Kitatinny Valley State Park

The Sussex Chapter of The Native Plant Society of New Jersey sponsored a field trip to Kittatinny Valley State Park was led by State Park Resident Naturalist Lynn Groves. Lynn provided an overview of the 5,656 acre park. The area we hiked is part of the Valley and Ridge Physiographic Province. Interestingly, the part of the park across Limecrest Road is in the Highlands Province. Dolomite and limestone rocks that are readily soluble underlie the Park. Rock outcrops are very abundant.

Kittatinny Valley State Park is rich in plant species diversity. We hiked from the Park Office along part of the Glacial/White trail paralleling Lake Aeroflex which is the deepest glacial lake in New Jersey. Lynn pointed out many native plants throughout the hike. Seeing many species of ferns in close proximity and spotting Walking Fern (Asplenium rhizophyllum) were highlights. Lynn also explained how to differentiate once cut, twice cut and thrice cut ferns. We hiked alongside and through woodlands and adjacent to a large meadow. 

More information about the park: Kittatinny Valley State Park 
For a map of the trails: Kittatinny Valley Trails Map

Following is a list of the plants we saw (common name/scientific name). Included are links to Plant Profiles and Photos that are in this website. Visit our Plant Profiles & Photos page for more information on other specific plants.