Day Trip to Maple Sugaring

When most people sit down to enjoy a delicious breakfast of pancakes or waffles or French toast, they probably also reach for a bottle of some sweet, sticky, sumptuous maple syrup to pour over their dish. And most likely, were they to consider the origins of maple syrup, they’d think of the state of Vermont. It may come as a surprise, then, that with New Jersey at the southernmost tip of the U.S. region where maple trees grow, maple sugaring – the method of collecting tasteless sap and turning it into sweet syrup – in the Garden State goes back centuries, to the days of Native Americans and colonists. Today, there are no commercial maple sugaring farms in the state, but various parks and other facilities present educational programs and demonstrations for free or for little cost to illustrate the process to the public. 

At this time of year, from late February till the middle of March, when freezing nighttime temperatures and rising daytime temperatures cause the sap to begin running in the trees, the maple sugaring experience makes a tasty and unique day trip activity for all ages. 

Visitors can learn all about how to “tap” the trees, collect the sap, and create syrup by boiling it down. Did you know that it takes up to 40 gallons of sap to produce a single gallon of syrup? Some programs demonstrate old-fashioned methods of generations past; others highlight more modern means. The hands-on experience allows participants to drill into the trees, attach spouts and buckets, and take in the warmth and aroma as the succulent syrup is boiled down over an open fire, which can take several hours. Along the way, you will learn about the history of maple sugaring, how to identify the right tree specimens, and have the chance to enjoy some taste tests of different varieties of syrup, including New Jersey’s local product. Dress warmly and comfortably, because you’re sure to be spending lots of time outdoors hiking through the woods and working on these special trees!

The following are just a few of the locations throughout New Jersey where you can enjoy a maple sugaring day trip. Contact them directly, or visit their websites, to find out more specifics about their particular programs and current schedules. 

Environmental Education Center

Somerset County Park, 190 Lord Stirling Road, Basking Ridge

Contact (908) 766-2489 or  www.somersetcountyparks.org

People of all ages are invited to see this tradition brought to life at the Environmental Education Center (EEC). You will see how trees are tapped, view sap-collecting methods both past and present, and see the boiling process that produces delicious New Jersey maple syrup. This free 90-minute program is conducted at the Sugar Shack, a half-mile hike from the EEC. Please arrive 20-30 minutes before the program start time. Organized groups (such as schools) may schedule weekday demonstrations by calling the EEC at (908) 766-2489, ext. 332.

Great Swamp Outdoor Education Center

247 Southern Boulevard, Chatham

Contact (973) 635-6629 or www.morrisparks.net

On select Saturdays and Sundays in January through March, watch the magic of maple tree tapping and discover how the sap turns into that delicious treat we pour over our favorite breakfast, all at the Great Swamp Outdoor Education Center in Chatham Township. You can even taste test some syrup yourself! Admission is $3 per person. Come to the Maple Sugar Festival on Saturday, March 2, 2013 from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m. Excite your senses with maple syrup snow cones and taste tests. Take part in crafts, games, tree tapping demos, and more. Join a “Hiking through Sugaring History” walk to see how sugaring has evolved since it started with the Native Americans. The entire family is sure to enjoy this fun-filled day of sugary, sappy goodness. Admission to the festival is $4 per person.

Huber Woods Environmental Center

25 Brown’s Dock Road, Locust (Middletown Township)

(732) 872-2670 or www.monmouthcountyparks.com

Winter is winding down. The sap is running in the trees and that can mean only one thing: maple syrup time is here again! Come with the whole family for some old-fashioned fun as you learn the history and technique of making this delicious treat. Wear sturdy shoes and dress for the weather to take a moderate (and likely muddy) hike to find the best trees to tap. You can even taste-test syrup samples to find out which ones you like best. All ages welcome; under 18 with an adult. Cost is $10 per person.

Howell Living History Farm

70 Wooden’s Lane, Lambertville

(609) 737-3299 or www.howellfarm.com   

Sugaring time arrives in late winter at Howell Farm and the public joins in the fun of making and tasting homemade maple syrup (and pancakes!) Activities offered continuously on scheduled dates, from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m., include syrup making, flour milling, butter making, and pancake sampling. Sap gathering takes place at noon and at 2:00 p.m. Tree tapping demonstrations are held at 11:00 a.m., 1:00 and 3:00 p.m. The farm taps several hundred maple trees and collects the sap, which is then evaporated by boiling down the sap on an open fire, producing the maple syrup. This is a process with which school groups and Saturday visitors can get actively involved. School class trips can be arranged from mid-February to mid-March, Tuesdays through Fridays from 10:00 a.m. to noon for first grade and up.