Explore Kittatinny Valley State Park, Then Look For Antiques In Andover, New Jersey

Andover, New Jersey is an underrated little town brimming with natural beauty and hidden gems. It’s home to Kittatinny Valley State Park – a great destination for hiking, biking, horseback riding, kayaking, and more – and multiple popular antique shops where you never know what you’ll find. Enjoy Andover’s natural wonders at Kittatinny Valley State Park, then go antiquing and discover some man-made treasures to round out your day in Andover.

Established in 1994, Kittatinny Valley State Park encompasses over 5,000 acres. It features four former railroads turned into rail-trails, such as the Sussex Branch Trail, and glacial lakes - including Lake Aeroflex, which is the deepest natural lake in the entire state.

The scenery here is beautiful in all seasons, and varies from thick forest to open fields.

The park has trails for all skill levels. You can meander along a wide, paved path, or hike up rocky inclines deep into the woods.

Multiple trails, such as the Kittatinny Glacial Trail, offer lakeside views. You'll likely want to pause and gaze out over the water, taking in the beauty of the park.

You may even see planes soaring over the lake! Aeroflex-Andover Airport is located within Kittatinny Valley State Park. Here you’ll find Andover Flight Academy, which offers biplane rides and flying lessons (fun fact: actors Harrison Ford and James Brolin have both flown with Andover Flight Academy). You can watch the planes land and take off from benches situated facing the runway.

Other trails offer glimpses of the YMCA camp that once existed within Kittatinny Park's borders. You may spot the ruins of a memorial lodge dedicated to campers who served in World War II, originally built in 1947.

With thousands of acres to explore and wonders around every corner, it's hard to get bored at Kittatinny Valley State Park.

When you're done exploring the park for the day, head to Andover's Main Street for some great antiquing. You can't miss Scranberry Coop. This bright and cheerful yellow building boasts over 10,000 square feet and more than 170 dealers.

Take your time browsing the thousands of treasures here. You never know what you may come across.

And your dog doesn't have to wait in the car - Scranberry Coop is dog-friendly, too!

For hours and events, visit the Scranberry Coop website.

Also on Main Street, you'll find Grey Barn Antiques, a charming antique store with over 25 vendors in 3600 square feet.

Step inside and you'll be greeted by rows and rows of antiques and collectibles, as well as a general store featuring local honey and candies.

There's something for everyone here, with prices starting at just a dollar. And yes, Grey Barn Antiques is dog-friendly as well!

For current hours, visit the Grey Barn Antiques website.

There's so much to explore in Andover, New Jersey! For more in Andover, check out these charming New Jersey cabins at Panther Lake Camping Resort.