Here are 12 North Jersey parks you must see before summer's end

As we get into the final stretch of summer, before school is back in session and the weather turns cool, it is time to take advantage of the summer weather by visiting one of the many beautiful North Jersey parks.

If you can't make it this summer, don't worry, these parks are also beautiful in the fall with their gorgeous colors, perfect for leaf-peeping.

Whether you are an avid hiker, someone who loves water sports and fishing or just spending time outdoors, North Jersey parks have something for everyone.

Here are 12 parks you should check out before summer ends:

Goffle Brook Park, Hawthorne

Goffle Brook Park is a 103-acre, 1.5-mile-long park along Goffle Road in Hawthorne. The park runs aside Goffle Brook, which flows into the Passaic River.

Designed and constructed between 1930 and 1932, the park was designed by the sons of the Olmstead family. Frederick Law Olmstead Sr. designed the layout for Central Park.

In addition to paths and extensive greenways, Goffle Brook Park features a duck pond, playgrounds, picnic areas, a dog run, as well as a fitness circle and a basketball court. In the winter, the park is a popular spot for sledding. Visitors can also stop by the Passaic County Arts Center at the John W. Rea House.

Go: 675 Goffle Road, Hawthorne

Paterson Great Falls National Historic Park

The Great Falls of Paterson is the perfect location for history buffs looking to connect with nature. With the Great Falls existing since the beginning of time, Paterson was established around it in 1792. Part of the National Park Service, it offers historic mill tours of founding father Alexander Hamilton, who also founded Paterson.

The park became a National Natural Landmark in 1967. The park and the Society for Establishing Useful Manufacturers Historic District − a private state-sponsored corporation founded in 1791 to promote industrial development along the Passaic River − were deemed National Historic Landmarks in 1976.

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In terms of nature, the Great Falls features one of the largest waterfalls in the country, hence the park's name. Besides the trail bridge that overlooks the Great Falls, there are not many hiking or walking opportunities in this park, but there is an abundance of historical ruins and buildings available to visit.

Go: 72 McBride Avenue Extension, Paterson

Liberty State Park, Jersey City

Want to take in the sights of New York City without actually having to make your way there? Liberty State might be the place for you.

Located just along the Hudson River across from Manhattan, Liberty State Park features direct views of the State of Liberty and Ellis Island. It also includes the 2-mile Liberty Walk promenade, as well as picnic areas, playgrounds and the Nature Center.

The park is also home to the historic Central Railroad of New Jersey Terminal. Built in 1889, the terminal transported tens of thousands of commuters daily to Manhattan via ferry and also welcomed new immigrants from Ellis Island. The railroad declared bankruptcy in 1967, but still stands on Liberty State Park. Visitors can see some of the existing railroad tracks, as well as walk through the historic terminal.

It also features the "Empty Sky" 9/11 Memorial in honor of those who lived in or had ties to New Jersey and died that day.

Go: 1 Audrey Zapp Drive, Jersey City

Hacklebarney State Park, Morris County

Hacklebarney State Park, located between Long Valley and Chester, is a 978-acre park consisting of nine separate hiking trails.

The park offers views of the Black River, which runs straight through the park. Visitors can see the Rinehart and Trout Brooks, as well as several small waterfalls from the high hiking trails.

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Fishing is permitted and the Black River is stocked with trout by the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife during the spring and fall.

Go: 119 Hacklebarney Road, Long Valley

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Palisades Interstate Park, Bergen County

Palisades Interstate Park, located along the Hudson River, is a 2,500-acre, 12-mile long and half-mile wide park situated on the easternmost border of Bergen County. It spans from the George Washington Bridge in Fort Lee to the New York State line in Alpine.

In 1900, New York and New Jersey formed the Palisades Interstate Park Commission to protect the Palisades Cliffs from destruction by several quarries along the western banks of the Lower Hudson River that were blasting them for crushed stone and building material.

Now, the Palisades Cliffs still stand, and, because of its location, Palisades Interstate Park consists of more activities and amenities than just your average hiking trails.

Between the four riverfront picnic areas, miles of roadway for bikers, and, of course, boating and fishing with direct access to the river, this park has something for everyone. There are also several park programs and volunteer opportunities for those looking to get involved.

Go: Exit 2 of the Palisades Interstate Parkway, Alpine park entrance on U.S. Route 9W

High Point State Park, Sussex County

High Point State Park was dedicated as a park in 1923. The land for the park was donated by Colonel Anthony R. Kuser and Susie Dryden Kuser, who also built the High Point Park Monument in honor of all New Jersey war veterans.

