Even though New Jersey is known as the “Garden State,” there are some truly amazing rock formations that are hidden among its trees. There are 12 amazing rock formations in New Jersey that will blow your mind. They have strange forms and interesting geological stories.
1. The Tower of the Devil
Place: Alpine is where
Features: It has a creepy Gothic stone tower that has been the subject of many ghost stories. It’s said to be cursed!
Tip for Visitors: To see this creepy sight, drive along the Palisades.
2. Rock for Tripod
Place: The Pyramid Mountain Natural Historic Area is in Montville.
Features: A big rock perched dangerously on three smaller rocks. This is thought to be a glacial erratic.
Hike: The Pyramid Mountain Trail is a loop that is 2.6 miles long and has beautiful views of this natural wonder.
3. The Pit of the Demon
Place: The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area is there.
Features: There is a huge rock ledge that sticks out sharply into the water and gives stunning views.
Hike: To get here, take the Mount Tammany Red Dot Trail and enjoy the climb.
4. Lucy’s Rocks
Place: Sourland Mountain Preserve is in Hillsborough.
Features: The forest floor is littered with strange, weathered boulders that make for a strange scenery.
Hike: It’s a nice 5-mile run on the Ridge Trail that you can use to see these strange rocks.
5. The Stone That Rocks
Place: Weehawken is the place.
Features: A huge rock that, according to lore, the Lenape used as a way to send messages. It looks like it’s balanced on its base and about to fall over, but it never does.
Visit Tip: This strange piece of history is hidden in a small park off of Boulevard East.
6. The Rocks of Van Campens Glen
Place: The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area is there.
Features: There are beautiful rock shapes, waterfalls, and clear pools. A wonderful mix of science and peace.
Hike: The Van Campens Glen Trail is a simple 1.6-mile walk that goes both ways.
7. The Watchung Lava Flows
Place: The Watchung Reservation is in Union County.
Features: Layers of volcanic rock from more than 200 million years ago that were made during the Triassic period.
Hike: Follow some parts of the Sierra Trail to get a better look at these basaltic rocks.
8. The Jenny Jump Ice Rocks
Place: Hope’s Jenny Jump State Forest
Features: There are big glacial rocks all over the forest that are thought to have been left there during the Ice Age.
Hike: The Summit Trail has a modest climb that leads to these old stones and gives you great views.
9. The cliffs of Palisades
Place: Bergen County, along the Hudson River
Features: Miles of tall basalt cliffs that were formed by old lava flows and erosion.
Hike: The Palisades Interstate Park has trails with views of the river and rocks that go on for miles.
10. The Rocks of Allamuchy
Place: Allamuchy Mountain State Park in Hackettstown is the place.
Features: Unique rock outcroppings are hidden deep in the park’s rough terrain. Great for taking pictures or climbing.
Hike: The Waterloo Village Trail goes in a circle around beautiful spots with these rocks.
11. The Boulder Fields of Sourland
Place: Sourland Mountain Preserve is in Hillsborough.
Features: A maze of boulders spread out over the land, great for rock climbing.
Hike: The Boulder Loop Trail goes through the middle of this rock playground.
12. The Stairs of the Giant
Place: Alpine is where
Features: There is a steep, rocky walk along the Hudson River that has basalt columns that look like big steps.
Hike: The Giant’s Stairs Trail is a difficult 4-mile loop that has great views of the river.
New Jersey’s secret geological gems are shown off by these amazing rock formations. The beauty and history of these rocks make the trip worth it whether you’re hiking, seeing sights, or just looking around.
