Allaire State Park

About Allaire State Park

Allaire State Park is probably best known for its scenic views of the Hudson River and the Manasquan River. The floodplains along the river provide habitat for many bird species as well as birds of prey such as deer, elk, elk and coyotes. The Manasquin River, which winds its way through the park, also attracts canoeists and fishermen, as it flows through a series of canals and streams.

Hikers, mountain bikers and horse riders can enjoy the many trails through the park and scenic views of the Hudson River and the Manasquan River.

Each yurt has two bunk beds that can accommodate up to four people, and a toilet and shower are within walking distance.

Each place has a fireplace and picnic table, and each place has a wood-burning stove and two bunk beds that can accommodate up to four people.

Picnic facilities in the park are available, and playground equipment for children, as well as picnic tables and picnic chairs are nearby. Accommodation is open from 1 February to 31 December, but group campsites are open from July to September in the summer months.

Charcoal grills, tables and sanitary facilities are available, and a network of paths provides access to the main trails of the park as well as a number of other hiking trails. The Orange Way, which is 16.5 miles long, is a moderate multi-purpose path that is easy for pedestrians to walk. A yellow route is about 1.5 km long; this is an easy hike for adults and children, but not so easy for children.

During the summer season nature walks are organized daily and special programs for groups can be arranged by appointment. In the middle is a display board that points out the natural conditions and living beings of the area. The historic village has been known as the Howell factory since the early 19th century. It is open every first Saturday of the month from 10 am to 4 pm and on Sundays from 5 pm to 7 pm.

Back then, it was a thriving industrial community producing pork and cast iron, and one of the workers "terraced houses is now a visitor centre and museum. The buildings that still stand today include a polishing house, a factory shop, an office building and a restaurant.

Allaire Village, Inc., a nonprofit organization, sponsors more than 40 programs and events annually, including the annual Allaire State Park Festival, a summer camp for children and families, and a variety of other activities. For more information, write to Allaires Village Inc. at 732-919-3500 or contact the park visitor center at (917) 926-5555.

Howell, who worked at the New Jersey Museum of Transportation and the Pine Creek Railroad, and his son James Howell provided the introduction to the village of Allaire. The Museum and Transportation of the NJ operates a steam and diesel train as well as a replica of the original tracks and locomotives of the railroad. In its early days, the Pine Creek Railroad, founded in 1953, was a popular tourist attraction for residents and visitors to New York City and Philadelphia.

Access to Allaire State Park is via the Pine Creek Trail, which opens at the park's entrance on the north side of the creek, south of Allaires Road. Year-round, special programs are offered by the New Jersey Museum of Transportation and the NJ State Parks Department of Parks and Recreation.