New Jersey
Trip Ideas|Road Trips

This Natural Wonders Road Trip Will Show You New Jersey Like You’ve Never Seen It Before

Explore the natural wonders of northern New Jersey through a multi-day road trip featuring state parks, waterfalls, and scenic views.

Updated Feb 9, 2023

Written by 

Kristen

While New Jersey does have one of the most dense concentrations of railways and roadways in the nation, we’re not all highways and train tracks. It’s true. If you’re not familiar with the state, you might find yourself wondering, "What are the natural wonders of New Jersey?" And the answer is, there are lots of New Jersey natural wonders! The Garden State has an abundance of natural beauty, and one of the best ways to enjoy it is a multi-day road trip. This particular trip focuses on the northern portion of the state, looping through several counties including Sussex, Warren, Bergen, and Passaic. While a fun jaunt any time of year, we think it truly stands out in the fall (but that’s just our opinion). Whatever time of year you decide to embark on this trek, prepare to enjoy one of the best road trips in New Jersey!

alt
Image/GoogleMaps

High Point State Park

advertisement
alt
Flickr/Bogdan Migulski

The highest point in New Jersey, High Point offers stunning panoramic views. One of the most beautiful places in New Jersey, there's beauty every direction you look, and reaching the summit is easy. While you can hike your way up, you can also drive and park at the peak.

Buttermilk Falls

alt
Flickr/Nicholas A. Tonelli

Another lovely lookout in New Jersey that you can just drive up to, visitors can score spectacular views from the elevated platform. It towers over 200 feet and is best viewed after a rainy day or two.

Worthington State Forest

alt
Flickr/Amelia Gapin

When it comes to New Jersey natural wonders, Worthington State Forest ranks pretty high up there. Located in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, you can access the river from here and take in some of the most stunning waterfalls in New Jersey. Our mountains may not be the highest, but they sure do look impressive from the water. Be sure to bring your boat (canoe/kayak) or rent one nearby.

advertisement

Stay: The RoseMary Inn

alt
Facebook/The RoseMary Inn

After your day in nature, lavish yourself in luxury. The RoseMary Inn, a B&B in Columbia, has dozens of 5-star reviews on TripAdvisor, and they're well deserved. Enjoy views of the Kittatinny Mountains, a picturesque pond and a delicious 3-course breakfast.

Great Falls National Historical Park

alt
Image/Author's Own

This natural oasis in the heart of Paterson offers several hiking trails, amazing views from all angles, and access to one of the most beautiful waterfalls in New Jersey. We've personally snapped this shot from a distance, but visitors can cross a bridge near the falls for a unique perspective.

Palisades Interstate Park

alt
Flickr/Doug Kerr

A truly magical place, this is one of the most popular parks in New Jersey. Visitors will delight in all that can be found here, including a stunning tower (the Women's Federation Monument) and manor ruins (Cliffdale Manor). You'll find several hiking trails and scenic views of the Hudson River. The park is free to visit, offers boat access at the Alpine Boat Basin and even has a snack shack.

advertisement

Ringwood State Park

alt
Flickr/Michael Ostendorp

Ringwood State Park is also among the most popular state parks in New Jersey. Besides the magnificent man-made mansions, you'll find a beautiful botanical garden, hiking trails, and Shepherd Lake. Enjoy flowers or foliage, depending on the season.

Waywayanda State Park

alt
Flickr/Bemep

Popular among boaters and fishermen (and women), visitors can camp at this New Jersey state park. That's not all, though. You can actually hike a 20-mile stretch of the famed Appalachian Trail. There are a variety of landscapes and the Bearfort Mountain Natural Area is a haven for hawks.

So, what do you think? Does this answer the question, "What are the natural wonders of New Jersey?" Are these the best of all New Jersey natural wonders? How does this route rank among other New Jersey road trips? Whatever you have to say, we want to hear it, so share your thoughts with us!

While there are many other New Jersey natural wonders (hello, Pine Barrens!), this trip focuses on a specific area of the state to cut down on driving time. For a road trip that celebrates our southern shoreline, check out this New Jersey road trip, which is sure to result in an unforgettable summer adventure. For more on Cliffdale Manor (mentioned above), check out our past article to learn more about the hidden ruins in New Jersey.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get the latest updates and news

Trip Ideas|Road Trips

New Jersey Road Trip Ideas: 11 Best Road Trips + Itinerary

Discover the best road trips in New Jersey for any duration, from one day to a week, including seasonal and family-friendly options.

