Rancocas State Park

Rancocas State Park

Hainesport, NJ

Rancocas State Park was a park we visited in the fall. I happen to spot signs for it one day when driving to another park and googled it to see if it would be somewhere we'd wanna go. There wasn't a whole lot I found when I first googled it but it didn't sound like a bust. 

When Max and I along with a friend of mine made the drive out there, it took us a bit to find the entrance. The entrance was located at the end of dead-end street in a neighborhood. It hardly looked like the entrance of a park. The road was awful. Barely big enough for one car so if another car came in the opposite directions, it was a tight squeeze. Not to mention the potholes! I had to drive super slow so I could navigate around the massive holes and it was almost impossible to move around them!

Eventually, we made it to the parking lot. One of the exciting things about going to a new park is the unexpected. We followed the path up a hill and come upon a dilapidated garage or shed-like structure. The roof had caved so it wasn't a safe idea to go in to explore. Someone had spray-painted the side with an American Flag and a quote. Due to remnants of a post by the water, it almost seems like a boat could have been tied up there. 

A few feet beyond the structure was this rather impressive concrete house up on a hill. Most of the home was intact due to the materials used. Graffiti took place of furniture. Broken glasses and trash littered the corners. But, man, I wish I could have seen this house in it's heyday! Large windows offered stunning views of the lake and open wooden area. Based on the layout, it appeared that there was a covered foyer that leads to where a front door would have been. Stepping inside brought us into a pretty big living room with an amazing stone fireplace. Heading through the next doorway leads to a possible bedroom to the left, stairs leading downstairs and a kitchen to the right. The kitchen led to a massive concrete patio which took up the majority of the back of the house.

Giant concrete steps took us down to the lower level. It could have possibly been a courtyard. There was what appeared to be a utility closet that was located almost under the top steps. I guess there was an outdoor patio but it also looks like the two small outer rooms could have been enclosed. Inside was another massive room with a possible workshop to the left and a second room to the right. Since it was on the lower level, there wasn't as much light to fully see everything so we had to rely on flashlights. 

After we explored as much as we could, we continued to walk through the woods. Pretty sure we ended up going in circles a few times. But, overall, it was still pretty nice.

Our Stats

Pros: Abandoned house, moderate hike

Cons: No public restroom, the drive to the park may be full of potholes

Max's Recommendation: "The long steps."

My Recommendation: "Be cautious when driving to the parking lot! The road may be a bit rough."

Overall Rating 7/10

Tyler State: Covered Bridge

Tyler State Park - Covered Bridge

Newtown, PA

One of our favorite parks to visit is Tyler State Park simply because of the various and diverse locations it has to offer. This post will be about the Covered Bridge side, which is located a short drive from the main entrance of the park. In fact, when driving, keep an eye out for the sign because it easy to miss! Also, the road leading to the parking lot is uneven and can have large dips. 

It is important to note that the Covered Bridge side of Tyler State is also the location for horseback riders to come. So be on the lookout for any horses and their riders in the parking lot and in the park as well. 

The boys are always so eager to run over to the path and down the log steps. I must tell them to go slow every time because the steps are steep. Whenever we come here, we pretty much always follow the same routine. So that means the boys spend a lot of time throwing rocks or sticks into the stream that runs under the pathway that leads to the Covered Bridge, wading through the water to look for frogs and looking for deer or bugs. 

Once everyone has had their fill, we make our way along the path to the Covered Bridge. There is a large puddle perfect for jumping in that awaits at the foot of the bridge after a good rainfall. Max has spent lots of time splashing around in that puddle. The boys love to race up the dirt path to the large wooden bridge. No matter the season or the weather, this is a gorgeous spot to take pictures. We always spend time peering through the diamond-shaped windows to spy on the river below and the boys love to peek around the sides of the bridge to spot ducks. 

Exiting the bridge leads to several paths. Veering to the right so far has been pretty risky. This side has been the one that is muddier and harder to navigate. The path gets close to the river and one wrong step could have you sliding towards the rushing waters. Downed trees, while are fun to climb, can often hinder a safe path. We have never gotten very far on this path. 

