In New Jersey, a lot of the best free exercise space belongs to the counties, not the state. County park systems run rail-trails, fitness equipment and walking paths that cost nothing to use. When you want a state park, the annual pass is cheap, and if you’re 62 or older it can be free.
At a glance
- State Park Pass, NJ resident
- $50 a year
- State Park Pass, non-resident
- $75 a year
- Residents 62+ or with a disability
- Free entrance with a Senior Citizen or Disability Pass
- Union County Fitness Courts
- Free, 7 stations, Rahway and Union
- Henry Hudson Trail
- Aberdeen to Highlands, plus Freehold to Marlboro
The State Park Pass
The annual New Jersey State Park Pass covers entry for one calendar year at state parks and forests that charge daily walk-in or parking fees [1]. If you visit fee parks often, it can save money over paying each time [1].
| Pass | NJ resident | Non-resident |
|---|---|---|
| Primary pass | $50 | $75 |
| Second household pass | $25 | $35 |
Each annual pass also carries a $3 transaction fee, and neither the pass price nor the fee is refundable [6]. That makes a resident’s primary pass $53 and a non-resident’s $78.
The pass covers entry only. It doesn’t cover other fees, and it doesn’t guarantee entry when a park is full or hosting a special event [1].
Free for seniors and people with disabilities. New Jersey residents 62 or older, or with a disability, may be eligible for a Senior Citizen Pass or Disability Pass. It grants free entrance to the parks and discounted camping rates [1]. The DEP says these passes are being updated. For now, the senior pass is available at any state park or forest office or the Trenton office, and the disability pass only at the Trenton office [1].
Free fitness courts in Union County
Union County opened two free outdoor Fitness Courts in 2025, at Rahway River Park in Rahway and Phil Rizzuto Park in Union [2]. The county describes them as open-air wellness centers for people of all abilities, ages 14 and up [2]. Each has seven full-body stations where you work out with your own body weight at your own pace [2]. A free Fitness Court app offers guided workouts and coaching [2].
Other New Jersey towns and counties have added similar outdoor equipment in recent years. Check your county parks department and your town’s recreation page for what’s near you.
The Henry Hudson Trail in Monmouth County
The Henry Hudson Trail is a Monmouth County Park System rail-trail in two parts [3]:
- Northern section: Aberdeen to Highlands, with an activity center at 945 State Highway 36 in Leonardo.
- Southern extension: Freehold to Marlboro and Aberdeen.
As a former rail line, it’s a good choice for walking, running and biking. The county publishes a trail brochure and map with parking spots [3].
Ticks: New Jersey’s biggest trail hazard
The Monmouth County trail page carries a tick advisory [3], and that applies statewide. The New Jersey Department of Health says the way to prevent Lyme disease is to avoid tick bites [4]. Its advice [4]:
- avoid wooded areas with dense shrubs and leaf litter
- wear protective clothing
- use insect repellent
- check yourself for ticks after time outdoors
- keep lawns mowed and shrubs trimmed at home
On a trail, that means staying in the middle of the path, tucking pants into socks in brushy areas, and doing a full tick check when you get home.
Cold-weather and summer tips
New Jersey sees both hot, humid summers and icy winters. In summer, walk or run early in the morning or in the evening, and bring water. In winter, watch for ice on paved trails, and dress in layers you can remove as you warm up.
How much activity adults need
Federal guidelines say adults need 150 to 300 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity each week, such as brisk walking, plus muscle-strengthening activity on at least two days [5]. A circuit on a fitness court covers the strength part; a few walks a week on a county trail covers the rest.
Sources
- NJ DEP State Park Service: State Park Pass
- Union County, NJ: Ribbon cuttings for new outdoor Fitness Courts at Rahway River Park and Phil Rizzuto Park (August 18, 2025)
- Monmouth County Park System: Henry Hudson Trail
- New Jersey Department of Health: Lyme Disease
- Health.gov: Top 10 Things to Know About the Physical Activity Guidelines
- Rutgers New Jersey Educational Lands: NJ State Park passes and permits (fee list)
Common questions
How much is a New Jersey State Park Pass?
The DEP lists the annual State Park Pass at $50 for New Jersey residents and $75 for non-residents, for a normal-size vehicle. A second household pass is $25 for residents if you buy it at the same time as the first.
Can seniors get into New Jersey state parks for free?
Yes. New Jersey residents 62 or older, and residents with a disability, may be eligible for a Senior Citizen or Disability Pass, which gives free entrance to the parks and discounted camping rates.
Is the Henry Hudson Trail open?
Mostly. Monmouth County says the section between Wilson Avenue and Church Street in Port Monmouth (Middletown) closed on or about August 10, 2026, for about two years of Army Corps of Engineers flood-protection work, with a posted on-road detour.
Are outdoor fitness courts in New Jersey free?
The two Union County opened at Rahway River Park and Phil Rizzuto Park are free. Each has seven bodyweight stations for ages 14 and up, and a free app offers guided workouts.