Allamuchy Mountain State Park, New Jersey
What better way to start the summer than by taking to the hills of northern New Jersey and the state parks found there? Allamuchy Mountain State Park is one of these gems.

Allamuchy Mountain State Park is in southern Sussex County, just north of Interstate 80. Visitors can choose from a variety of activities. Besides the coldwater and warmwater fishing options, there are hiking trails, a natural area, boating and canoeing. While camping is not permitted within Allamuchy State Park, nearby Stevens State Park offers camping facilities.

For the coldwater angler, the main attraction of Allamuchy Mountain State Park is the Musconetcong River, considered one of the top trout streams in the state. Several miles of it flow though the park. The New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife stocks the river frequently with brown, rainbow and brook trout. Come June, the bulk of the trout fishing attention may be waning. But there should be plenty of leftover trout for the June angler, particularly if river flows stay good and the weather is not too hot.

Besides the good trout fishing, the angler can fish for warmwater species in a variety of settings, including Cranberry Lake, Jefferson Lake, Allamuchy Pond and Deer Park Pond. Common species are largemouth bass, sunfish, yellow perch and chain pickerel. Channel catfish have been stocked in Jefferson Lake. Cranberry, the largest of the lakes, covers 179 acres. Outboard motors are permitted on it. Jefferson Lake is 46 acres and is limited to electric motors only. A boat concession can be found next to the launch ramp on Cranberry Lake. Rowboats may be rented there.

Another feature of Allamuchy Mountain State Park is the Allamuchy Natural Area. This 2,440-acre area features over 14 miles of trails. Activities permitted on the trail system include hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding. The northern section of the park contains another 20 miles of unmarked trails where hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding are allowed. Trails located within the park include a three-mile section of the Sussex Branch Trail and a 10-mile section of the Highlands Trail.

Canoeist and kayakers are not forgotten in Allamuchy. A three-mile water trail on the Musconetcong River runs from Waterloo Road to the Saxton Falls Dam.

Folks wanting to camp in the area can find camping options in nearby Stephens State Park, which offers 40 tent and small trailer campsites. Fire rings and picnic tables are located at each site, with flush toilets within walking distance. Stephens State Park also has picnic tables and charcoal grills for day-trippers.

One other noteworthy feature of Allamuchy State Park is Waterloo Village. According to the Division of Parks and Forestry, Waterloo Village takes the visitor through time from a 400-year old Lenape Indian Village to a bustling port along the once-prosperous Morris Canal. Expect to see working mills, a general store, a blacksmith shop and several historic houses. Music programs are presented during the summer months.

JULY
Fenwick Island State Park, Delaware
With summer in full swing and ocean water temperatures on the rise, it's time to consider a trip to the beach. Fenwick Island State Park, located along the Delaware coast between Bethany Beach and Ocean City, Md., is a fine destination.

Fenwick Island State Park is in Sussex County, Delaware. The park runs for three miles along a narrow barrier island found off the Delaware and Maryland shores. It provides a relaxing setting proximate to the more hectic pace of the nearby resort communities.