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Madison, NJ

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Giralda Farms

5.0 (1 review)

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11 years ago

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Loantaka Park

Loantaka Park

4.3(30 reviews)
1.3 mi

Great path with a combination of paved and gravel paths to accommodate all needs for bikers l,…read morewalkers and runners. It's a very well maintained path with street markings and mileage on most intersections. Along the path there's benches to enjoy the outdoors, along with restrooms and ball fields. Plenty of parking!

For what it's worth, this review specifically pertains to a rainy winter hike - I can't comment on…read moremost of the park amenities near the playgrounds, playing fields, etc. And I'm also willing to acknowledge that I likely would have felt more favorably disposed toward this park if we had been there in better weather that didn't give off massive Pacific NW vibes. The dreary conditions were not the park's fault. Loantaka was the site of the annual first of the year hike with a group of noble chums. Interestingly, there was a rival "official" hike being held at the same time by the Boy Scouts of America - their social media announcements (complete with map) ahead of time were very helpful in locating a decent parking area for my compatriots. I don't think I have the ability on Yelp to review the BSA, but their scoutmaster was a gem and several of my chums purchased commemorative pins for the event at their little kiosk. Also, my dad was an Eagle Scout and can start a bonfire in about 30 seconds, so that's something. For the purposes of our adventure, we ended up walking 3.13 miles (assuming an Apple watch was correct, which I'm always dubious about), an out-and-back from the parking lot off Loantaka Way to Kitchell Lake just across the aptly named Kitchell Road. The parking lot was easy to access with plenty of spaces, though it was a bit more crowded by the time we were done. It was very pleasing to see several port-a-potties nearby, and I can report from firsthand experience that they were relatively clean, though the toilet seat in mine was wet and required my first squatting situation of 2022. I could breathe comfortably though, so I think you take that compromise if you can get it. The trails are very well maintained - we were exclusively on paved ones, though it looked like there were a few dirt paths that went off them as well, all of which looked tidy and drama-free. That said, it would have been nice if there were more markers/signage giving us a better idea of where we were. It would be difficult to get authentically lost in this area (I imagine it would take roughly 15 minutes to accidentally stumble across a county highway), but it would have been helpful for our orientation. This year's hike featured an Honorary Young Pup of 6, who was able to handle the adventure with aplomb (and enjoyed spotting the metal tags on the trees). There were also many pooches on the premises, and virtually all seemed to be doodle mixes of some sort - very little variety in this area of Jersey, apparently. If you're looking for decent photo ops, this is not where I'd go; this is a park that I'd use exclusively for very mild cardio/fresh air. There are a few streams on the journey, but nothing to write home about. The pond was pleasant enough, with abundant waterfowl in the distance, but it's hard to get whipped up about scenery that looks like it's straight out of Taylor Swift's Folklore album photo shoot.

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Loantaka Park
Loantaka Park
Loantaka Park

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Morristown National Historical Park - Encampment Hut

Morristown National Historical Park

4.4(8 reviews)
2.4 mi

This park is a great place for beginner hikers. The trails are very well marked and there are…read moreseveral different loops to accommodate any distance. Maps are located at various intersections to help you along the way (makes up for them not having physical maps available). Dogs are welcomed on leash (be careful, security walks around and will ticket you if they are off leash). There are several points of interest including the soldiers huts, a view point, and various streams. These park trails allow for a wide range of activities like running, hiking, and we've even brought our own snow shoes to enjoy the trails in the winter. Hours vary based on the season (usually 8-8pm) so be sure to check as the town comes around to open/close the gates accordingly.

The Jockey Hollow unit of Morristown National Historical Park is the site of the Continental Army's…read moremain winter encampment. My first stop was the Jockey Hollow Visitor Center. There, I watched the 15 minute film and arranged for a volunteer to take me inside the Wick House. The film described what life was like for the common soldier who wintered at Jockey Hollow during the harshest winter of the War, from December 1779 to June 1780. Huddled in log cabins with rags for clothing and little food, the army hunkered down to wait for Spring. After watching the film and touring the Wick House, I decided to walk the 2.5 mile park loop road. There are 27 miles of hiking trails in the park, but these were all covered with snow and ice on the day of my visit. There were plenty of pedestrians, dog-walkers and cyclists sharing the road with me.

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Morristown National Historical Park - Wick House

Wick House

Morristown National Historical Park - Trail behind Wick House. A Hike Through Life.

Trail behind Wick House. A Hike Through Life.

Morristown National Historical Park - Wick House

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Wick House

Great Swamp Outdoor Education Center - Fungus I suppose

Great Swamp Outdoor Education Center

4.3(10 reviews)
2.8 mi

Lovely place! Entered by mistake (we tend to explore to the other side of the Great Swamp) but this…read morewas a pleasant surprise. Ample parking. Today was a national holiday, so we weren't able to go into the center, but we were able to explore the trails and all it offered. Beautiful trails, well taken care of environment, and great posts/plaques to read and learn. Highly recommend.