Updated Jun 24, 2024

Written by 

Melissa Mahoney

It's time to hit the road, but where do you want to go? Here are some New Jersey road trip ideas for your next adventure! Whether you have just one day, a long weekend, or even longer, here are the best road trips in New Jersey that you can take.

advertisement

1-Day Road Trip In New Jersey

alt
Judy Gallagher/Flickr
  • Route: Lucy the Elephant > Tuckerton Seaport Museum > Carranza Memorial > Burlington County Prison Museum > Monmouth Battlefield > Twin Lights State Historic Site > Asbury Park Convention Hall
  • Distance: 175 miles
  • Trip Time: 4 hours 11 minutes

This New Jersey road trip itinerary leads travelers on an adventure to some of the state's most

iconic landmarks. One of our favorite quick road trips in New Jersey has you starting at Lucy the Elephant in Margate City and making stops at a couple of museums, and a historical park, and finally ending in Asbury Park at the Asbury Park Convention Hall.

3-Day Weekend Road Trip In New Jersey

alt
DenisTangneyJr/iStock / Getty Images Plus via Getty Images
  • Route: Long Branch > Asbury Park > Point Pleasant Beach > Seaside Heights > Beach Haven > Atlantic City > Ocean City > Wildwood > Cape May
  • Distance: 179 miles
  • Trip Time: 4 hours
advertisement

Weekend road trips in New Jersey give us the opportunity to take our time and see the sights. Want to explore all the best that the Jersey Shore has to offer? Then we invite you to embark on this three-day Jersey Shore road trip. The Garden State is home to some of the best beach towns in the country. From Long Branch to Cape May, every bustling city and charming small town along the shore has its own distinct personality. This is one of the best New Jersey road trips you can take.

New Jersey Hidden Gems Road Trip

alt
khurtwilliams/Flickr
  • Route: Princeton Battlefield State Park > Ken Lockwood Gorge > The Faery Cave at Great Meadows > Sterling Hill Mining Museum > Chikahoki Falls > Speedwell Park
  • Distance: 127 miles
  • Trip Time: 3 hours 19 minutes
advertisement

From a battlefield to a faery cave, from a mining museum to a waterfall, there are so many interesting things to see on this particular hidden gems road trip through New Jersey. You'll most certainly discover a place that's new to you along the way!

New Jersey State Parks Road Trip

alt
Angela Z-Frace/Google Reviews
  • Route: Bass River State Forest > Double Trouble State Park > Brendan T. Byrne State Forest > Rancocas State Park > Jenny Jump State Forest > Swartswood State Park
  • Distance: miles
  • Trip Time: 3 hours 49 minutes

Among the best road trips to take in New Jersey for nature lovers is a trip to some of the least-visited state parks. Beat the crowds and head to a park where you can traverse the hiking trails in peace. Or maybe you'll choose to spend time on the water and go kayaking at one of these quiet state parks.

Best New Jersey Road Trip For Spring

alt
Nicholas_T/Flickr
  • Route: Dunnfield Creek Falls > Buttermilk Falls > Boonton Falls > Ramapo Falls > Great Falls > Hemlock Falls > High Bridge Falls/Lake Solitude Dam > Hacklebarney Falls
  • Distance: 156 miles
  • Trip Time: 4 hours 24 minutes
advertisement

Want to know the best road trip you can take in the spring? It's a New Jersey waterfall road trip! We may not have many waterfalls in New Jersey, but they sure are pretty. See some of our state's most beautiful falls on this short, easy road trip. You'll see our tallest waterfall (Buttermilk Falls) and our most powerful (Great Falls) along the way.

Best Summer Road Trip In New Jersey

alt
Image Source/Image Source Collection via Getty Images
  • Route: Paterson Great Falls > Red Bank > Six Flags Great Adventure > Seaside Heights Boardwalk > Atlantic City > Cape May County Park and Zoo > Cape May Point
  • Distance: 240 miles
  • Trip Time: 4 hours 36 minutes
advertisement

If you're looking for something to do this summer, then we suggest you take a road trip to the best summer spots in New Jersey. The route starts out at Paterson Great Falls in Paterson, New Jersey before it takes you to the charming town of Red Bank. You'll then make your way to Six Flags to ride a few roller coasters, hit the Seaside Heights Boardwalk, and more. This road trip can be taken over the course of a few days making it the perfect family getaway when school is out for summer.