The path to the left of the bridge is more enjoyable and easier to navigate. If there has been recent rain, the pathway can get pretty muddy. We have hiked this path before after some rainy days and our shoes stick in the mud. Most of the path is a good distance from the river so the kids can still view the river as we walk. There are a few spots to be careful of. It is a decent hike through the woods that slowly leads upward. We pop out on a walking path. The boys often find sticks to swing around, butterflies to chase or to race along the path. 

Towards the end of this path, there is a house located to the left. It is private property and there are cameras. So, while it is interesting to look at, please be respectful and don't go on their property. The path leads back to the Covered Bridge and has great puddles after rain as well. 

Taking that long hike is one of the kids favorites. It is not a quick hike and it tires the boys out nicely. The incline, the walking path, the open fields all provide lots of opportunities to get energy out. 

Our Stats

Pros: A giant covered bridge, moderate hiking trails

Cons: No public restrooms

Sam's Recommendation: "The view from the diamond-shaped windows is a must."

Max's Recommendation: "Look out for frogs!"

Overall Rating 8/10

An Exploring We Go

Peace Valley Park

Doylestown, PA

Last week the boys and I headed up to Doylestown to explore Peace Valley Park. It isn't often that we head up that way simply because it is about a 40-minute drive. But we were not disappointed! The weather was perfect due to the light drizzle of rain here and there. We walked along the paved path with the boys picking up sticks to swing around. Sam got excited about a small creek we came upon. But we opted not to go in due to the slippery slope and the wet grass. 

Further up we discovered a wooden dock that boasted an incredible view of the lake. It wobbled as we walked on it but it was otherwise pretty stable. The boys used their sticks to pretend fish and tossed rocks into the water. 

Once they had their fill of the dock, we kept walking on the paved path. We came to another creek with a more accessible entrance that we eagerly headed to. Sam said the way water cascaded off rocks reminded him of a smaller version of the waterfall from Ringing Rocks. Max hopped along the rocks and ducked inside a hollowed-out tree. He tried so hard to stay out of the water. Neither of them succeeded!

So with wet shoes and huge smiles, we headed off to the playground. The playground offered no shade from the sudden burst of sun but the boys took no notice. Sam swung from the monkey bars before scaling up the rope ladder to head off to the slide. Max struggled a bit to climb up the rope ladder-like his brother did but he eventually got the hang of it!

The boys cannot wait to come back again next time! There is still so much more to see at this park. We only had a short time to explore but we had an awesome time.

Our Stats

Pros: Playground, dock, easy hiking paths

Cons: No public restrooms

Sam's Recommendation: "Going off the main path to wade through the creek. There were mini waterfalls!"

Max's Recommendation: "The dock because I got to fish."

My Recommendation: "It was a bit of a drive for us so I think next time we will go earlier!" 

Overall Rating 8/10

 

Swing Swing

Swinging Bridge
Princeton, Nj

Located a decent walk behind the Clarke House Museum, deep within the woods; is an awesome suspended bridge. I'm not going to lie, we had tried to locate this bridge a few times before but the websites I had checked out were confusing. Partially because we aren't that familiar with the area. Also, the woods are poorly marked within the woods and on the map as well. There were small concrete markers placed here and there with a short description of where each direction led. But it was mostly going in blind and hoping you were going the right way. To combat this confusion and a tangled web of trails, I used my phone's GPS to help us get to the bridge. It made it so much simpler!

We parked in the parking lot that is used for the Princeton Battlefield (located on the opposite side of the road) and the Clarke House Museum. From there, we went straight back to the woods and made a left at the first concrete marker. We walked parallel to the Institute for Advanced Study until we came to a bench with a fork in the road.

After a quick snack on the bench, we followed the path going straight. It was probably an almost 10-minute walk from there to the bridge. The suspended bridge reminded me of one of those sketchy bridges you see in remote jungles. It was nothing like that! Going across it was more than I could imagine. Max loved running back and forth (giving me quite a heart attack!). He enjoyed throwing sticks into the water and watching them float away.

