Phillips Tract

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Phillips Tract is a protected natural area located in the state of New Jersey.


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Summary

It is a popular destination for nature lovers due to its beautiful landscapes and unique wildlife. Visitors can hike through the various trails and observe the diverse flora and fauna, including deer, foxes, and various bird species. The area also features numerous ponds and streams, making it an ideal spot for fishing and boating.

One of the main attractions in Phillips Tract is the Cedar Swamp Trail, which takes visitors through a dense forest and a swamp ecosystem. The trail is well-maintained and offers stunning views of the surrounding wilderness. Another popular spot is the Phillips Lake, which is a great spot for picnicking and swimming in the summer months.

Interesting facts about the area include that it was once a popular hunting ground for the Lenape Indians and was later used for farming and logging. In the 1930s, the land was purchased by the state and has been protected ever since.

The best time of year to visit Phillips Tract is in the spring and fall when the weather is mild, and the foliage is at its most vibrant. However, visitors can enjoy the area year-round, with winter offering opportunities for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

Overall, Phillips Tract is an excellent destination for those seeking a peaceful retreat in nature with ample opportunities for outdoor recreation and wildlife observation.

       

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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.
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