Best New Jersey Road Trip For Fall

alt
Cynthia Sexton/Google Reviews
  • Route: Palisades Interstate Park > Ringwood State Park > High Point State Park > Buttermilk Falls > Worthington State Forest > Washington Crossing State Park > Belleplain State Forest > Batsto Village
  • Distance: 302 miles
  • Trip Time: 7 hours

How about a little leaf-peeping when fall hits and the leaves start to turn gorgeous shades of crimson and gold? You don't need to head up to Maine or Vermont for incredible fall foliage - you can find colorful leaves all over the Garden State. This New Jersey fall foliage road trip takes you down spectacular roads and into some of our state parks for the ultimate leaf-peeping experience.

Best Winter Road Trip In New Jersey

alt
The Majestic Hotel/Facebook
  • Route: Christmas Lights Show at Skylands Stadium > Holiday Lights at Turtle Back Zoo > The Christmas Light Show in Farmingdale > Majestic Hotel in Ocean Grove > Holiday Light Show in Galloway > Storybook Land's Christmas Fantasy With Lights > Cape May
  • Distance: 223 miles
  • Trip Time: 4 hours 12 minutes
advertisement

Make this New Jersey holiday lights road trip a new holiday tradition. It's perfect for school break with the kids or a weekend getaway with a loved one. The shows are pure magic and several are even free!

Family-Friendly New Jersey Road Trip

alt
Mary Madigan/Flickr
  • Route: Spring Lake Beach > Sea Girt Beach > Mantoloking Beach > 7 Mile Beach in Avalon > Pearl Beach at Cape May Point
  • Distance: 119 miles
  • Trip Time: 2 hours 28 minutes
advertisement

For a child, there's nothing quite as exciting as a trip to the beach. It's the perfect family-friendly destination, after all! Kids can play in the sand while adults relax and listen to the sounds of waves crashing on the shore. This

family-friendly road trip in New Jersey will take you to five hidden beaches you probably never even heard of.

Road Trip to New Jersey Landmarks & Natural Wonders

alt
Sinisa Kukic/Moment via Getty Images
  • Route: High Point State Park > Buttermilk Falls > Worthington State Forest > Great Falls National Historical Park > Palisades Interstate Park > Ringwood State Park > Waywayanda State Park
  • Distance: 169 miles
  • Trip Time: 4 hours

We've got an abundance of natural beauty all over the state, but this trip focuses on Northern New Jersey to cut down on drive time. It's very doable over the course of a weekend or split into a couple of day trips. You'll score epic river views from towering cliffs and gorgeous lakes along the way. This natural wonders road trip is one of the best road trips in New Jersey.

Road Trip to Best Small Towns in New Jersey

alt
ellenm1/Flickr
  • Route: Andover > Belvidere > Frenchtown > Lambertville > Medford Lakes > Shamong > Smithville
  • Distance: 151 miles
  • Trip Time: 3 hours 41 minutes

We've got so many charming small towns in the Garden State - explore just a handful on this road trip that traverses the western side of our state for miles. Destinations include Andover, Shamong, Lambertville, and more. You'll fall in love with this New Jersey road trip itinerary!

Now that you have a few of the best road trips in New Jersey to look forward to, it's time to get packing! For road trip planning and packing tips, check out OnlyInYourState's Ultimate Road Trip Packing List. Whether you're leaving for a single day or a week-long road trip, you can't forget the snacks: here are 50 on-the-go snack ideas perfect for traveling!

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/usa/road-trip-snacks/

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get the latest updates and news

Trip Ideas|Road Trips

This Incredible Flower Road Trip Through New Jersey Is The Ultimate Spring Adventure

Published Apr 20, 2024

Written by 

Raymond Goldfield

As spring reaches its peak through New Jersey, it's impossible to avoid seeing the flowers springing up all around us. Some are more welcome than others - c'mon, dandelions in my front yard, take a day off - but they all add to the unique beauty of the Garden State. This is also the time when we're all ready to get out of the house and shake off that winter inertia, and there's no better way to do that than a spring flower road trip in New Jersey. We've put together an itinerary with eight spectacular destinations across the Garden State, ranging from world-famous flower farms to hidden gardens and park trails. The trip will take around four hours of total driving, which makes it perfect for a one or two-day adventure. Come with us and discover why New Jersey is never more beautiful than in the springtime.

advertisement

From South Jersey to the New York border, this flower road trip is around 180 miles and well worth the journey.

alt
Google Maps

1. Dalton Farms (Swedesboro)

alt
Dalton Farms/Facebook

Dalton Farms is located in Swedesboro, a small town which celebrates its Scandinavian roots - and they're on full display at this massive tulip farm. A drive-through tulip trail is the farm's top spring attraction, but through the year you'll find fresh honey, fall sunflowers, and other attractions.

