Local Mom: Make Memories at State Park

When I look back at my childhood memories I think of my brother's birth, being in kindergarten, and receiving my first Tinker Toy set from my father. As I wonder what my sons’ first memories will be, I can’t help but think they will include those special moments with their father. For all the time they spend with mom, somehow those special days with dad seem to stick in their minds.

This past weekend we managed to make our way to Round Valley State Park for some fishing with friends.

We dropped our lines at a swimming area separated from the main reservoir by an earth dam. Covering more than 2,000 acres, the trout-stocked main reservoir is considered the deepest lake in New Jersey at approximately 180 feet. 

Though this state park is about 45 minutes away from Cranford, it is gorgeous and a great place to visit if you want the change of scenery. The park offers fishing, swimming, beach playgrounds, and hiking trails. Wait a few weeks to see the park in its fall colors. 

Our friends, who fish often, were a godsend as we didn’t bring any bait (we ended up using hot dogs) and my husband forgot his knife. We stopped at Modells on Route 22 where my husband acquired fishing poles for our boys and we packed our bags with picnic lunches and Capri-Suns. 

The boys were really excited. I stayed back with my girlfriend and the babies, but managed to sneak a solitary jog to the South Lot and onto the Pine Tree Trail (about 1.5 mile loop). The kids took a break from fishing to climb around the playground. The best moments of the day were when my boys caught their first fish. I will never forget their smiles even if they do. 

After we packed up the bags, we drove to a nearby boat launch and watched as the boats made their way into the clear water.  Then we took the boys and bjorn-bound baby for a hike while my girlfriend stayed in the car with a napping toddler. It was a wonderful day and we look forward to coming back.

What to Avoid:
The roofed picnic tables were plagued with flying beetle-type insects that managed to hang around the roof and dive-bomb our tote bags. I had to shake them out of more than a few of our belongings. Visitors may opt for wearing a hat and looking to the trees for shade. 

How to Get There:
Follow the signs to this state park from Exit 20A on Route 78W.  We fished in the beach section, which is close to the bathrooms and essential for those that are still potty training.  Click here for a map of the area.

Sheila Sayah is a wife and mother of three who regularly blogs about playgrounds on her site, www.njplaygrounds.com.