Enjoy Nature at Parvin State Park

Squirrels, chipmunks and bears, oh my! All three call Parvin State Park, in Pittsgrove Township, New Jersey, their home.

While walking along, you probably won't see a black bear personally (they are in the area), but you will see many deer, both the smaller white tail, and the longer- nosed mule deer, along with many of the smaller critters. Painter turtles also can be spotted crossing the trails, and black snakes sun themselves on sandy patches.

Parvin's offers more than curious wildlife; nature trails abound. From the Bridge Trail with more bridges than you can count on both hands, to other smaller, less obstacle riddled trails.

Along the Bridge Trail, planks form most of the bridges and the undergrowth grows up during the summer months. Bring your insect repellant to keep off the ticks and be prepared for a narrow single wide path with roots and plants galore. The traipsing through varied terrain is worth it. From swampy areas full of lush vegetation to pine needle laden forest floor, you'll encounter lots of small wildlife and get a workout with the up and down and balancing on the planks. This is not an easy walking trail, and is not recommend for bikers.

The Black Oak Trail is open for all modes of non-motorized transport -- including horses and bikers -- and travels one side of the park. You'll cross a few streams, one without a bridge so avoid after heavy rain. Most of the trail is slightly built up with swampy areas on either side and a few steady long inclines. A section of pines offers a pleasant fragrance and you'll often find a deer or two in the area. Since hunting isn't permitted, most of the deer with stare for a bit before taking off. I've come across a herd of over a dozen, buck included, that just watched as I walked past them.

The Red Trail circles through the area near the camping provisions. You'll find a wider trail, less bridges, but a few hills to climb and two wider streams with well built platform bridges; no walking planks on the main area of this trail. There is a plank bridge over one stream and one low lying area.

Cutting across the Red trail, is the Lost Trail. This trail marked with yellow, circles around and back on itself. Hence the name, Lost Trail. You really won't get lost, but it can be confusing with the criss-crossing of the Red Trail. Again, the Red Trail is wider than the Lost Trail and that can help you figure out which you're crossing. Most intersections are also marked with the color of the trail.

The Green Trail takes you around Parvin's Lake to a beautiful wooden bridge complete with rails. While the bridge is narrow--only one bike handlebar width -- the view is spectacular. One side looks out across the lake; eagles have been spotted fishing. The other side is a contrast with the stream through the woods and if you pause long enough to look down, you may even see water snakes swimming upstream.

Another trail takes you around Thundergust Lake. This trail, while wide, is a bit sandy or full of roots. The terrain tends to be one or the other. Also, with the more stagnant water of this lake, the gnats tend to linger more here than on any other trail.

Tucked away back in the corner, across the lake from the camping area, is the Nature Trail. No bikes please. You go up and down and around, including near some interesting old foundations. Plant life is abundant as are birds. So bring the binoculars. If you don't use them at the bridge at the mouth of the lake, you'll want them for some small clearing areas along this trail.

While you're at it, bring the tent, or rent a cabin. The lake offers a beach and swimming area. Or bring the canoe or kayak and explore.

Whatever your outdoor pasttime, be it fishing, or paddling, or mountain biking, or just plain walking, this State Park will please.