10 Best Scenic Spots in New Jersey
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When the state of New Jersey comes to mind, natural beauty may not be among the first thoughts. This does not mean that the region is just a boring industrial center full of concrete and steel. As travelers get off the beaten track and try new trails, they'll be pleasantly surprised at just how much New Jersey has to offer on its scenic roads, from places of living history to pristine shores. Try one of our favorite discs as a starting point to get to know the softer side of Jersey:
#10 – Route 49
Start Location: Deepwater, New Jersey
Final location: Takahoe, New Jersey
Length: Mile 55
Best driving season: All
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Explore the southern part of the state on this scenic route full of sights such as country churches, striking abandoned buildings and crab huts. Stop at Elsinborough Point on Hope Creek to photograph the stunning scenery below. In Takaho, connect with nature at the Cape May National Wildlife Refuge, home to coastal wildlife and seabirds.
No. 9 - Route through the Batsto Desert
Start Location: New Gretna, New Jersey
Final location: Hammonton, New Jersey
Length: Mile 21
Best driving season: Summer
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This road trip on Route 542 takes you through a virtual desert, and it's not unusual to be the only traveler on the road. Take a step back in time with a stop in the village of Batsto, full of historic buildings and a simpler life. At Wading River, dip your toe in the water for a summer refreshment, take a trip in a kayak, or see if the fish are biting for outdoor fun.
No. 8 - Garden State Boulevard.
Start Location: Ocean City, New Jersey
Final location: North Wildwood, New Jersey
Length: Mile 29
Best driving season: Summer
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Although travelers on this route will encounter several toll booths, the view of the Atlantic Ocean justifies the loss of change. Strathmore has one of the few free public beaches in the state where you can swim in the sea or sunbathe during the summer months. Stop at Corson's Inlet State Park to explore its many hiking trails or have a picnic.
No. 7 - Hunterdon County Roads.
Start Location: West Milford, New Jersey
Final location: Frenchtown, New Jersey
Length: Mile 66
Best driving season: Fall
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This route, which is especially beautiful in autumn, when it shimmers with colors, passes through various towns, farms and forests. Stop in Newfoundland to see the old train station once featured in the movie The Station Agent. In Clinton, check out the old red mill along the south arm of the Raritan River, which also sets the stage for memorable photographs or fishing adventures.
#6 – Route 521
Start Location: Montagu, New Jersey
Final location: Hope, New Jersey
Length: Mile 34
Best driving season: Spring, summer and autumn
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This exciting ride, full of hills and twists, takes you through a particularly beautiful part of the state with streams, lakes, and state parks right off the sidewalk. Enjoy panoramic views and hearty meals at the Boathouse Restaurant overlooking Swartswood Lake. Later, stop by the still-running 1876 General Store in Stillwater to stock up on supplies or just browse the merchandise.
№ 5 – Shosse Side of custody
Start Location: Colesville, New Jersey
Final location: Rosemont, New Jersey
Length: Mile 89
Best driving season: All
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This winding route through a part of New Jersey characterized by tiny towns and farmlands takes travelers back in time. Explore some of the many antique shops to find hidden treasures in places like Harmony and Plumbsock. Don't miss Goliath, the largest extant bear in the world, at Space Farms in Beamerville for some fun.
#4 - The Secret Way Back to Shore
Start Location: Allentown, New Jersey
Final location: Tuckerton, New Jersey
Length: Mile 58
Best driving season: All
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This mostly ocean-fringed road was once known only to locals, but the proverbial cat has since escaped the sack. The increase in traffic, however, does not detract from the beauty of this route, teeming with coastline and charming towns along the way. Stop at Warren Grove to see wawa, and fill up on the legendary pie from the Emery Berry Farm in New Egypt.
No. 3 - Delaware Valley
Start Location: Trenton, New Jersey
Final location: Frenchtown, New Jersey
Length: Mile 33
Best driving season: All
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Brush up on the history of the American Revolution and enjoy the sights along the Delaware River on this relatively short but charming trip. Stop at Washington Crossing State Park where, as the name suggests, George Washington crossed the river with his army for the Revolutionary War game-changing attack on Trenton. Also, visit Howell's Living History Farm, which uses techniques and equipment dating back to the 1800s.
#2 – Kittatinny-Ridge Loop
Start Location: Hardwick, New Jersey
Final location: Newton, New Jersey
Length: Mile 61
Best driving season: All
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Lots of rolling hills and pastoral scenes can be seen on this road, which runs around the flat-topped Kittatinny Ridge. Athletes can stop and climb Mount Tammany, from the top of which offers a panoramic view. In Millbrook, stop to learn about the region's history from costumed park rangers and view the village's original buildings from the 1800s.
№ 1 – Wallkill
Start Location: Sparta, New Jersey
Final location: Sussex, New Jersey
Length: Mile 21
Best driving season: Spring, summer and autumn
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This scenic route starts at Mohawk Lake, which is the mouth of the Wallkill River, and meanders north along the river to Sussex. The views along the way include fertile farmland, rolling hills and quaint towns with charming old buildings. In Ogdensburg, learn about the region's mining history on a tour and at the Sterling Hill Mine Tour, then taste local vintages at one of several active wineries near Sussex.