One big thing we had learned on this hike was to wear proper foot gear. Certain areas are insanely muddy which is why we turned back the first time. So definitely keep that in mind. Also, if my directions aren't clear, don't hesitate to use your GPS! Just change from car to walk and the path pops right up! We wandered close to an hour our second attempt because we tried following the map and online directions. This bridge was so worth it!

Our Stats

Pros: A swinging bridge, moderate hiking trails 

Cons: No public restrooms, lack of trail markers

Max's Recommendation: "The bridge!"

My Recommendation: "Use your phone's GPS! It helped us finally reach the bridge."

Overall Rating:7/10

The Rocks Are Alive With Music

Ringing Rocks

Upper Black Eddy, PA

I have heard of Ringing Rocks over the years but had never made the trek out there. Last summer we finally made it and were not disappointed! 

Ringing Rocks had a lot to offer that made it worth the hour drive. The park is 123 acres that include a 7-acre boulder field, a fifteen-foot tall waterfall, and beautiful scenery. The really cool thing about the boulder field is that if hit with a hammer, the rocks make a ringing sound. It isn't known why the rocks make a bell-like sound or even why there are there.  It is just one of those things that nature created. The kids had a blast banging the rocks but that also could have been because they got to hold a hammer!

I would highly recommend that you wear a pair of sturdy shoes because climbing on, over and around those rocks was not easy! But it was so worth it once we made it across. We came across a stream that had a small waterfall. Max found a frog that sat almost like a guardian over the stream. The kids enjoyed dipping their feet in the cool water and watching the waterfall from rocks. 

We followed the trail until we came to a fork in the road. After a quick vote, we took the right path. Down this path, we discovered High Falls, a gorgeous waterfall. High Falls is Bucks County's largest waterfall. The kids were in awe of the rushing water, of the amazing rainbow that sparkled over the water and the snake we happened to stumble across. After the waterfall, we somehow ended up off the trail. Probably because the kids were leading the way. It was still cool to wander around trees taller than ourselves and to point out various bugs. 

This was one of those parks that is an all-day affair. We arrived around 10 am and didn't leave till almost 2 pm. But at no point were the kids bored or uncomfortable. Once at the car, I changed Max out of his wet clothes to dry clothes. He can't resist water so we just roll with it now. All in all, this was a great hike!

Our Stats

Pros: Waterfall, Rocks that 'sing'

Cons: Crossing the rock field may be difficult with smaller children

Sam's Recommendation: "What's not to like? The river and waterfall were super cool and I liked how the rocks made different noises when you hit them."

Max's Recommendation: "Watching the frog and insets."

My Recommendation: "Bring a hammer and be prepared for a long hike!"

Overall Rating 8/10

Through The Woods We Go

5 Mile Woods

Yardley, PA

Since there was no school on Monday, the kids and I had planned for a low key day at home.  We got up and watch Scooby Doo while lounging in my bed. Then I made chocolate chip pancakes while the kids played nicely. But these are my kids so by 9 am, they were at each other's throats. I quickly packed a bag of extra clothes, brought out everyone's boots and decided to go to the park.

We ended up at 5 Mile Wood in Yardley, Pa. A 285-acre nature preserve that is simply unique. Parallel to the massive wooded area is the main road in which you can see cars driving as you walk. Throughout the preserve, there are wooden planks and wooden walkways strategically placed. Which certainly came in handy for us considering the recent rains we have experienced. The mud was rather tolerable due to those wood pieces. Regardless the boys still enjoyed splashing around the squishier mud puddles. 

Further, into the woods, we came across a small bridge over a tiny stream. The boys discussed tadpoles and making sure there was a path for them to swim come Summer. They grabbed sticks in attempts to clear away piles of leaves caked into the water. Once satisfied with their efforts, we continued on. Not far from the small bridge was a larger bridge over deeper water. It was the perfect spot to stop and have a snack. 

A fallen tree log that stretched over the water and to other side created a bridge of its own. Sam crossed over with ease soon followed by his brother and I. They explored around, looking for the perfect sticks to toss in the water while I captured pictures. Even in Winter, there is something awe-inspiring about nature. 

