Hot sunny days are some of the best to take a stroll in a beautiful national park or go on a hike, but the heat can sometimes make things a bit difficult. New Jersey has many unique hiking spots across the state, meaning you have a lot of choices with where to explore.
If you want to explore nature without being too warm, then it may be best to explore during winter, as the temperature is much cooler in New Jersey around this time. For summer nature walks, you will need to take the necessary steps to protect yourself from the blazing sun. You will also need to make smart logistical choices to make things as easy as possible for yourself and the people in your group. Let’s take a look at a few tips for exploring nature in New Jersey on a hot day.
Go Early in the Morning or the Mid Afternoon
If you are exploring nature spots around New Jersey in the summer, then mid-afternoons and early mornings are the best for taking hikes on a sunny day. The rays won’t be hitting you directly on the head, and you’ll be able to enjoy yourself without worrying about exhausting yourself. There are nature spots in New Jersey that offer plenty of tree shade coverage, which could be preferable.
The Boulevard Trolley Line Path runs for about 2.1 miles long, following the old trolley route. This walk is more of an urban walk but is still away from motor vehicles and provides a bit of history on your walk. The pathway is favored by locals, as it offers large old, shaded trees, which is ideal in the New Jersey summer heat.
Take Everyone’s Capability of Handling Heat into Consideration
If you’re going with a large group, you must assess everyone’s ability to handle the heat. This will help inform you of the type of areas you can visit, and you can also prepare for things like breaks. Consider which walks in New Jersey will be best for the whole group.
It may be best to consider parks in the area that offer something for everyone. Branch Brook Park, for example, is known as America’s first country park.
The 4-mile paved paths offer a mix of meadows and woodlands and allow you to give the kids a bit of history while ensuring it’s not too far of a walk if anyone needs to stop. Also, ensure that everyone is properly hydrated the whole time, as it will help them handle heat better.
If you’re looking for great water bottles for a day in nature, we suggest that you shop the Hydro Flask range at SSENSE. Hydro Flask makes some of the best bottles around, and they will keep your water at the perfect temperature the whole day. Their bottles are also made from sustainable materials, so that’s another plus.
Privilege Areas Close to Water and Keep Your Options Open
Picking an area close to water could also be a good idea. Fortunately, New Jersey has plenty of options, which is one of the reasons it is known as Garden State. This could allow you to enjoy a nice swim in the middle of your trek or just sit down and dip your feet in the water. Crystal Lake Park could be a great option for this, as it offers forests and lakes, allowing you to fish or even do some horseback riding. It has a range of different lakes, so it could allow you to find a quiet spot for a dip and cool down.
Having a plan B is very important, so pick destinations where you’ll be able to have fun outside of just walking and bring things with you that will allow you to have fun in other ways. You could bring things like frisbees, drones, or a football if you’re going to be close to a beach, for instance. This will allow you to transition from a hike to a nice day at the beach and keep everyone happy.
Go Biking
You should also consider making this a bike day. Biking is easier than walking on a sunny day because of the wind and because you can go long distances without exerting too much energy. There are plenty of different areas around New Jersey that are perfect for biking. Sandy Hook Bike Path in Monmouth County is one of the most popular.
Patriot’s Path and the West Essex Trail also offer great scenic views. For New Jersey in summer, biking could be a great option. Another option will be to rent a few dirt bikes or some ATVs if you know how to ride them. ATVs are family-friendly, and you will be able to explore nature without breaking a sweat. NJ Field of Dreams and Old Bridge Township Raceway Park could be ideal for you if that’s what you’re into.
These tips should help you stay happy and safe on your next nature trip if it’s hot and sunny out. These kinds of trips require more preparation, so take the time to sit down with everyone at your party and start planning logistics together to make sure that everyone will be comfortable.
By Amey MyersAmey, an intrepid traveler and avid blogger, roams the world, absorbing diverse cultures, flavors, and experiences. Her writing captures the essence of her adventures, inspiring others to explore. Amey's infectious passion for travel and storytelling epitomizes a life filled with exploration and adventure.
