Farny State Park

Located in Morris County, New Jersey, Farny State Park spans nearly 4,000 acres and is home to many wild animals, including turkeys, deer and several varieties of birds, as well as beautiful, untouched hardwood trees.

The quiet hiker's dream

Farny State Park is among the least visited of New Jersey's 50 recreation areas and with sound reason; the area is quite primitive and does not offer facilities, such as restrooms or picnic tables. What the park lacks in creature comforts, it makes up for in its beauty and isolation. Without the constant drone of RV motors or children's birthday parties, hikers can lose themselves in the allure of wide open spaces and fierce wilderness.

An ambitious hike

The hallmark of Farny State Park is a five-mile-long trail that leads visitors over rocky terrain, steep paths and even a wide stream. Not for the inexperienced, the passageway is marked, but only barely so; hikers must remain aware of their surroundings to ensure they stay on track. Clambering and grappling over many bouldered climbs is sure to instill quite a sense of accomplishment in those who take on the challenge of the footpath, if they are not completely tired out before reaching the end.

A place for reflection

While a perfect destination for adventurous hikers, the park is also an ideal location for visitors who simply need a place to "get away from it all" and spend some time in peace. Visitors to the park can enjoy a quiet picnic surrounded by the sounds of unbridled nature or bring a pair of binoculars and partake in a bit of birdwatching.

While Farny State Park lacks the amenities that attract large crowds, it is this fact that is most charming about the place; the absence of artificial noise makes this area a prime destination for those who want to leave civilization behind for a little while.