Robert J. Stahl Natural Area

Rate this place

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

The Robert J.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Stahl Natural Area is located in the state of New Jersey and is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy hiking, birdwatching, and scenic views of the surrounding landscape. The area is named after Robert J. Stahl, a former mayor of Hammonton, New Jersey, who was instrumental in preserving the land.

One of the main attractions of the Robert J. Stahl Natural Area is the variety of flora and fauna that can be observed. The area is home to a diverse range of plant and animal species, including white-tailed deer, wild turkey, and a variety of birds. Visitors can also see a variety of trees, including oak, maple, and hickory.

There are several specific points of interest to see in the area, including the Cedar Swamp Trail, which winds through a dense forest and offers stunning views of the wetlands. The area also includes a picnic area and is a popular spot for fishing and hunting.

Interesting facts about the Robert J. Stahl Natural Area include its designation as a National Natural Landmark by the National Park Service in 1971. The area is also part of the Atlantic Coastal Plain, a unique geological region that stretches from New Jersey to Florida.

The best time of year to visit the Robert J. Stahl Natural Area is in the spring and fall, when the weather is mild and the colors of the leaves are at their most vibrant. However, the area is open year-round and visitors can enjoy different activities throughout the 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