On our trek back to the car, we all agreed to come back more often. Each of us has a favorite park so we tend to frequent them more often. But it is nice to explore the parks we tend to overlook because they are the ones that always end up surprising us the most.

1

Nature Center and Chilly Weather

Silver Lake: Nature Center

Bristol, PA

January has hit us hard. Between the rain and small amount of snow to the bitter cold temperatures plus the persistent cold that has dogged both Max and I on and off since December, we just haven't gotten out much. It is just simply easier to stay home, watch never-ending episodes of Paw Patrol and Youtube videos about cars while trying to stave off cabin fever. At least once a week, I find myself purging toys and clothes or rearranging items or redecorating a room.

We did have some luck at the beginning of the month. Typically when we go to Silver Lake, we tend to only go to the playground and lakeside. Rarely do we explore the Nature Center side which is truly a shame because it is pretty cool. Not to mention there was a lot over that I simply never noticed. I am an absolute sucker for parks that have little libraries. Positioned by the pavilion dedicated to eating, there is a decorated box where you can take books and leave books.

There is a children's play area on the Nature Center side which includes a small stream (during good weather) with a wooden bridge, balancing steps, hills, and a maze. Since the off season makes everything look dull and brown, it was hard to really decipher all that the children's play area had to offer. I cannot wait to come back when the weather is nicer.

We also discovered a giant bird, frog, and turtle wooden statue outside the Nature Center doors which utterly fascinated Max. The bird was legit bigger than him! He gave kisses to the frog and sat with the turtle before skipping around to examine all the unique angles of the carved statue. Once he had his fill, we continued on. We came to this area with a stone flooring and what looked like reminiscent of fencing you'd see in a zen garden.

The zen-like area faced a beautiful pond that still shone in the cold light of winter. Max attempted to throw dried leaves that still littered the ground into the water only to discover they stuck to his gloves. Once he finally got one in, he raced off to walk the stone wall that was positioned to the right of the pond. Back and forth. Back and forth.

It took a lot of convincing to get to him leave. The cold certainly does not bother him! His smiles were worth braving the chilly day.

Our Stats

Pros: Natural play area for kids, short hikes

Cons: 

Max's Recommendation: "The pond because there are fish in there!"

Overall Rating 6/10

Hidden Gem

Del Haas Woods
Bristol, Pa

After our visit to Rancocas State park back in the beginning ish of October, I was really excited to find more abandoned places. So I began to comb the internet for more abandoned places to visit. I was surprised to discover that a park I have been to a thousand times had an old munitions bunker within its depths! Many people in our area have heard of or been to Silver Lake. However it seems many have overlooked Delhaas Woods. Personally, I have seen the sign driving by before. Not sure why I never thought that it was actually woods.  Delhaas Woods is located across the street from Silver Lake Nature Center; which is where we ended up parking.

It isn't too often that we discover a park near us that we haven't explored before so there was something magical about walking through these woods. Leaves were bursting with golds, reds and oranges. Deer traipsed right by us. What made a crazy contrast was the fact that apartments, neighborhoods and an industrial park outlined the edges of this hidden paradise. Now I wish I could give simple directions such as turn left at the big tree and go right here but, honestly, we got a bit lost.  However the trail name that we followed was named Willow Oak.

Bright blue beckoned us from within the trees signaling which direction to follow. We came to the munitions bunker and were in awe of how much was still present. The wall on top of the bunker was huge and covered in colorful graffiti. There are rather large holes in the concrete so please be careful when walking around. There was even this cool old boat slowly decaying away nearby.

Wandering around provided us with the amazing opportunity to see some really neat things. We came across this Are You Afraid of the Dark type set up. Within this clearing surrounded by dirt hills on all sides but one was a camp fire with logs formed into seating. There was even a table by the fire pit. There were pathways to follow that reminded Max of train tracks.

I am super happy with this find and cannot wait to go back!

Our Stats

Pros: Moderate hike

Cons: No bathrooms, the parking lot is across the street

Max's Recommendation: The tree stub fire pit

 My Recommendation: The munitions building rubble

Overall Rating 6/10