NJ-Beaches-Boardwalks-Pinelands-Mountains-Farms-Wildlife-Pic

New Jersey has the most dense forests in North America; upland hardwood forests, pine forests, and maritime holly forests. NJ wildlife includes 90 species of mammals, the most dense population of white tailed deer in the United States, over 2000 black bears, and almost 200 bald eagles. New Jersey is home to over 350 species of birds. The Audubon Society hosts "The Worlds Series of Bird Watching" held here every spring in Cape May.

The Jersey Shore area is home to hundreds of colorful beach towns, salt-water fishing, whale and dolphin watching, surfing, and other beach activities. Classic Jersey boardwalks are at Asbury Park, Point Pleasant, Seaside, Atlantic City, Ocean City, and Wildwood. Eighteen lighthouses, many of them still operational dot the NJ coastline. Some of the best pizzerias, Italian and seafood restaurants are at home "Down the Shore."

Seventy-two miles of the famed Appalachian Trail are located in the Northwest corner of New Jersey. Along the Kittatinny Ridge, it overlooks the Greater Limestone Valley, the Pochuck Ridge and the Wawayanda Ridge. This area is known for its fly-fishing, lake towns, dairy farms and horse ranches. Other mountains in New Jersey include the Watchung Mountains, the Ramapo Mountains and the Palisades Ridge. The Ramapo Mountains in New Jersey are home to the most heavily forested areas in North America.

Almost 10,000 family run farms in New Jersey grow over 40 different vegetables and 20 different fruits. Local favorites are Rutgers beefsteak tomatoes, Jersey sweet corn, Jersey peaches, bell peppers, and flowers. Over 500 amateur beekeepers help to keep the state's crops pollinated.

The United Nations has designated the New Jersey Pinelands as a Biosphere Reserve. It is almost one quarter of the states land area that has an unique array of wildlife including many species of colorful orchids, carnivorous plants, predatory birds and flying squirrels. It is home to over 60 species of reptiles and amphibians and more than 90 species of freshwater fish. Many blueberry farms and cranberry bogs are located in the NJ Pinelands.

The National Park Service has designated three of New Jersey's rivers, the Great Egg Harbor River, the Musconetcong River, and the Maurice River, as part of the National Wild and Scenic River System. Trout, small mouth bass, catfish, and perch are varieties of fish found in the states lakes, streams and rivers.

Colorful and ornate Colonial era architecture can be found all throughout the state, home to many historical sights and buildings that date all the way back to the 1600s. As one of the original 13 colonies, the very foundation of America can be traced to New Jerseys’ historic sites. The most of the important battles of the Revolutionary War were fought here at Trenton, Monmouth, and Princeton.