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

Tullytown Canal Park

Tullytown Canal Park
Levittown, PA

Otherwise known as the playground behind Walmart. I honestly didn't know it had a name. This park opened up in the summer of 2017 so it is pretty new. We have gone briefly once before and found it pretty cool. It has a lot of cool and unique equipment.

We have had a lot going on the past few weeks and were desperate to get out last week. After picking up a few things from Walmart, we decided to try out the playground again. Sam loved climbing the rope dome. Max enjoyed the toddler side of the playground. He really enjoyed the slides and tested almost everyone out. 

This playground also offers a see-saw, which you don't see too often anymore. There are swings plus netted swing almost like a tire swing. With a rock wall, steps and many other ways to climb up the equipment the kids were certainly busy!

The park has two gazebos for entertaining as well as a copious amount of open space available. However, I think they should consider restrooms because I can't recall seeing any. It would make sense to have some considering the number of families that would be using the park. Overall though it was a fun playground to exert some energy on. 

Our Stats

Pros: Playground

Cons: Lack of bathrooms (has porta potties)

Sam's Recommendation: The climbing structure!

Max's Recommendation: The slides! 

Overall Rating 5/10

Village of a Past Long Gone

Batsto Village

Hammonton, Nj

On Saturday, the boys and I made the hike (about 1 hour and fifteen minutes) to Wharton State Park; specifically Batsto Village. Batsto Village consists of 33 various historical villages and structures from when this was a bog iron and glassmaking industrial center back in 1766. The village remained in operation until 1867. It is also believed that this was a former stomping ground of the Lenni Lenape as well.

The 32 room mansion that has lodged numerous ironmasters over the years stood out impressively amongst the other clusters of various buildings. It honestly reminded me of those old 'fixer upper' houses in horror movies that overly eager, unsuspecting couples buy and move their families into only to discover there are ghosts or other supernatural beings lurking in the shadows. Certain rooms of the mansion are open for tours, however, with a toddler in tow, we chose to not take a tour.

Due to a lack of sleep on Max's part, we mostly wandered without direction through the vast grounds. It was also super windy so we didn't stop in one spot for too long. We walked across a lovely dirt bridge that offered amazing views of the bright blue water of the Batsto Lake and River. A rushing dam sent water to the Sawmill. The boys enjoyed throwing rocks into the cascading waters before running off towards the many cottages that housed workers.

It was really neat to see how intact the houses still were. Most of them looked frozen in time, waiting for their inhabitants to return. Considering it's early November and we've had a lot of rain recently, the clusters of leaves litter the ground. Max loved running through the leaves, sending them fluttering into the air. Sam picked up leaves as big as his face and even pretended to use them as a mask. We eventually made our way to back to the lake and explored the Sawmill. I tried to taking cute Fall pictures of the two of them but the boys were more interested in running up down the walkway of the Sawhill and jumping off a platform nearby.

There is so much to see at Batsto Village that by the time we made it back to where the mansion stood vigilant in the heart of the old ghost town, we still had many more buildings to explore but not a whole lot of time left. We briefly ran around the post office, where the boys knocked on the old doors, pretending to trick or treat, the ice house and a few other smaller buildings. From what I've read, we missed quite a few buildings and it would be nice to walk around more. It is a given that we are coming back here again to discover more!

Our Stats

Pros: Lots to explore, Educational, Bathrooms

Cons: Distance (for us at least!)

Sam's Recommendations: "The museum because it had a lot of cool facts about the people that used to live here"

Max's Recommendations: "The lake."

My Recommendations: "Pack a picnic lunch! It was a far drive for us!"

Overall Rating: 8/10