Sure, NJ is densely populated. But — surprise! — it also has 11 state forests to explore

Whether you’re an avid hiker, a nature enthusiast, or just looking to escape into the wilderness, there is no better time than the summer to visit some of the 11 state forests in New Jersey.

The New Jersey state forests have it all — sand roads, glacier leftovers, scenic 360-degree views, glistening lakes, undeveloped areas, rare trees, and more.

To assist you in choosing from the many options, NothJersey.com summarizes what's available at each state forest. They are listed in descending order based on the most recent annual visitor data from the State Department of Environmental Protection.

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1. Wharton State Forest, Hammonton - 745,898 visitors

The most visited state forest in New Jersey, Wharton State Forest also has the largest tract of land among all New Jersey State Forests. Here you can explore the unique natural ecosystem of New Jersey’s Pinelands. Visitors enjoy the Batsto Village, which produced iron products for the Revolutionary War, and 30 of its buildings still stand, including the fully furnished Batsto Mansion. The site also offers over 250 miles of sand roads for street-legal vehicles and motorcycles. Swimming facilities are also available at Atsion Recreation Area, where lifeguards are on duty. Batona Trail, which is 50 miles long and connects three different forests, passes through for 27 miles.

Activities: Hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, camping, boating, canoeing, kayaking, bird watching, fishing, hunting.

More: It's time to head outside, New Jersey! These are the most visited state parks

2. Stokes State Forest, Branchville - 290,936 visitors

20,000 years ago, the Wisconsin Glacier covered Stokes State Forest with half a mile of ice, which carved the area into its current unique geologic form. The forest’s geology trail takes visitors through its history. The park has over 63 miles of trails leading to different spots, such as Sunrise Mountain, which has unmatched panoramic views, Tillman’s Ravine, and Stepping Stones Falls. New Jersey's portion of the Appalachian Trail also passes through the forest.

Activities: Biking, hiking, horseback riding, camping, bird watching, canoeing, kayaking, paddle boarding, boating, fishing, hunting, picnicking.

3. Worthington State Forest, Columbia - 163,972 visitors

22 miles of trails make up Worthington State Forest’s rugged terrain and elegant views. Within the forest is Sunfish Pond, one of New Jersey’s Seven Natural Wonders. On the top of Mount Tammany is a scenic 360-degree view. The Appalachian Trail runs through 6.6 miles of the forest’s mountain ridge. The forest also offers various campsites in the Kittatinny Mountains and along the Delaware River.

Activities: Biking, hiking, camping, boating, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, hunting, picnicking, bird watching.

4. Jenny Jump State Forest, Hope - 159,461 visitors

The top of Jenny Jump Mountain produces views of the Kittatinny Mountains and valley plus the Highlands to the west, with the Great Meadows in the east. Along the trail are rocky outcroppings and boulders, proving the Wisconsin Glacier once covered Jenny Jump State Forest 20,000 years ago.

Activities: Hiking, camping, boating, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, hunting, picnicking, bird watching.

5. Belleplain State Forest, Woodbine - 155,901 visitors

Belleplain State Forest exhibits the greatest variety of habitats in New Jersey, with an Atlantic white cedar swamp, a saltwater marsh, and a mixed hardwood swamp and oak-hickory forest. Over forty miles of trails give visitors tons of options. Visitors can also take a dip in Lake Nummy, while the forest is a prime spot for bird watching.

Activities: Hiking, biking, horseback riding, hunting, fishing, camping, stargazing, swimming, boating, canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding.

6. Ramapo Mountain State Forest, Ringwood - 90,725

Visitors at Ramapo Mountain State Forest get sweeping views of the New York City skyline and surrounding hillsides. There are various trails in the forest, including winding old roads, historic trails, and challenging rock scrambles. Ramapo Lake stretches 120 acres in the forest, has spectacular views from ledges and rock outcroppings, and is prime for fishing. Wildlife and birds call the many streams, marshes, and ponds within the forest home.

Activities: Hiking, mountain biking, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, hunting, bird watching.

7. Abram S. Hewitt State Forest, Hewitt - 80,009 visitors

Part of the glacially carved Bearfort Ridge converges in this forest, which gives hikers a challenging climb worth the view along Greenwood Lake. The forest exhibits upland swamps and rocky outcrops. The untouched and isolated forest is only accessible on foot. Lower areas are dotted with brooks and streams, while wetlands and marshes are sprinkled throughout the forest. Six miles of the Appalachian Trail run through the forest.

Activities: Hiking, hunting

8. Bass River State Forest, Tuckerton - 51,185 visitors

Bass River State Forest was New Jersey’s first state forest, established in 1905. The forest lies within the Pinelands National Reserve, a one million-acre ecologically sensitive area that houses many rare plants and animals, including the dwarf pine — pine trees that reach a maximum height of six feet. The forest has over 12 miles of marked trails.

Activities: Hiking, camping, swimming, fishing, hunting, picnicking, bird watching

9. Norvin Green State Forest, Bloomingdale - 39,675 visitors

This undisturbed forest, only accessible by foot, gives birds and other wildlife a sanctuary with scenic views of Lake Sonoma, Burnt Meadow Brook, and the New York skyline. Norvin Green State Forest’s trail system is constructed from old logging roads and is perfect for nature walks. Hills range from 400 to 1,300 feet providing epic views.

Activities: Hiking, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, hunting, bird watching.

10. Penn State Forest, Tuckerton - 31,140 visitors

This undeveloped forest is home to Bear Swamp Hill, a unique landscape that lies 140 feet above sea level. The globally rare Pine Plains forest exhibits stunted pine trees, while Lake Oswego, a reservoir for a downstream cranberry operation, is picture-perfect for picnickers and boaters.

Activities: Hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, boating, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, hunting, picnicking.

11. Brendan T. Byrne State Forest, Woodland Township - 27,786 visitors

Brendan T. Byrne is the second largest state forest with over 38,000 acres. The historic village of Whitesbog, where the first cultivated blueberry was developed, is accessible to visitors. Hikers can also cross through natural white cedar swamps and the remains of a town, where stone and brick structures stand.

Activities: Hiking, mountain biking, camping, birdwatching, fishing, hunting, picnicking. 

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: NJ state forests: Explore all 11 on our list