The Breathtaking Scenic Drive Through New Jersey That Runs Along Farm Country

Roadtripping in New Jersey can be a very relaxing experience if you know where to go. The quieter areas of the state are home to winding byways where you can just cruise and let the highway guide your way. Sure, there are well-known scenic waterfront drives in New Jersey, like along Ocean Drive, but I prefer those drives that feel like it’s just me and the wide-open road. A great example of this is the Upper Freehold Historic Farmland Scenic Byway, a charming route in rural New Jersey. At only 24 miles, you’ll be cruising through Monmouth County, seeing remote small towns, farmlands, historical sites, and more along the way. This scenic drive in New Jersey is perfect if you only have a few hours for a spontaneous trip. 

What Makes This Rural Drive Unique

As you cruise through horse country along the Upper Freehold Historic Farmland Scenic Byway, you’ll notice a mix of historical sites, colonial towns, museums, decade-old farmlands, and lots of horses, too. More than that, if you’re a history buff, seeing the 18th-century architecture in Allentown and Imlaystown will be a highlight for you. You’ll also have access to wineries and golf courses in case you want to add extra detours. You can easily make this trip your own by adding or removing stops along the way.

Although the byway is less than 20 miles from Trenton, it will feel like you’re miles away from the major tourist destinations. This is the kind of scenic drive in New Jersey, where you can turn on your favorite tunes and let the next destination unfold with no reason to rush through. You’ll have plenty of time to complete this trip in a few hours, or you can also turn it into an overnight adventure - the choice is yours.

Things to See Along This New Jersey Byway

At only 24 miles and traveling in a circular-like pattern, the Upper Freehold Historic Farmland Scenic Byway is one of the quickest and easiest scenic byways to drive. Without stops, the drive would be about an hour. However, with all the sights to see along the way, you could take several hours to complete it. It's short and sweet. But that doesn't mean it's not worth the drive - this charming trip through New Jersey farmland will give you a glimpse of the preserved rural parts of New Jersey that you don't see every day. You'll amble down country roads, flanked by farms and horses, occasionally stopping in historical small towns.

The area is absolutely packed with historic buildings like the historic Walnford Mansion, or the Old Yellow Meeting House, complete with a historic cemetery. Another essential stop is the Batsto-Pleasant Mills United Methodist Church, one of the state's oldest houses of worship. And of course, the views of places like Holland Ridge Farms are truly memorable. Between horses, cattle, and the occasional alpaca, this area is like a little domestic wildlife safari!

When to Take This New Jersey Road Trip

Each season has its own character, and this road trip is fun no matter the time of year. If you want to see cheery wildflowers or tulips at Holland Ridge Farms, plan this trip in early spring. Of course, you can't go wrong with fall, as the countryside glows with the hues of the season. Not to mention apple picking during harvest season, and sunflowers are in bloom.

Locals enjoy this road trip in spring and fall, not only for the color explosion, but also because the weather is nice enough to spend more time outside. Don't rule out summer or winter, though. Visit the local New Jersey wineries in the summer, and when the colder season arrives, nothing beats the countryside covered in snow. And if you can, time your drive to catch the sunset views through Imlaystown - you won't regret it.

Have you driven the Upper Freehold Historic Farmland Scenic Byway? You can find out more about the byway on the official NJ State Government website. For a more in-depth look at Allentown, one of the best small towns on the byway, check out our past coverage! And as with any road trip, make sure you have some road trip snacks when you're on the go!