2. Durr's Bluebox Produce (Wrightstown)

alt
Durr's Blue Box Produce/Facebook

Best known as an acclaimed farm market, Durr's Bluebox Produce doubles as a quaint u-pick flower farm. They grow a wide range of flowers and offer several options for designing your own bouquet, so it's a perfect place to stop to pick up a gift for that special someone as well as farm-fresh fruits and veggies.

advertisement

3. Holland Ridge Farms (Cream Ridge)

alt
Holland Ridge Farms/Facebook

If there's a first name in NJ flowers, it's definitely Holland Ridge Farms. One of the biggest tulip farms in the United States, this Cream Ridge institution becomes a massive attraction in April when the fields are most abundant. Visit, take some incredible photos, and pick your own tulip bouquet!

4. Greenway Meadows Park (Princeton)

alt
Peggy Hsu/Google Local

Let's shift gears to a more laid-back flower destination. Greenway Meadows in Princeton is one of the state's best-hidden parks, and this urban gem is filled with small trails, carved benches, and charming wildflower fields that are especially beautiful when the sun hits them in the evening.

advertisement

5. Rutgers Gardens (North Brunswick)

alt
Rutgers Gardens

The most majestic botanical garden in New Jersey, Rutgers Gardens is open to anyone whether they go to the University or not. It's a massive park featuring dozens of unique gardens - including this stunning azalea path - as well as charming works of public art. You can easily spend all day here exploring the trails.

advertisement

6. Reeves-Reed Arboretum (Summit)

alt
Rachael Meadows/Google Local

Daffodil Days at Reeves-Reed Arboretum may happen in early April, but the park and its massive daffodil fields are well worth visiting later in the season. Not only are the daffodils still beautiful, but they're joined by a diverse collection of plants and wildflowers. Combined with the historic buildings and exhibits, it's a must-see destination.

7. Brookdale Park Rose Garden (Montclair)

alt
Ran Cui/Google Local

Another well-hidden gem found in a small county park, the Brookdale Park Rose Garden is one of my favorite spots. It features over a hundred species of roses, including many the average person has never heard of. This means the garden is covered in unique shades of red in-season, and it feels like one of the most romantic spots around.

8. Five Ponds Loop (Ringwood)

alt
May Liu/AllTrails

Let's end with a laid-back, 5.7-mile hike through Ringwood State Park. Five Ponds Loop takes you past several small bodies of water and some ancient rock formations, but during the spring it's especially gorgeous. You'll frequently come across little beds of wildflowers in full bloom, and this trail is rarely crowded.

Have you visited any of the destinations on this spring flower road trip in New Jersey? Let us know what you thought in the comments section! If you're feeling more like a staycation, consider checking into one of these eight gorgeous waterfront Airbnbs in New Jersey. And if the last spot on this trip makes you want to explore some more trails, you definitely might want to subscribe to AllTrails + - this subscription-based service is perfect for avid hikers, making it easier to stay connected in remote areas with downloadable trail guides and step-by-step directions.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get the latest updates and news

All Stories

Experiences
Activities

This Roller Rink in Small-Town Iowa Is the Epitome of Americana

by Raymond Goldfield
on Sep 5
alt
Stays

5 Last-Minute Getaways In Mississippi For A Fun End-Of-Summer Retreat

by Brandi Perry
on Sep 5
alt
Food
Restaurants

This Louisiana Dining Experience Has Been Called One of the Best Restaurants in the U.S.

by Jackie Ann
on Sep 5
alt
Trip Ideas

9 Things That Belong On Everyone’s Arkansas Summer Bucket List

by Melanie Johnson
on Sep 5
alt
Food
Bars & Nightlife

This Panoramic-View Cocktail Bar in Kansas City, Missouri is a Must-Visit

by Alana Fravell
on Sep 5
alt