Just like Goffle Brook Park, High Point State Park was designed by the Olmstead family.

For those looking for an extended getaway in the woods, this is the place to go. A total of 50 campsites open between April 1 and Oct. 31, and two group campsites open between May 15 and Oct. 15. Additionally, two fully-furnished cabins and one group cabin is available between May 15 and Oct. 15.

There is also the 20-acre spring-fed Lake Marcia where visitors can stop for a swim, as well as specific launch sites available for boats at Sawmill Lake and Steenykill Lake.

Go: 1480 NJ-23, Sussex

Branch Brook Park, Newark

The first community park in the country, which also established Essex County as the first county park system in the country, Branch Brook Park sits between the Forest Hill and Roseville neighborhoods in Newark, with some extending into the Township of Belleville.

Another Frederick Law Olmstead-designed park, alongside Calvert Vaux, Branch Brook Park was envisioned to be the Central Park of Newark. The project was later taken over by the Olmstead Brothers in 1898, who created the plan for the park.

One of the smaller parks on this list −with 360 acres of land − there's an abundance of activities offered. Between the jogging loop, a variety of fields and courts −including tennis and basketball courts, ballfields and bocce courts − a roller rink and a greenhouse, among other things, there is something for everyone.

The park also offers a "Bloomwatch Webcam," where you can watch the trees in the park bloom throughout the year.

Go: Park Avenue and Lake Street, Newark

Saddle River County Park, Bergen County

Saddle River County Park is a 577-acre linear park consisting of five park areas − Rochelle Park Area, Otto C. Pehle Area, Dunkerhook Area, Glen Rock Area and Wild Duck Pond Area − all connected by a multi-use path, including circular paths around some ponds.

The bike and pedestrian path travels from Ridgewood to Rochelle Park and is approximately 6 miles long. It follows the Saddle River and Ho-Ho-Kus Brook and passes by the Historic Easton Tower at Route 4. It also features a scenic waterfall at Dunkerhook Park, along with three ponds, various shaded picnic area and pavilions, playgrounds, as well as tennis courts and athletic fields.

Go: 760 Saddle River Road, Saddle Brook

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Kittatinny Valley State Park, Newton

Consisting of four lakes − including New Jersey's deepest natural lake, Lake Aeroflex − Kittatinny Valley State Park is for those looking for a new place to fish, boat or kayak. Throughout its 5,656 acres, the park also consists of several trails for those looking to hike, mountain bike or go horseback riding.

Kittatinny Valley State Park also features limestone rock formations, former railroads and even a small airport. In addition to that, visitors can see the park's award-winning butterfly and hummingbird garden.

Go: 199 Goodale Road, Newton

Wawayanda State Park, Vernon Township/West Milford

One of the largest parks on this list, the 34,350 acres of Wawayanda State Park run across Vernon Township in Sussex County and West Milford in Passaic County. With 60 miles of hiking trails, the park holds a 19-mile stretch of the Appalachian Trail, including the 1.3-mile Stairway to Heaven hike.

Surrounding Lake Wawayanda, this park also offers 2,167 acres of water for those looking to canoe, boat or fish to their heart's content.

Go: 885 Warwick Turnpike, Hewitt

Stokes State Forest, Sussex County

Spanning across several towns in Sussex County, the 15,482 acres of Stokes State Forest is another prime destination for those looking to camp out in the woods.

This park contains 12 miles of the Appalachian Trail, as well as several other trails available for hikers. Sunrise Mountain, located along the Appalachian Trail, gives park hikers the opportunity to view farmland, as well as undeveloped forests and mountain ridges across North Jersey.

You can also find several lakes throughout Stokes State Forest, as well as Tillman Ravine, which offers rushing streams and steep cliffs.

For those looking to visit for an extended time, the park has 10 fully furnished cabins available between April 1 and Dec.15, as well as 51 tent and trailer sites, some of which are available all year round.

The park is also home to the New Jersey School of Conservation, an environmental education center that hosts programs to inform visitors of our natural surroundings.

Go: 1 Coursen Road, Branchville

Ringwood State Park, Ringwood

Ringwood State Park, coming in as the largest park on this list at 4,444 acres, is located in the heart of the Ramapo Mountains.

The park features the usual amenities: trails for biking, hiking and horseback riding, as well as water activities like fishing, boating, canoeing and kayaking. Ringwood State Park offers additional experiences with tours of Ringwood Manor and special events held at Skylands Manor.

The park is also home to the New Jersey Botanical Gardens, which is 96 acres of explorable flowers, plants and gardens.

Go: 1304 Sloatsburg Road, Ringwood

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: North Jersey parks you must see before summer's end