Absolutely BRILLIANT day at the GSOEC! I'm still smiling…read more The Northern NJ chapter of my body liberation hiking group met up for a turn about the swamps and marshes. We strung together the red, white, yellow, and orange trails for about 3.5 miles of dewy goodness. The highlights: The wildlife: We had our necks on swivel for snapping turtles, frogs, and bears (oh my!). We came away with a sighting of a majestic blue heron, a black frog, and a few geese. The boardwalks: Overall, very well-maintained, snaking through grasslands and over water. -Water crossings: There were PLENTY on the white trail. I love water crossings because they require some flexibility, strategy, and a whole lotta faith. Oh and waterproof shoes lol. It was really fun to work as a team to get each across some of the waterlogged spots on trail. -Benches Some Scouts placed a lot of benches along the way as part of their Gold and Eagle awards. Yall know I love seating on trails. Ain't no shame in sitting down and taking it all in. -Visitors Center Wonderful education space, tactile exhibits, and bathrooms. The person working today gave us a great bear fact (did you know black bears have 2 layers of fur - the top being especially rough?) and told us about upcoming programming and Center hours. -Safety While we were a group of 6, the vibe I got throughout the swamp has me unafraid to return alone. Trails are well-marked with nowhere for creeps to hide and there's usually other groups around. Parking was safe and within view of the Visitor Center building. All in all, the GSOEC reflects the importance of conservation. Can you believe this beautiful place was almost an airport?!?!

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Great Swamp Outdoor Education Center - Boardwalk

Boardwalk

Great Swamp Outdoor Education Center - Gorgeous marsh!

Gorgeous marsh!

Great Swamp Outdoor Education Center - Swamp

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Swamp

Delaware River Tubing - Delaware River Tubing

Delaware River Tubing

2.6(245 reviews)
36.5 mi

Our family has enjoyed tubing on the delaware every summer for years. It's a great way to spend an…read moreafternoon in nature

Honestly, I don't know why this place got such few stars? The four stars that I've assigned as well…read moredeserved. I visited on a weekday and perhaps that made all the difference in the world. My experience form beginning to end was fantastic. I think one thing that seems to bother most people is the BBQ lunch. The BBQ lunch was apart of my package and when I arrived they were just loading the buns to be taken out on the river. I'm getting a little ahead of myself here but you'll understand in a minute. When I arrived, there were already several eager adventurous folks checking in, buying waterproof items for sale, collecting their water rafts and some even already on the water. I checked in with my Groupon and as directed, I left my keys - collected my Kayak and proceeded to the bus. Please note, the rule is, everyone must wear a mask until you're actually on the water; great rule as it gets crowded in the shop as well as on the bus. It keeps everyone safe. I chose the kayak experience which was awesome but the real fun is in a tube. After my journey down the river, I immediately purchase another Groupon just so that I could come back and have a tubing experience. So, back to the BBQ lunch. By the time I paddles my way down (a few signs for the waters edge for direction) to the BBQ shack on the water, they were still setting up. I guess I paddle too fast. I decided to keep moseying down the river as I had already packed a lunch just in case after reading the reviews about the BBQ shack not being up and running. Oh well, next time I'll enjoy a burger. Again, this is the perfect mid week escape. The ride outside of NY is quick and there's plenty of parking. Although it says Delaware tubing it's actually located in New Jersey; well at least the border between the two. I would recommend going early and taking as much time as you like in a tube with family and friends. I would also recommend bringing children as they will develop a lifelong love of being on the water. I'm a big fan now and I can't wait to return in a few weeks. P.S. I was told by my bus driver, they offer a fall foliage experience where they only allow kayaks on the river.

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Delaware River Tubing - Delaware River Tubing

Delaware River Tubing

Delaware River Tubing - Delaware River Tubing

Delaware River Tubing

Delaware River Tubing - Delaware River Tubing

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Delaware River Tubing

Edge of the Woods Outfitters - Kayak down the Delaware

Edge of the Woods Outfitters

4.7(120 reviews)
39.9 mi
•$$

My husband and I had a fab time with Edge of the Woods! We rented a raft and a tandem tube…read more Service was friendly and the Delaware Water Gap is goooooorgeous. Highly recommended!

