About Tall Pines State Preserve

The preserve is located in southern New Jersey, USA approximately 12 miles south of the city of Philadelphia. In 2015 Tall Pines became Gloucester County’s first state-owned park.

Once a popular golf course, Tall Pines is 110 acres of grasslands, woodlands, small ponds and freshwater wetlands in Deptford and Mantua Townships, just south of the Borough of Wenonah. Mantua Creek flows through its center. The preserve is home to an unusually rich and diverse number of bird species.

Over four miles of asphalt golf cart paths remain in place and are handicapped-accessible. Tall Pines is a great place for people to hike, jog, bird watch, cycle and experience the beauty of nature.

Learn more about the site:

• Get directions to the Preserve
• See maps of the Preserve and its trail system
• Read about the nearly 8-year community effort to create a nature park instead of a housing development.

About The Friends of Tall Pines State Preserve

The Friends of Tall Pines is the permanent Friends organization for Tall Pines State Preserve. Founded in 2010 as "The Friends of Maple Ridge", our members advocated for preservation of the disused golf course instead of its conversion into a 123-unit housing development. We raised over $125,000 through our own efforts and helped assemble the coalition of government and private entities to complete the $3.6 million purchase from the owners.

Now that the Preserve is a reality, we believe making and keeping it a great place for wildlife to thrive and for people to enjoy is not just the responsibility of government but of all of us who know and love it. We give you the opportunity to be a part of this mission, to make a difference and to help preserve and improve this very special place. We are a part of the South Jersey Land & Water Trust, a 501c3 non-profit. Our membership includes representatives of the Gloucester County Nature Club, local environmental commissions and the Gloucester County Certified Gardeners.