunk beds. There are fire rings and picnic tables at each campsite and cabin. All campsites and cottages are close to restrooms and showers by foot. From April 1 through October 31, the mobile bathroom is accessible. Cabins and campsites are accessible all year round.

Hiking

Views of Spruce Run and Round Valley reservoirs are available from the park. Seven trails in Voorhees are appropriate for a variety of skill levels and interests. Except for the Cross Park Trail and the Parcourse Circuit, which are solely footpaths, all of the park’s pathways are multi-use. The routes might be spacious and gravelled or occasionally rough and steep. A course on exercise is also available.

Picnicking

There are several places to have a picnic in the park, each with a table and a grill. The park also features three picnic sites with shelters that may be reserved for bigger parties. Each of Areas A and B has enough for 100 individuals. There are 75 seats available in Area C.

Winter Sports

Sledding and cross-country skiing are two common wintertime pastimes.

Voorhees State Park History 

Foster M. Voorhees, a former governor of New Jersey, gave his 325-acre (1.32 km2) property to the state of New Jersey in 1929, which marked the beginning of Voorhees State Park. Successive land purchases brought the park’s size to 640 acres (2.6 km2).

The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) used the park as a camp during the 1930s Great Depression, planting trees and building shelters and pathways all over the place. Views of Spruce Run and Round Valley reservoirs are available from the park. Depending on the kind of campground, camping is permitted in the park for a charge. There are 47 campsites for tents and trailers. There are 2 group campsites available, each of which may hold up to 50 guests. Three of the rustic, cabin-like buildings have wood burners for heating. Up to 4 persons can fit in each cabin’s two double-deck single bunk beds. There are fire rings and picnic tables at each campsite and cabin. All campsites and cottages are close to restrooms and showers by foot. From April 1 through October 31, the mobile bathroom is accessible. Cabins and campsites are available all year.

The Paul Robinson Observatory was erected in 1965 by the New Jersey Astronomical Association on state-leased property. The observatory provides public sky-watching activities and has a 26-inch (66-cm) Cassegrain reflecting telescope.

The main entrance of Voorhees State Park, which is also named for Foster M. Voorhees, is located across the street on County Route 513.

Transportation

Driving

Take Route 78 west to exit 17, then combine with Route 31 north, coming from New York or north Jersey. Make a right onto 513 north through High Bridge at the next traffic light. Observe directions to the park.

From western New Jersey and Pennsylvania, take I-78 east to exit 16, cross Route 78, and then go to the traffic signal. Continue after the traffic signal. Turn left at the stop sign and merge onto Route 31 north. Turn right onto Route 513 through High Bridge at the second traffic signal on Route 31 north. To park, follow the signage.

Parking

Parking is available.

Public Transport

Public Transport is available.