(This was a few months ago so the details could be a bit iffy.)…read more This was a very impromptu trip and everything at Edge of the Woods makes doing that easy. Head to the website, book the date & time you want and you're done. www.watergapadventure.com/river-trips A few things worth noting: They offer multiple trip lengths. The standard 4-, 6- and 10-mile trip (Smithfield to Portland) are all booked generically and then when you get there you tell them what you want to do. All pricing is the same which believe me compared to others companies, that's very different - in a good way. They do offer two other longer trips but those require calls to the main office I assume to assess river conditions; your own competency and shuttle availability. The main office in Delaware Water Gap is very easy to find and there was plenty of parking on a quiet post-Labor Day Monday. You check in, you're handed a laminated map, life jacket and given a brief route explanation and then you're off in the van. One problem arose and it was kind of a PIA but it was worked around. Most companies have different types/sizes/models of kayaks and quite often, will ask you what you prefer. Not here. When we left the office, the guy driving didn't say a word to me until we get to Smithfield Beach to unload. He had a few kayaks pre-loaded in the carrier but definitely did not look at them before we left. One of them had a broken foot pedal that he said couldn't be used, another was very much designed for a smaller individual (i.e. if you're taller and/or taller & larger it ain't happening safely) which only left two tandem models. Using a tandem as a single individual is not the end of the world but especially when the seats are still left in the two person configuration (i.e. one front and one back versus the rear one being placed more towards the middle), it's a PIA to maneuver the craft and you are paddling harder to get the job done compared to a single. The scenery along the route was decent. You could see a bit of the Shawnee Resort and Golf Course, an old stone bridge abutment in the middle of the river, under and along 80 and then when you get into the Water Gap itself with the high cliff sides. Very picturesque. Once you go under the old train viaduct in Portland, you give the office a call for the shuttle to meet you at the out point which is at the Portland Pedestrian Bridge. The whole experience was about four hours door to door to cover the ten miles on the water plus the shuttle to & from the pick up and drop off points. Lots of nice scenery, due to the low water level there wasn't much in the way of current except for the area around viaduqt in Portland and even that wasn't bad. I'm not a big fan of the equipment here but I wouldn't let that deter me from coming back in the future for one of their northern longer trips.

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Edge of the Woods Outfitters - Two person kayak fun.

Two person kayak fun.

Edge of the Woods Outfitters
Edge of the Woods Outfitters - Adventure Time!

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Adventure Time!

Kittatinny Canoes

Kittatinny Canoes

2.3(136 reviews)
43.1 mi

I think other reviews said it but I'll include my thoughts too -- the noise curfew is non-existent…read more We are night owls so we didn't mind. Let's dive in ... Campsite (3/5): These are a bit stacked on top of each other but our group had two next to each other so it didn't impact us too much. Ambiance (4/5): These campsites are right on the water which is absolutely stunning! You really feel like you're in nature, but there is a major road near the top campsites and even by the water you can hear road noise. There was a huge group at the top which partied into the night though we're up late anyhow and it was no issue for us. Consider earplugs if you're not like us. Bathrooms (4/5): These were relatively clean for a campground bathroom. Minus a star here because on the last day the women's room was out of order -- but I believe it was due to another guest, as a member of our party heard someone say "oh no it's not flushing!" TL;DR: Great for those late-into-the-night campers. If you stay here make sure you get a waterfront spot.

This is my second time doing a float trip with Kittatinny Canoes, but my first time from this base…read morecamp and I would never do it again. The employees working there were not helpful at all. After we were dropped off at the launch point, one employee gave a quick safety speech and then disappeared. No one helped us tie our tubes together or navigate the steep drop-off with our tubes to get into the water, which was extremely slippery and rocky. We were told the float would take 2-2.5 hours. This was wildly inaccurate. It took us an hour to float from the drop-off point back to camp. When we previously did the trip from Barryville, the float was much longer. For what we paid, this was a complete waste of money. Then, when we reached the ending point around 4 p.m., we were harassed by three teenage employees who were yelling at us and demanding that we bring up our tubes immediately. There was no one else going out with those tubes at that time, and we simply wanted to sit and relax for a few minutes since the float had been so short. The employees were unnecessarily rude and nasty about it. I feel bad for the people who paid to camp out on this site. It was pathetically small and claustrophobic. Do yourself a favor and book a float trip with another company. After this experience, I would not return to or recommend Kittatinny Canoes at either base camp. EDIT/UPDATE: After the owner's response, I wanted to provide some additional context because I don't feel her response accurately reflects what we experienced. First, regarding the float time: the website states that the trip is 2-3 hours, not 2-2.5 hours. I understand that river conditions can affect the timing, but the conditions on Saturday were considered normal summer levels, with no flood warnings or high water advisories. Our float was significantly shorter than the advertised timeframe. We were also surprised by how close the drop-off point was. The bus barely drove us up the road before letting us out, and the location itself seemed like an odd place to start the trip, being let out in what appeared to be a vacant grassy field directly next to the Riverside on the Delaware townhomes, not even 3 full miles away. I feel bad for the people who live there. It did not feel like we were out in nature, enjoying lush vegetation. I could literally hear landscaping equipment buzzing along the float. As far as the landing area, we did not see anyone trying to get out of the water with kayaks while we were there, nor did the teenage employees tell us that kayakers were waiting to come through. They were not helping people navigate the landing area; they were primarily standing around and yelling at guests to bring their tubes over to the trailer. If they had politely explained that we were blocking kayakers or asked us to move for that reason, that would have been completely understandable. That is not how the situation was handled. Our issue was not being asked to move. It was the attitude and lack of helpfulness from the staff from the moment we arrived. We would have been happy to cooperate if the situation had simply been explained to us. Unfortunately, that was not our experience, and the owner's response does not change what we personally witnessed during our trip

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Kittatinny Canoes
Kittatinny Canoes
Kittatinny Canoes

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Giralda Farms - hiking - Updated October 2026

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