Hayes Park West

Rate this place

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Hayes Park West is a small community located in the state of New Jersey.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Despite its size, there are several good reasons to visit the area. The community is surrounded by beautiful natural scenery, including parks, lakes, and hiking trails. Visitors can enjoy the outdoors by going for a walk or bike ride, fishing, or having a picnic.

One of the most popular attractions in the area is the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge. The refuge is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including birds, mammals, and reptiles. Visitors can take a guided tour of the refuge or explore on their own.

Another point of interest in Hayes Park West is the historic Whippany Railway Museum. The museum is dedicated to preserving the history of railroading in New Jersey and has several exhibits showcasing antique locomotives and other artifacts.

In terms of interesting facts about the area, Hayes Park West was once home to several iron mines that played a significant role in the industrial development of New Jersey. The mines are no longer in operation, but visitors can still see the remains of the old mining structures.

The best time of year to visit Hayes Park West is during the spring and fall months when the weather is mild and the foliage is at its most vibrant. However, the area is beautiful year-round and visitors can enjoy outdoor activities in all seasons.

       

Weather Forecast

Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
View more

Featured Parks