Posted in New Jersey
March 22, 2017
The Small Town In New Jersey You’ve Never Heard Of But Will Fall In Love With
If you live in the area, you may be familiar with this little town, but if you’re a drive away – you’ll want to make that drive. This scenic, serene town is the perfect place to spend a late spring or summer day. If you live on the western side of New Jersey, hop on Old Mine Road to get here. It may not be the fastest route, but it’s absolutely beautiful.
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The town has a population of just around 16 residents, down from 41 in 2000. Walpack Township once thrived, though many residents were forced to move in the 1960s, as a dam was set to be built. The dam wasn't built, but the town was mostly left abandoned.
It has mostly remained unchanged since 1965, when the town became part of the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. The historic buildings date back to the mid-1800s and include a post office, church, former school used for storage, and six houses; none of these houses are inhabited. One of the buildings does serve as a small museum, open to the public on Sundays from May - October.
This Revolutionary War-era farmhouse was once the center of a self-sufficient plantation with farm animals and a blacksmith shop. The Walpack Historical Society hosts Van Campen Day here each October, complete with period actors, tours of the home and surrounding cemeteries and demonstrations of everything from apple cider making to spinning wool.
This rustic restaurant serves up spectacular seafood, some of the best bread around and offers a cabin for overnight stays. You can visit at: 7 National Park Service Road 615.
Enjoy around 10 miles of untouched natural beauty along the waterfront.
The town also includes several small, uninhabited islands. Another fun fact about Walpack Township? It was featured in a 1930s promotional film for Ford Motor Company called "These Thirty Years."
So, it is surrounded by hills and mountains. There are many hiking trails in the area, including portions of the Appalachian Trail.
The 200' waterfall requires no hiking to get to, is handicap accessible and offers a designated viewing area. There is also an elevated platform visitors can climb to see the falls from above. While this photo is lovely, visit after a rainy day for a spectacular sight. The falls are located just off Mountain Road.
Crater Lake is a clear blue glacial lake, created around 22,000 years ago. Picturesque and pristine, visitors can enjoy an easy hike around the lake. The Crater Lake Trail is a manageable 1.6-mile loop. For a longer hike, hop on the Hemlock Pond or Blue Mountain Lake Trail.
Pictured is a wooden suspension bridge over Big Flat Brook.
