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 in New Jersey, 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.
During these uncertain times, please keep safety in mind and consider adding destinations to your bucket list to visit at a later date.
This is Walpack Township. As you can see from this aerial shot, it's not very urban.
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.
Another attraction in this sleepy little town is the Van Campen Inn.
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.
The town is also home to the one-of-a-kind Walpack Inn.
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.
The town is bordered on the west by the Delaware River.
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."
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.
You'll also find creeks, streams, brooks, ponds and lakes.
Pictured is a wooden suspension bridge over Big Flat Brook.
A perfect way to spend a nice, warm day, stroll along the main road, go for an enjoyable hike, stop at the museum and grab dinner at the wonderful Walpack Inn. For more info on the restaurant, click here. You’ll score spectacular views of the surrounding nature in the restaurant’s greenhouse dining area.
Have you visited this charming small town in New Jersey before? Isn’t it positively perfect?
Address: Walpack Township, NJ, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
charming small town in New Jersey
November 24, 2021
Sarah
What are some other charming small towns in New Jersey?
If you’re searching for charming small towns in New Jersey, you don’t have to go far. Since the state is chock-full of charming small towns, we’ll share some of our favorite Main Streets in the state. Main Streets are the heart and soul of American cities and towns, serving as community hubs that offer shopping, dining, and entertainment, all in one convenient location. On the list, we especially adore Lambertville. The entire town is charming, but Union Street is packed to the brim with quaint shops and restaurants. Manon, Bell’s Tavern, and Thai Tida are great dining options. The People’s Store Antiques Center, Panoply Books, La Chocolate Box, and A Touch of the Past Antiques are great for gifts. There are also many other antique shops as well as numerous galleries, ACME Screening Room (an indie movie theater) and Lambertville House hotel.
What are the best small-town day trips in New Jersey?
One of the things that makes New Jersey so special is our diverse, vibrant mix of cities and towns. Even our small towns have so much to offer! We have dozens of incredible neighborhoods and it was nearly impossible to narrow this list, but we tried our best. Here are 12 of the most beautiful small towns in New Jersey with populations of under 15,000 people, all of which make for fun small-town day trips in the Garden State. On the list, we’re partial to Lambertville, a quaint riverfront town that has a lively arts scene, unique shops, and historic buildings. While you’re there, check out the quirky Boat House bar and soulful Hamiton’s Grill Room. Make a day out of exploring the town and walk across the river to visit the neighboring Pennsylvania town of New Hope, too!
What’s the smallest town in New Jersey?
While there are many little locales in New Jersey, Walpack might well be the smallest town in the state. With only 16 residents, there certainly aren’t any strangers in Walpack. The town was actually abandoned in the 1960s due to a planned dam project, but has since been named one of the best places to live in New Jersey.
Address: Walpack Township, NJ, USA
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Kristen is a writer, editor, and social media maven who loves her state. Born and raised in New Jersey, sharing all it has to offer is her passion. After attending Montclair State University, she continued her education online, obtaining certifications in social media management.
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