Hacklebarney State Park is by far one of our favorite hikes in New Jersey. Make sure to get to the trails early because this is a popular hiking spot especially when it gets nicer out. We ran into a few other hikers during our hike but, as I always say, surprisingly the trails were pretty empty even on this beautiful day. I wonder sometimes if people are just not aware all of the amazing hiking opportunities that exist in New Jersey but I'm hopeful that our blog will spread the word!
This park covers 892 acres of land with 5 miles of trails passing over Trout and Rhinehart Brooks. The Black River runs along the Red Trail and is serene sight to see. Take a break at any of the benches overlooking the Black River and enjoy the sounds of the rolling waters. Although, the trees were all bare still, there is a mix of poplars, birch and oak. As it is still quite cold, the dogs were unable to get a great swim in but Piper was courageous enough to fetch the stick a few times!
Hacklebarney State Park is family (including the pups) friendly. There are several picnic areas with permanent grill sites and tables. There is also a nice playground for the kids. Enjoy your hike and if you have time, stop over at the
Long Valley Pub & Brewery for a tasty beer and bite to eat!
A Little Bit of History
According to the Department of Environmental Protection site:
It is said that the word Hacklebarney has a Native American derivation. Depending on which source one reads, it may have come from the words haki, meaning “ground” and barney, a variation of bonihen, “to put wood on fire,” or hakiboni, “to put wood on a fire on the ground” or “bonfire.” Other explanations come by way of the area’s iron-mining history. The first concerns an iron mine foreman named Barney Tracey, who was lovingly but persistently heckled by his workmen – hence the name “Heckle” Barney. Another tradition says the name came from the Irish miners and their home village in Cork County. Finally, the land near the Hacklebarney forge may have been owned by a Barney Hackle. Whatever the origin of its name, we do know that Hacklebarney Memorial State Forest Park Reservation, or Hacklebarney State Park, as it is now called, was established because of the generosity and vision of Adolphe and Sarah Borie. Their vision for Hacklebarney has endured long after their deaths and continues to guide the destiny of the park once described as “the most beautiful park in New Jersey.”- Peter Osborne, Images of America: Hacklebarney and Voorhees State Parks
Parking: See Google Maps Location below.
The Hike
The trek is easy to moderate. The moderate part comes when the Red Trail turns into a rocky trail about an hour or so in. If you're an avid hiker, you will have no problems navigating over the rocks. We followed the Red Trail from the parking area all the way around, passed the waterfalls, following the Black River back to the parking area.
