Historic Smithville Park is the centerpiece of the Burlington County Parks System. As the Smithville Historic District, the village is listed on the National and New Jersey Registers of Historic Places. Smithville grew from a typical, small mill operation on the Rancocas Creek to a major industrial plant employing hundreds of workers in its shops and yards from the 1860s to the 1920s. Known for its high-quality woodworking machinery, the Smithville-Mt. Holly Bicycle Railroad, and the Star high wheeled bicycle, Smithville was also well ahead of its time in town planning, sustainability, and workers’ rights and welfare. Within its borders, it offered its residents and workers a variety of recreational, artistic and educational opportunities. Smithville was, in just about every way, a model industrial town.
In addition to its intriguing past, this 312-acre park features a diverse collection of habitats and terrain. With upland forests and meadows, freshwater streams and wetlands, creek shoreline and the 22-acre Smithville Lake, visitors can enjoy hiking, biking, fishing, canoeing and picnicking in an idyllic, natural setting.
Smith's Woods Area is on the opposite side of Smithville Rd. from the Historic District and is accessed from East Railroad Ave. This section includes picnic pavilions and picnic areas with grills, a playground, restrooms, butterfly garden, and hiking trails. Picnic Pavilions can be reserved for your exclusive use.
